Pinsent Masons launches Paris TMT Practice in latest expansion

Since its formation in 2004 IMA has focused on technology, telecoms, gaming and gambling, and e-commerce transactions. The practice has landed numerous significant projects across Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa.

This has included acting for a major European telecoms operator on international projects including the financing and management of a mobile network in Afghanistan, and a telecoms investment and regulatory project in Kosovo under the mandate of United Nations.

Diane and Frédéric also advised the Dubai Sovereign Fund on a telecommunications project in Mali as part of the privatisation of the national incumbent and subsequently assisted the successful consortium on obtaining a third telecoms licence.

The practice has great experience in regulated on line businesses - including gaming and gambling - advising a number of leading market-leading players. The trio is recognised by leading legal directories including Legal 500, Chambers and Décideurs.

Diane will head the firm's international telecoms practices, and continue her current role as co-Chair of the IBA Communications Committee. She will also head up the firm's gambling and gaming practices.

Clive Seddon, Head of TMT and Sourcing at Pinsent Masons, says:

"Our ambition and strategy is to become a tier one global technology practice. The market for TMT services remains strong internationally, with technology and sourcing projects, commercial TMT work - including e-business and data projects - and TMT renegotiations giving rise to significant multi-jurisdictional transactions. Diane is a prominent name in the international market, while Frédéric and Annabelle also come with stand-out reputations. They enhance our cross-border capabilities in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Gulf and Africa, and complement the existing IP-focused practice in Paris led by Emmanuel Gougé. Our client base is global and the arrival of this team will allow us to offer clients truly joined-up international TMT services. "

Diane Mullenex says:

"Pinsent Masons' international expansion over the past 18 months has been impressive and we believe it offers the right platform for us to offer a more comprehensive service to our international clients. The firm's strong technology-focussed practice in Munich, led by Florian Von Baum, is particularly impressive – as is Pinsent Masons' footprint across Asia Pacific."