International law firm Bird & Bird appoints two new partners in Paris, expanding its Aviation, Space & Defence and Corporate capabilities.

The appointments form part of the firm's growth strategy in France which has seen a number of senior appointments in Paris in the past two years including the addition of Eric Charvillat to its Banking and Finance group and Emmanuelle Porte to its Corporate practice.

Jean-Claude Vecchiatto joins the firm's Banking & Finance department and heads the Aviation, Space & Defence practice in France. Former Vice President Legal Affairs at Airbus Group, he was responsible for Finance and Projects. In his 12 years at EADS and Airbus Group, Jean-Claude has developed in-depth knowledge of the aerospace and defence industry, advising on numerous technology and defence projects including satellites and communication systems across several jurisdictions. He was also involved in the negotiations of a number of landmark projects, including the Skynet refinancing, FSTA, Galileo and MFTS. Before joining Airbus, Jean-Claude worked as a French lawyer and English Solicitor for nearly 10 years at White & Case and Clifford Chance, where he advised financial institutions and borrowers in relation to structured and corporate finance transactions. Jean-Claude is also a former Commercial Court Judge in France. As part of the Aviation, Space & Defence sector group's strategy, Jean-Claude will help integrate the group's capabilities and specialist skills in this area in France and across the firm's international offices.

Bertrand Lévy joins the firm's International Corporate practice, having previously worked at Latham & Watkins and DLA Piper for twelve years. Bertrand advises across a range of corporate matters and focuses, in particular, on clients in the LBO and technology sectors. Bertrand advises Private Equity funds and corporations on their M&A transactions and restructurings both in France and abroad. He has advised on numerous high profile Private Equity and M&A transactions and has gained a deep knowledge of the LBO market in France where he was involved in more than 30 significant transactions. At Bird & Bird, Bertrand will provide strong expertise in LBO and M&A transactions to the firm's International Corporate practice.

Benjamine Fiedler and Alexandre Vuchot, co-heads of France at Bird & Bird say: "These two appointments reflect Bird & Bird's strategic expansion in the French market as the firm seeks to fulfil its ambition to be the number one law firm for organisations being changed by technology and the digital world.”

Jean-Claude Vecchiatto added: "I am delighted to join a firm like Bird & Bird which offers clients both in-depth technical knowledge and understanding of the industry. I am looking forward to using both my in-house and private practice experience to build the Aviation, Space & Defence sector group in France and enhance the firm's existing global reputation in this area.”

Bertrand Lévy added: "I am very excited to join the Corporate team at Bird & Bird. The firm's sector-based approach and expertise in the technology and digital sectors enable us to provide our clients with a leading Private Equity and strategic M&A offering. I look forward to working with the firm's international network to strengthen our M&A capabilities both in France and around the world."