Axel Joly

Corporate Development & M&A Professional / Private Equity / Strategic Partnerships & Investments

Greater Paris Metropolitan Region

About

I am a Corporate Development and M&A professional focused on originating, structuring, negotiating, and executing global transactions with a strong focus on financial institutions, across private equity, venture capitalist investments, and strategic partnerships. I have expertise in both financial analysis and legal insight, which enables me to de-risk deals, drive value creation, and lead the full transaction lifecycle across acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures. I also work with senior stakeholders and institutional partners to shape investment strategy, assess opportunities, and guide decision-making. I bring a holistic perspective to transactions and build strong relationships across advisors, investors, and counterparties.

Experience

  • Co-Head of Corporate Development at BNP Paribas Asset Management
    Jul 2021 - Present · 5 yrs

    I co-led the Corporate Development and M&A team to drive transaction execution across acquisitions, disposals, partnerships, and strategic investments (from origination through to closing and post-deal integration). I built financial models, led due diligence and post-deal processes, and acted as lead negotiator on deal structure and economics. I advised senior leadership on strategy, risk, and stakeholder alignment. I prepared and negotiated key agreements such as term sheets, SPAs, and SHAs. I also developed market intelligence, built an M&A pipeline, and led industry analysis to inform strategic planning and growth.

  • Senior M&A Legal Officer at BNP Paribas
    Jul 2011 - Jun 2021 · 10 yrs

    I advised BNP Paribas and its Asset & Wealth Management, Securities Services, CIB, and Insurance divisions on 35+ cross-border transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships. I led the legal side across the full M&A lifecycle, covering structuring, due diligence, negotiation, documentation, and closing. I also partnered with senior stakeholders to advise on legal, regulatory, and execution risks.

  • Senior Corporate Counsel at Louis Dreyfus Commodities Suisse SA
    Oct 2005 - Nov 2009 · 4 yrs 2 mos

    I advised on a distressed acquisition of a German industrial asset - a rapeseed crushing, biodiesel, and pharma glycerine plant. I also supported a public takeover bid for a leading global cotton ginner listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

  • Lawyer at Bertone - Boels & Van Den Broeck
    Nov 2001 - Jul 2005 · 3 yrs 9 mos

    I advised clients on acquisitions of Belgian companies by covering structuring, due diligence, and negotiation. I also managed shareholder disputes under Belgian law, including litigation and dispute resolution.