Press release
Paris, 16th June 2021
- Forensic investigation, Due Diligence, Compliance for Special Situations -
Renowned international expert Kalita Partners
opens a first European branch in Paris
Since the start of the year, M&A transactions have multiplied worldwide, today reaching record-breaking heights of 2,400 billion dollars. This growth in international financial transactions is increasing demand by investors for support in due diligence and forensic investigation to safeguard their transactions. Continental Europe may not always have access to the same international approach and capabilities that can be found in London. A situation that has become even more complex post-Brexit. In response to this observation, Grégory Zouane has decided to open the European branch of Kalita Partners in Paris this June.
A cross-border approach and integrated expertise
Kalita Partners distinguishes itself by its cross-border approach and global vision of financial investigations; based on a tried and tested network of seasoned forensic and corporate intelligence professionals on the ground. Kalita Partners and its network of internationally renowned experts draw on AI, cyber and forensic technologies in its operations.
For the opening of its Paris office, Kalita Partners has called upon some of the greatest French experts in the field of international compliance and forensic investigation. With more than 20 years’ experience in the area of compliance investigations, corporate intelligence and dispute support, Grégory Zouane will be at the helm of the European branch. Frédéric Bedouet, former serving officer in the French army and today a specialist in risk management, takes up the role of Senior Advisor. Charles Desclos le Peley will provide the group’s financial management.
“The European market in compliance and strategic intelligence is growing fast. Thanks to our expertise, networks and knowledge of the legal and ethical framework, from our base in Paris Kalita Partners will take financial investigations for our clients - law firms, investment funds and general managers – forward into new geographical areas,” adds Grégory Zouane, Partner at Kalita Partners who becomes general manager of the European branch.
“International business is at the heart of our strategy. A financial investigation has no borders, so it is essential for Kalita Partners to bring a global, cross-border vision to the problems experienced by our European clients, and by French directors and investors in particular,” says Julien Artero, Partner at Kalita Partners
Integration and development of solutions and methods in forensic technology
The Covid crisis has demonstrated the importance of anticipation and the adoption of a clear strategic vision for companies and their directors. The paralysis of some parts of the economy and public institutions has severely compromised information flows which feed companies, investors, financial institutions, and business leaders.
Whilst focusing on human factors and cutting-edge technologies as the key link in its information networks across the world, including the most sensitive jurisdictions, Kalita Partners brings a unique approach which disrupts the traditional consulting world. The sheer volume and complexity of data during cross-border forensic investigations has prompted Kalita Partners to invest in cutting-edge innovative technological solutions and methods to support clients’ special situations.
Kalita Partners, leading London special situations boutique
Assisting clients in London during cross-border situations such as transactions, disputes and compliance matters, Kalita Partners opens in Paris to offer a specialist-led alternative in a French and European market which sometimes lacks a true international approach and expertise.
About Kalita Partners
Co-founded in London in 2019 by Julien Artero and a team of international forensic and corporate investigations professionals. Kalita Partners helps clients respond quickly and discreetly to complex and sensitive situations when time is a factor.
Press contacts Kalita Partners Europe
EPOKA, Edouard du Closel - educlosel@epoka.fr – +33 6 16 97 43 49
The Kalita Partners team
Gregory Zouane, Partner at Kalita Partners, LinkedIn
Grégory leads Kalita Partners’ activities in Europe from its Paris base. He has led and managed complex, cross-border corporate and forensic investigation engagements, and consulted on risk management for over 22 years. He has assisted international clients in multiple sectors during their most sensitive disputes, in compliance and regulatory situations, fraud investigations and in due diligence.
Before co-founding Kalita Partners Europe, Grégory led the French activities of Control Risks, the leading international consultancy in risk management, based in Paris. Grégory had previously developed the Governance Risks & Compliance business of Thomson Reuters for Western Europe. Grégory started his career in the field of strategic intelligence within a French government organisation, leading their Due Diligence investigations department.
Julien Artero, Partner at Kalita Partners, LinkedIn
Julien Artero has almost 20 years’ experience in forensic investigation, corporate intelligence and asset tracing within the context of special situations such as mergers and acquisitions, compliance, litigation and arbitration. Before founding Kalita Partners, Julien Artero was head of Markets at PwC Forensics CEE, covering central and eastern Europe, and managed the corporate intelligence department in this area.
Julien Artero was previously a Director with EY Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services team in London and Paris, where he was in charge of cross-border market initiatives and international projects for clients in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India. Julien Artero also worked for the international risk management firm, Control Risks, in London then Paris, where he led the firm’s French business and operations.
Julien has a Masters degree in Political Science and International Relations from Sciences Po Paris, and a Masters Degree in War Studies from King's College London.
Frédéric Bedouet, Senior Advisor at Kalita Partners, LinkedIn
Frederic Bedouet, a former serving officer in the French army, joins the team as Senior Advisor, and today specialises in risk management for major international groups, with extensive experience in Europe and Africa. Frédéric holds a Masters in Law from Paris Université Panthéon Assas.
Charles Desclos le Peley, Finance Director at Kalita Partners, LinkedIn
Charles Desclos le Peley, a graduate of the Institut Mines-Telecom Business School and ESSEC, worked in investment banking and management consultancy in the UK and Hong Kong for ten years before joining Kalita Partners in 2019. He oversees the financial management of the group and of Kalita Partners Europe.