Hiring for Impact: How to Find the Right Senior Adviser for UK–France Cross-Border M&A

Introduction

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Hiring a Senior Adviser for UK–France cross-border M&A isn’t about adding a familiar name to your materials — it’s about gaining trusted insight, bilingual credibility, and access to the right networks on both sides of the Channel. The right adviser can help navigate cultural nuance, regulatory complexity, and political sensitivities, while adding authority in client discussions and boardrooms. The wrong one can slow progress, misread signals, or fail to open doors. In a post-Brexit environment where Anglo-French deals face both opportunity and scrutiny, getting this appointment right is more important than ever.

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Define the Strategic Need First

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Before initiating a search, define what success looks like. Are you looking to support French corporates acquiring in the UK, or UK investors expanding into France? Do you need access to family offices, local regulators, or sector-specific stakeholders in Paris or London? Is your focus industrials, consumer, tech, infrastructure — or all of the above? Too many firms default to well-known ex-ministers or former CEOs without asking whether those individuals actually serve the strategic purpose. Precision matters.

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Look Beyond the Obvious Candidates

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The most effective advisers often sit outside the usual network. Think beyond high-profile names. Consider Franco-British executives with real operational experience, former diplomats who understand bilateral dynamics, or dealmakers who’ve navigated the regulatory landscapes of both countries. Professionals with bicultural fluency and a track record of working across both jurisdictions are particularly valuable — especially if they bring commercial gravitas and a real-world understanding of how business is done on each side.

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Prioritise Credibility and Challenge

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A strong Senior Adviser won’t just translate language — they’ll interpret context. They should bring the confidence to challenge your assumptions, pressure-test deal strategy, and anticipate what will resonate (or backfire) culturally and politically. Whether navigating CFIUS-style reviews in the UK or Comité stratégique de l’investissement in France, you need someone who’s seen the process from the inside and can provide candid, constructive challenge.

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Cultural Fit, Without Conformity

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The best advisers build trust across borders — and bridge cultural gaps without flattening them. You want someone who can speak the language (literally and figuratively), navigate both corporate and state-level power structures, and represent your firm with credibility in both markets. But they shouldn’t be a clone of your existing leadership. Hiring for fit means shared integrity and alignment on ambition — not cultural conformity.

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Be Clear on Time and Expectation

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Is this an advisory-only position or will the adviser play a hands-on role in origination, negotiation, and client management? Will they attend pitches, provide coaching, or support live mandates? Be honest about the level of involvement needed — and the kind of access they’ll receive in return. The best advisers value transparency and will expect to be held accountable for results.

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Conclusion

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Hiring the right Senior Adviser for UK–France cross-border M&A is not about prestige — it’s about performance, perspective, and practical value. The right individual brings more than connections: they bring credibility, insight, and the ability to bridge differences when it matters most. In a landscape shaped by regulatory divergence, economic integration, and national interest, a well-chosen adviser can be the difference between a good deal — and a great one.

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