HGF has acquired the Paris-based IP firm Cabinet Marconnet, expanding its presence in France. Sébastien Marconnet, an industrial property consultant and European patent attorney, will join HGF’s Paris office, enhancing the firm’s engineering and electronics expertise.

Marconnet founded Cabinet Marconnet in 2012 after spending over nine years at the Paris IP firm Cabinet Schmit-Chretien. His practice specializes in mechanics, electronics, and software, focusing on automotive technologies, aeronautics, and connected devices.

HGF entered the French market in February 2021 by opening its Rennes office, followed by a Paris office in 2024. Acquiring Cabinet Marconnet is part of HGF’s broader European expansion strategy, which gained momentum after CBPE’s private equity investment in 2024.

Since the investment, HGF has made several strategic hires. In April 2026, Garreth Duncan joined the London chemistry and pharma practice from D Young & Co, while Oliver Pooley strengthened the Birmingham tech and engineering team. HGF also added life sciences partners Frédéric Didelon and Fergus Manford, and most recently, Russell Thom from Murgitroyd.

HGF’s CEO, Martyn Fish, stated that France is a strategically important market for the firm. He noted that the acquisition marks a significant milestone in its European growth strategy, highlighting Marconnet’s expertise in engineering-led sectors like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and connected technologies.

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With Cabinet Marconnet’s addition, HGF now operates 22 offices across seven countries: the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria. The firm employs over 100 patent attorneys, with more than 60 serving as UPC representatives.

This acquisition reflects a trend of private equity-backed expansion in professional services. Firms leverage investment to accelerate growth and enhance their service offerings. By integrating specialized practices like Marconnet’s, HGF aims to strengthen its position in key European markets.

HGF’s strategic hires and acquisitions show its dedication to expanding its European network. The firm focuses on engineering and technology sectors, aligning with the growing demand for intellectual property expertise in these fields. France, a hub for automotive and aerospace innovation, is particularly significant.

HGF’s expansion relies on attracting top talent and integrating specialized practices to maintain its competitive edge in Europe. The Cabinet Marconnet acquisition reinforces HGF’s expertise in key technology areas, marking a significant step in this direction.