Allens, Banking & Finance | Chambers Asia-Pacific Profile

About

Provided by Allens

Allens has one of the largest and most dynamic groups of banking specialists in the region, with incredible bench strength – we have more specialist partners in this area than any other top tier firm in Australia. We are one of the few firms to feature on every major legal panel in the Australian finance market and advise some of the world's leading financial institutions, as well as regularly act for a large number of corporate borrowers from a range of industries.

Our practice extends across project finance, acquisition and leveraged finance, securitisation and debt capital markets, asset finance and corporate and property finance. We consistently work on the highest profile financing transactions in Australia, offering a highly commercial service. We regularly lead the charge on financings involving new and innovative structures and alternative sources of funding.

Already the leading banking and finance firm in Australia, our presence in Asia continues to strengthen through our international alliance with Linklaters where we can service the banks, their clients and our own corporate clients, in multi-jurisdictional transactions and with multi-level funding arrangements.

Our approach is to apply a commercial and practical rationale to transactions. We have a focus on efficient and responsive service, enabling our clients to get deals done when opportunities arise.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Banking & Finance: Corporate Finance - Australia

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Allens is noted for its leading full-service practice with top-tier domestic and international bank clients, as well as global corporates and funds. The firm possesses a market-leading acquisition finance practice with notable strengths in the areas of defence and logistics acquisitions, and is very well regarded for property financing and large syndicated corporate financing. The team is prominent in asset finance and leasing, operating across all major asset classes, notably including aircraft and automotive. Allens is also able to leverage its alliance with the global Linklaters network to further assist clients.

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Work Highlights

Allens advised Spark Infrastructure on its AUD1.8 billion refinancing, along with new hedging strategies related to the expanded debt facility.
Allens advised Greystar on its AUD1.6 billion acquisition of a purpose-built student accommodation portfolio in Australia.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

I feel confident having Allens on a matter that is complex and sophisticated. Allens will consider issues thoughtfully and will consult internally to ensure issues are addressed holistically.

Banking & Finance: Corporate Finance respondent
Asia-Pacific

Their technical excellence, commercial insight, and operational efficiency are what distinguish the department as a trusted adviser in high stakes financial transactions.

Banking & Finance: Corporate Finance respondent
Asia-Pacific

I feel confident having Allens on a matter that is complex and sophisticated. Allens will consider issues thoughtfully and will consult internally to ensure issues are addressed holistically.

Banking & Finance: Corporate Finance respondent
Asia-Pacific

Their technical excellence, commercial insight, and operational efficiency are what distinguish the department as a trusted adviser in high stakes financial transactions.

Banking & Finance: Corporate Finance respondent
Asia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Alan Maxton

Band 1

Alan Maxton is one of Australia's leading figures in corporate and asset finance, with an impressive track record advising some of Australia's largest companies on their financing transactions and asset-backed lending.

Alan is a highly capable partner. He has a deep understanding of the market and adopts a commercial approach to negotiations.

Alan is a very experienced campaigner. He handles highly complex projects with skill, hard work and grace.

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Tom Highnam

Band 2

Tom Highnam is active on corporate and acquisition finance, and is particularly noted for his work in the funds finance area.

Tom is one of the market leaders for fund financing engagements. He is highly commercial and able to simplify complex issues.

He has incredibly deep knowledge and is experienced.

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David Couper

Band 3

David Couper is co-head of Allens' leveraged finance team. He has built a considerable reputation acting on debt financings for commercial and private equity clients.

David is very good at explaining legal concepts. He explains why you should be comfortable and why you shouldn't.

David is an excellent performer. He is smart, commercial and efficient. He also understands both local and global terms, which helps get a deal done.

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Jo Folan

Band 3

Jo Folan heads the property finance practice and is known for representing borrowers, lenders and sponsors in significant mandates.

Jo is a highly capable partner. She has a strong commercial acumen, a deep understanding of the latest market dynamics and adopts a very commercial approach to negotiations.

Jo is easy to work with and provides sound advice. One of the best things about working with Jo is that she is able to cut through things to provide a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no' answer.

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