Admitted to the Paris Bar in 1990, partner Olivier Diaz has over 25 years' experience in complex mergers and acquisitions, private equity operations, securities law and corporate law. His practice covers a wide variety of transactions, in particular public and private acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, joint ventures and corporate restructurings.

During his career, Olivier has worked with clients on the largest and most complex M&A transactions in France, particularly in industrial fields, such as telecoms, energy, financial institutions and the food industry. He also assists companies on complex governance issues and is regularly consulted by regulators on securities and corporate law issues.

Prior to joining Gide in which Olivier was previously partner from 1990 to 1998, he worked for two years at Linklaters (1998-2000), fourteen years at Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier (2000-2015) and three years at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom.

A graduate of Paris' political sciences institute Sciences-Po (1985) and of HEC business school in Paris (1987), Olivier also holds a postgraduate degree (DESS) in international taxation from Paris XI University (1987).

Recognised unanimously as one of the most talented lawyers in the field of mergers and acquisitions, Olivier Diaz is regularly praised in the main international directories (Chambers and Legal 500) and by his peers (Best Lawyers) as a great strategist, in particular as regards listed and non-listed operations.  

« Olivier Diaz maintains a leading corporate practice and frequently acts on public M&A transactions. He is called upon by significant French clients to advise on domestic and international matters. Strengths: “He has built a brilliant team around him.” “We have worked with him for many years with complete confidence in his judgement, professional skills and integrity.” “Olivier Diaz's support to the company is invaluable. We have worked with him for many years with complete confidence in his judgement, skills and integrity.” “Olivier Diaz is at ease with complex situations. If it is too easy, he is not interested. This is very reassuring for his clients. He can calm everyone down in a deal and focuses on the right thing. He is very experienced; you can feel that.” “I am always confident when I have Olivier Diaz on my team. What I like about him is that he commits and is able to take decisions and owns up to them, which is very valuable.”»
Chambers Europe & Global 2024 - Corporate / M&A : High-end Capability

« Practice head Olivier Diaz is one of the market’s star names for LBOs, public and private acquisitions, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. »
Legal 500 EMEA 2023 - Mergers & Acquisitions

« Olivier Diaz maintains a leading corporate practice and frequently acts on public M&A transactions. He is called upon by significant French clients to advise on domestic and international matters. Strengths: "Olivier Diaz is absolutely brilliant; he is a real strategist. I trust his judgement completely." "He is very experienced and smart." »
Chambers Europe & Global 2023 - Corporate / M&A: High-end capability 

« The team led by Olivier Diaz, perfectly assisted by Charles de Réals, presents the best combination of technical excellence and experience. »
Leal 500 EMEA 2022 - Mergers & Acquisitions

« Its M&A department has been particularly busy in the retail, healthcare and life sciences, financial and retail industries of late and is helmed by Olivier Diaz, a lawyer with 25 years’ worth of experience in public and private acquisitions, joint ventures, leveraged buyouts and corporate restructurings. »
Leal 500 EMEA 2022 - Mergers & Acquisitions

« Olivier Diaz maintains a leading corporate practice and frequently acts on public M&A transactions. One satisfied client comments: "I am happy every day to work with Olivier Diaz. He is extremely brilliant, while being accessible and humble." »
Chambers Europe & Global 2022 - Corporate / M&A: High-end capability

« Olivier Diaz is an excellent technician, a very fine negotiator and appreciated by CEOs for his work combining both business and law. »
Legal 500 EMEA 2021

« Olivier Diaz maintains a leading corporate practice and frequently acts on public M&A transactions. Clients highlight his longstanding presence in the market, saying: 'He knows the French institutions and regulators very well,' and going on to add: 'He is very quick on his feet, he is business-oriented, pragmatic, he is a highly trusted adviser who brings more than technical expertise.' »
Chambers Europe & Global 2021