It should be noted that the provisions applicable to the special limited partnership (SLP - société en commandite spéciale) are identical to those applicable to the common limited partnership (société en commandite simple) in this respect. 

The question of the impact of the ranking as (possible) creditor (in the event that the limited partner (LP - associé commanditaire) enters into a transaction with the SLP) - vis-à-vis the SLP of which - he is a partner is interesting.

I - The Possibility of Entering Into Transactions With the SLP and the Impact of the LP's Creditor Rank

An LP may enter into any transaction with the SLP. Its ranking as a preferred creditor status or not (unsecured creditor) - depending on the terms of the transaction - will not be affected by its LP position. The fact that an LP is an LP of the SLP has no impact in this regard. There is no conflict of interest by that fact alone. There is, however, an important limitation to the position of LP when it comes to the management of the SLP.

II - Can a Limited Partner Perform Management Acts With Regard to Third Parties?

The law is clear: an LP may not perform any act of management with respect to third parties.

References: article 320-4, §1 & 2 of the law of 10 August 1915 on commercial companies as amended; with regard to the société en commandite simple: Deux particularités de l’associé commanditaire (limited partner) (SCS) #189-178*, 27 juillet 2020, Bertrand Mariaux.

*Podcast #331

*YouTube Video 320*

Bertrand Mariaux, Avocat à la Cour, LL.M. (hons.)

Prestation de serment (Swearing-in oath): Luxembourg (2011), Certificat d’Aptitude à la Profession d’Avocat, École de Formation professionnelle des Barreaux de la Cour d’appel de Paris (2009), Bond University (LL.M. (distinct.), International Legal Practice, 2010), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord & University of Limerick (Master in European & International Law - major in economics, 2008), certified Expert in Microfinance (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, 2015), social entrepreneurship (University of Oxford, 2015 & The Wharton School of Social Policy & Practice, 2014) and social & solidarity economy (International Labour Organization Academy - Social & Solidarity Economy, Organisation Internationale du Travail - Économie Sociale et Solidaire, 2017)

Contributor: Cédric Buisine, Avocat

Editor: Hannah Seulgee Jung