Bain sticks with Forschbach for purchase of Framatome

French private equity star Thomas Forschbach has completed his first deal for Boston buyout shop Bain Capital since his departure from Ashurst to Latham & Watkins last year.

Forschbach's longstanding client Bain was one of many Ashurst clients which have continued to instruct him at Latham.

Forschbach advised Bain on the successful acquisition of Framatome Connectors International, a company that produces electronic connectors. Kirkland & Ellis partner James Learner also assisted with the deal, advising Bain on finance matters.

Framatome, owned by French state-run nuclear energy group Areva, was represented by US firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton.

At a total value of €1.07bn (£730m), the acquisition is one of the largest private equity deals completed in Paris this year.

The deal was financed by Goldman Sachs, which was advised by Allen & Overy.

Forschbach told The Lawyer: "It's the sort of deal that any firm like ours would expect to do, but there are not all that many deals of this size around, particularly in France. But when these deals come along we do expect to get them."

Forschbach developed a relationship with Bain before he left Ashurst, advising the buyout house on its purchase of paints business Sigma Kalon in 2003. "This time I was approached by Bain - they called me," he said. "I like the people and I think they like me."

Baker & McKenzie was instructed by One Equity Partners, the private equity arm of JPMorgan Chase & Co, which lost out to Bain in the final round of bidding.