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Event Overview
This October, AIJA invites you to the sun-drenched shores of the French Riviera for a deep dive into the legal and financial complexities of high-value transactions in the luxury sector. Organised by the Corporate and M&A and the Banking, Finance and Capital Markets Commissions, this seminar will explore how luxury brands are financed, acquired, and transformed in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Across three days, participants will engage with legal practitioners, in-house counsel, and sector specialists to unpack the strategic considerations that shape dealmaking at the top end of the market. From fund structuring and regulatory developments to shifting market dynamics, sector specific value drivers and sustainability imperatives, the programme offers a broad yet incisive look at what it takes for a lawyer to successfully navigate transactions relating to the business of luxury today.
Designed to balance technical insight with practical experience, the sessions – ranging between panel discussions, round tables and case-study workshops – will provide a platform for exchanging ideas, testing new approaches, and sharpening the tools needed to handle high-stakes transactions in this demanding sector. Whether you’re advising a heritage brand, a private equity fund, or a fast-growing disruptor, the seminar promises to deliver both relevance and depth.
Complementing the formal programme is a carefully curated social agenda that showcases the charm and elegance of the Côte d’Azur. Highlights include evening dinners in some of Nice’s most iconic venues, including the legendary Hôtel Negresco, and an afternoon excursion to the spectacular Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – offering participants a chance to soak up a bit of history, art, and sea breeze in true Riviera style.
And of course, it wouldn’t be AIJA without a touch of fun. Between the conversations, the cocktails, and the coastal sunsets, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the finer things – just as the subject matter demands.
AIJA Commissions involved
- Banking, Finance and Capital Markets
- Corporate and M&A
Platinum
Gold
Bronze
Corporate and M&A programme
17:30
18:30
20:00
08:30
09:30 - 10:00
Welcome address by the AIJA Bureau Representative, the Commission Officers and the Organising Committee
10:00 - 11:00
Keynote speaker Mr. Marco Bizzarri
Marco Bizzarri is a prominent Italian business executive renowned for his transformative leadership in the fashion industry. Born in 1962 in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Bizzarri has held several high-profile roles in luxury fashion. He gained significant recognition as the CEO of Gucci, a position he held from 2015 to 2023. During his tenure, he revitalised the brand, fostering explosive growth by championing creativity and inclusivity, particularly through his partnership with former creative director Alessandro Michele.
Before Gucci, Bizzarri served as CEO of Bottega Veneta and Stella McCartney, where he showcased his ability to combine innovative business strategies with an appreciation for design and culture. Known for his people-centered leadership style, Bizzarri has been widely celebrated for driving sustainability and modernising traditional luxury fashion houses.
Following his departure from Gucci, Bizzarri has turned his focus to Forel, an innovative fashion venture of which he is majority shareholder and sole director, that aims to bridge sustainability and cutting-edge design.
Under his guidance, Forel is positioned to redefine the industry's approach to eco-conscious luxury, leveraging advanced technologies and ethical practices to set new standards for the future of fashion. This initiative reflects Bizzarri's enduring commitment to innovation and responsible leadership.
Marco Bizzarri is a prominent Italian business executive renowned for his transformative leadership in the fashion industry. Born in 1962 in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Bizzarri has held several high-profile roles in luxury fashion. He gained significant recognition as the CEO of Gucci, a position he held from 2015 to 2023. During his tenure, he revitalised the brand, fostering explosive growth by championing creativity and inclusivity, particularly through his partnership with former creative director Alessandro Michele.
Before Gucci, Bizzarri served as CEO of Bottega Veneta and Stella McCartney, where he showcased his ability to combine innovative business strategies with an appreciation for design and culture. Known for his people-centered leadership style, Bizzarri has been widely celebrated for driving sustainability and modernising traditional luxury fashion houses.
Following his departure from Gucci, Bizzarri has turned his focus to Forel, an innovative fashion venture of which he is majority shareholder and sole director, that aims to bridge sustainability and cutting-edge design.
Under his guidance, Forel is positioned to redefine the industry's approach to eco-conscious luxury, leveraging advanced technologies and ethical practices to set new standards for the future of fashion. This initiative reflects Bizzarri's enduring commitment to innovation and responsible leadership.
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee break
11:30 - 12:30
An introductory discussion with industry experts providing an overview of key market trends, setting the scene for further specific topics to be covered during the seminar. The panellists will in particular also elaborate on prevalent investment strategies by bidder type going from private equity to debt (IPOs, turnaround and other types of financing).
12:30 - 14:00
Lunch
14:00 - 15:00
An exchange on best practice approaches for scrutinising the legal framework underlying key value drivers of a high-end target, in particular focusing on the protection and valuation of IP and the stability and transferability of distribution structures.
15:00 - 15:30
Coffee break
15:30 - 16:15
An opportunity for sector specific networking.
16:15 - 17:00
Commission Meetings
19:30
09:30
Opening of the registration desk
10:00 - 10:45
Fashion & Luxury Sector specific considerations regarding acquisitions, exits and transaction financing. In particular: Dos and Don'ts when crafting term sheets for investments in the fashion & luxury sector and when structuring exit-related provisions in the eventual shareholder and investment agreements.
10:45 - 11:30
Legislative developments and new business concepts arising from ESG considerations, including ‘green finance’ and ESG due diligence. A focus should be reserved also to sustainability-linked bonds.
11:30 - 12:00
Coffee break
12:00 - 13:00
A chance for participants to apply lessons learned as they conduct their own fashion & luxury deal negotiation in collaboration with sector experts.
13:00 - 14:30
Lunch
15:00 - 18:00
Optional visit of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
19:00
- Address: 7 Rue Massena, 06000 Nice, Francia
Banking, Finance and Capital Markets track programme
17:30
18:30
20:00
08:30
09:30 - 10:00
Welcome address by the AIJA Bureau Representative, the Commission Officers and the Organising Committee
10:00 - 11:00
Keynote speaker Mr. Marco Bizzarri
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee break
11:30 - 12:30
An introductory discussion with industry experts providing an overview of key market trends, setting the scene for further specific topics to be covered during the seminar. The panellists will in particular also elaborate on prevalent investment strategies by bidder type going from private equity to debt (IPOs, turnaround and other types of financing).
12:30 - 14:00
Lunch
14:00 - 15:00
An investigation into the risks and drivers for different financing strategies in the luxury sector, with a discussion of the CVC Capital Partners vs L Catterton case on the acquisition of Birkenstock.
15:30 - 16:15
An opportunity for sector specific networking.
16:15 - 17:00
Commission Meetings
19:30
09:30
Opening of the registration desk
10:00 - 10:45
Fashion & Luxury Sector specific considerations regarding acquisitions, exits and transaction financing. In particular: Dos and Don'ts when crafting term sheets for investments in the fashion & luxury sector and when structuring exit-related provisions in the eventual shareholder and investment agreements.
10:45 - 11:30
Legislative developments and new business concepts arising from ESG considerations, including ‘green finance’ and ESG due diligence. A focus should be reserved also to sustainability-linked bonds.
11:30 - 12:00
Coffee break
12:00 - 13:00
A chance for participants to apply lessons learned as they conduct their own fashion & luxury deal negotiation in collaboration with sector experts.
13:00 - 14:30
Lunch
15:00 - 18:00
Optional visit of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
19:00
Fees & General Info
AIJA Members
AIJA Member < 35 - On or before June 16
AIJA Member < 35 - On or before September 09
AIJA Member < 35 - After September 09
AIJA Member >= 35 - On or before June 16
AIJA Member >= 35 - On or before September 09
AIJA Member >= 35 - After September 09
Non AIJA Members
Non AIJA Member < 35 - On or before June 16
Non AIJA Member < 35 - On or before September 09
Non AIJA Member < 35 - After September 09
Non AIJA Member >= 35 - On or before June 16
Non AIJA Member >= 35 - On or before September 09
Non AIJA Member >= 35 - After September 09
For all
Speaker - On or before June 16
Speaker - On or before September 09
Speaker - After September 09
local lawyers (France) - On or before June 16
local lawyers (France) - On or before September 09
local lawyers (France) - After September 09
In-House Counsel - On or before June 16
In-House Counsel - On or before September 09
In-House Counsel - After September 09
General terms and conditions
By registering you have to accept the general terms and conditions and accept that your registration is considered binding immediately, but participation to the event is possible only after full payment of the registration fee.
Please note that any arrangements related to the participation of the participant in an AIJA event, including but not limited to booking or cancellation of accommodation or flights, as well as respecting the cancellation deadlines indicated in the general terms and conditions, are the sole responsibility of the participant. AIJA shall not be held liable for any expenses the participant may suffer as the result of participant’s failure to comply with his/her obligations.
It is recommended for each participant to purchase a cancellation and travel insurance.
Please note that in-house counsel registrations are subject to review and confirmation by AIJA. AIJA considers in-house counsel professionals who hold a university degree in law allowing access to a bar association and practicing law as an in-house counsel in private, public, or non-profit companies, institutions or organisations. Please note that in-house counsel who are at the same time active as fee-earning lawyers or consultants are not eligible to the discounted in-house counsel fee.
Please read the general terms and conditions applicable for AIJA events.
Scholarships
If you are a lawyer under 35 years old and meet the requirements, apply to our Scholarship Programme for this event. You can check more details here.
Prepare your stay
We are pleased to announce that the sessions of the upcoming seminar will be held at the Le Méridien Nice.
Address: 1 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France
We have negotiated special rates with the Hotel for the participants of the seminar. The special rate is applied for the nights between October 23 and October 26. Participants can book directly using the following link:
RESERVATION LINK
Special group rate:
- Le Méridien Nice for 239.00 EUR per night
Please see the booking conditions included in the link and do not hesitate to reach out to the hotel directly or AIJA if you have any question.
Practical Information
We are pleased to announce that the sessions of the upcoming seminar will be held at the Le Méridien Nice.
Organising Committee
Sofia CARUSO
LCA STUDIO LEGALE (ITALY)
Michael COHEN
SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH (GERMANY)
Charlie COURT
Farrer & Co (UNITED KINGDOM)
Aymeric DE MOL
Aramis Avocats (FRANCE)
Philipp KAPL
Kinstellar Rechtsanwalts GmbH (AUSTRIA)
Ginevra SFORZA
Portolano Cavallo Studio Legale (ITALY)
Polibio VALENZUELA
DVMS Legal SRL (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)
Oksana ZOPPINI
BG2V (Beylouni Carbasse Guény Valot Vernet) (FRANCE)
Sponsors
Platinum
Gold
Bronze
Become a sponsor
Partnership with AIJA as a sponsor provides the best networking opportunities in a relaxed business
environment.
If you have any questions, contact us on ‘Become a sponsor’ and check for more opportunities.
Personal Protection
The personal data that you communicate to us shall be processed by the International Association Of Young Lawyers (AIJA), with its registered office at Avenue de Tervueren 231, 1150 Brussels, Belgium (Tel: +32 2 347 33 34 - office@aija.com), in accordance with Act No. 78-17 of January 6, 1978 relating to data, files and freedoms and Regulation No. 2016/679 on data protection, as of its entry into force on May 25, 2018.
Your data will be managed by AIJA's General Services, Events and Accounts Section:
- For the purpose of administering your registration for the event and your on-site access to the event;
- In order to pay for the selected services - your bank details will be deleted after receipt of your payment;
- In order to communicate information messages from AIJA.
To the extent necessary for the execution of their respective tasks, our subcontractors in charge of our seminar organisation, our IT infrastructure, our management, the production and maintenance of our website and extranet, are likely to gain access to your data from time to time. Their servers are located in the European Union.
Data relating to your participation in the event shall be stored for a period of 10 years. We are obliged to archive billing data until the end of the period required for our tax and accounting obligations, i.e. for 7 full tax years.
We shall store your contact information to keep you informed until you ask us to stop. You have the right to access your data and have it corrected if necessary.