Pascal DUPEYRAT

Pascal DUPEYRAT is a strategic advisor specializing in transactions involving sensitive assets, at the intersection of law, public decision-making and investment strategy.

He advises on transactions where regulatory and political risk may condition, delay or even prevent completion, particularly in the context of foreign direct investment (FDI) screening.

Sensitive Transactions and Operational Experience

For more than twenty years, he has advised investors, private equity funds, investment banks and law firms on complex transactions exposed to significant regulatory and institutional constraints.

He has notably been involved in transactions concerning strategic assets in sensitive sectors. In this capacity, he has advised on high-profile, politically sensitive transactions, including the disposal of activities derived from Alcatel Submarine Networks as part of Nokia’s reorganization in favor of the French State, through the French State Shareholding Agency.

Such transactions illustrate situations where considerations of national security, industrial sovereignty and political balance directly impact deal structuring, timing and execution feasibility.

Transaction Structuring Under Regulatory Constraints

As founder of RELIANS, he has developed an approach consisting in integrating, from the earliest stages of a transaction, constraints arising from French FDI screening, European screening mechanisms and international frameworks such as CFIUS.

This approach is designed to secure the necessary regulatory approvals, guide structuring decisions and prevent regulatory constraints from becoming blocking factors at critical stages of the transaction.

Strategic Assessments and Transaction Qualification

Pascal DUPEYRAT conducts FDI Screening Assessments to evaluate a transaction’s exposure to applicable foreign investment control regimes.

These analyses focus in particular on the nature of sensitive activities, the contemplated control structure, the investor profile, as well as the institutional and political context. They enable decision-makers to arbitrate between strategic options, anticipate regulatory expectations and identify mitigation levers.

Interaction with Public Authorities

Beyond the assessment phase, he supports clients in the operational management of regulatory processes, structuring their interactions with competent authorities.

His role is to establish a credible and consistent dialogue with administrations, anticipate key concerns and, where necessary, design appropriate mitigation commitments to secure approvals under controlled conditions.

Economic Sovereignty and Sensitive Sectors

His expertise covers issues related to industrial sovereignty, protection of sensitive technologies and the regulation of foreign investments in strategic sectors.

He regularly advises on transactions involving critical infrastructure, dual-use technologies or activities raising concerns related to public order, public security or national defense.

Publications and Thought Leadership

In parallel with his advisory practice, Pascal DUPEYRAT contributes to the analysis of economic security policies in France, Europe and internationally.

He is the author of “France FDI Screening –  legal and strategic framework“, a comprehensive work dedicated to the French FDI screening regime and its operational implications for market participants.

He regularly speaks at conferences, training programs and institutional forums on FDI screening, economic sovereignty and business diplomacy.

Client Commitment

Through RELIANS, Pascal DUPEYRAT advises French and international clients on high-stakes transactions.

His objective is consistent: to secure the execution of transactions exposed to regulatory, institutional and political risk by transforming uncertainty into a strategic lever, enabling investors to anticipate, structure and successfully complete transactions in the most sensitive sectors.

He is a graduate of Sciences Po and Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas, and a recipient of the French National Order of Merit.