Cedric Florentin

Believe is a leading digital distributor and services provider for independent artists & labels. We deliver thousands of new releases to hundreds online stores such as iTunes, Deezer, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, Etc. through our innovative digital distribution and promotion technology. We provide trade marketing services, online marketing support including a comprehensive video management service (YouTube, Dailymotion…), synchronisation service, online social media strategy and much more. The company operates in 50 countries (UK, USA, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Asia, Russia, Canada, India, Turkey…) to efficiently coordinate international promotion.

Member of the Amazon France management team and the EU legal leadership committee. In charge of a team of 18 people covering all legal and regulatory issues of Amazon in France (including consumer, distribution, competition, IP, product compliance, logistics, corporate, tax, pricing, employment, employee relations, client services). Sponsor of the EU legal practice groups in charge of selective distribution and holdouts issues, and of the "hardlines" category (CE, PC, lawn and garden, home, sports). Subject matter expert for selective distribution and holdouts issues, representing Amazon France in business discussions on an EU and worldwide basis. Business partner for the launch of new activities and categories on the amazon.fr store. Managing relations with regulators (French Competition Authority, DGCCRF, DDPP, Médiateur du Livre, Customs, …) and strategic litigation.

Member of the Lyxor Corporate Executive Committee and of the Lyxor Managers’ Committee. Creation and structuring of the Legal Department of Lyxor. Development and management of a team of 25 (from a team of initially 10) with the core mission of providing legal and regulatory assistance and support to the business with a view to facilitating its development while guaranteeing the legal security of Lyxor and promoting the legal culture throughout the company (alternative investments, ETF and index funds, structured and debt funds). Major contribution to the optimization of the various group companies throughout Europe. Structuring and creation of two managed accounts platforms (one being done through the on-shoring of existing funds). In charge of the relationship with all regulators, watchdogs and industry associations of Lyxor throughout Europe.

In charge of supervising and monitoring all legal aspects of the Equity Capital Markets and Mergers & Acquisitions departments, including: issue of equity and equity-linked instruments (rights issue of Poweo in July 05, capital increase of IPSOS in November 2005), disposal of stakes in listed companies (accelerated book-building of Veolia Environnement shares in December 2004 and October 2005 and of Meetic shares in March 2006), initial public offerings on regulated and non-regulated markets (Gaz de France in July 2005, Sporever in July 2005, Meetic in October 2005), tender offers (Altedia in April 2005 followed by a squeeze-out in June 2005). This mission is carried out in close contact and cooperation with the Société Générale internal clients and external advisers.

Standing member of the Executive Committee. Responsible for providing regulatory advice and recommendations based on domestic regulations and Société Générale Group policies on all matters affecting Japanese entities' activities. Played a key role in SG Securities obtaining the "double-hatting" license for core support functions of the two entities (i.e., the pulling together of certain support functions of both entities) and leaded the proper implementation of such license. Increased the monitoring and surveillance of business line activities by identifying and assessing risk areas and implementing appropriate surveillance and control rules and procedures in line with domestic regulations and Société Générale Group policies and procedures. Raised the compliance culture and implemented training of staff on a large range of regulatory issues. Responsible for managing regulatory investigations from Japanese regulatory authorities (Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission, Tokyo Stock Exchange) and internal enquiries. Active member of the Société Générale Group Compliance Steering Committee working on guidelines and policies for compliance matters at the Société Générale Group level. Active member of the Société Générale Group Legal Steering Committee working on guidelines and policies for legal matters at the Société Générale Group level. Devised and implemented a world-wide employee share option scheme for a major Japanese corporate, a pioneering scheme in Japan. The scheme was implemented three years in a row. Key member of the team in charge of developing Société Générale’s on-line brokerage business in Japan, in particular responsible for managing partner relationships.

Structured, managed and executed a wide range of M&A domestic and international transactions including acquisitions, spin-offs, mergers, joint ventures, corporate restructurings and tender offers. Responsible for all transactional aspects, including: transaction organization, management, documentation and negotiation, such as in the context of the acquisition by a French investment company and a non-European group of a major French airline company. Advised clients in structuring, implementing and restructuring their investments in France, including the acquisition by a U.S. pharmaceutical company of a French group and its post-acquisition reorganization.

Corporate Department Actively participated in every aspect of M&A work including cross-border acquisitions; tender offers; negotiated acquisitions and divestitures; drafting and negotiation of share purchase, warranty and shareholders agreements. International Financial Services Department Actively participated in structuring, drafting and negotiating domestic and international equity offerings (including privatizations of SEITA and Usinor); advised domestic and foreign clients on complex securities, structured and derivative products, private placements of securities and tender offers.