Banking & Finance: Borrowers
Europe Guide 2024 : UK
Band 2
Chambers Review
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has a strong command of transactional banking matters that run the full gamut, including syndicated lending and financial restructuring. The team engages in a high volume of matters that involve M&A financing on behalf of an enviable roster of corporate clients as well as being highlighted for its work for sovereigns, with a focus on emerging markets. It also excels in LBOs, bank/bond and repo financings. The practice continues to showcase its ability to provide seamless cross-border advice, with particular strength on transactions with US elements.
Work Highlights
- Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton advised OpenText on the financing of its USD6 billion acquisition of Micro Focus International, which included a USD1 billion Rule 144A/Regulation S notes offering as well as cash on hand and borrowings under existing term loan and revolving credit facilities.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Cleary team is incredibly skilled at managing tricky business situations and has fantastic, smart and pragmatic lawyers. They have a thorough understanding of the market and are skilled at finding solutions that take into account the different concerns of various stakeholders."
"Their lawyers collaborate very effectively across offices and jurisdictions and are consistently excellent regardless of where they are based."
"They are service-driven and responsive. They are very timely, have excellent knowledge and are always willing to help."
"I was impressed by the depth of quality and expertise that the firm has. They prioritise what is important for us and always have their eyes on the bigger picture."
"Beyond their competence, responsiveness and global coverage, Cleary is also a thoughtful place; the lawyers are very easy to work with and try to get things done in a productive fashion."
"The Cleary team is incredibly skilled at managing tricky business situations and has fantastic, smart and pragmatic lawyers. They have a thorough understanding of the market and are skilled at finding solutions that take into account the different concerns of various stakeholders."
"Their lawyers collaborate very effectively across offices and jurisdictions and are consistently excellent regardless of where they are based."
"They are service-driven and responsive. They are very timely, have excellent knowledge and are always willing to help."
"I was impressed by the depth of quality and expertise that the firm has. They prioritise what is important for us and always have their eyes on the bigger picture."
"Beyond their competence, responsiveness and global coverage, Cleary is also a thoughtful place; the lawyers are very easy to work with and try to get things done in a productive fashion."
Notable Practitioners
Edward Aldred joined Cleary Gottlieb in May 2023. He is respected for his expertise in international finance matters. Particularly active for sponsors, his areas of knowledge include acquisition finance, bank/bond structures and capex facilities.
"With Edward Aldred you get excellent availability and access to a high-quality partner."
"He is excellent on the leveraged finance side across the market and is highly knowledgeable about all the elements in it: you ask him any question and he will immediately know the answer."
Jim Ho regularly advises clients on multi-jurisdictional financing transactions. His banking and finance capabilities are complemented by expertise in bond financings.
"Jim Ho is our go-to for handling complex legal issues. He offers top-notch guidance and is incredibly intelligent and effective. He is a delight to work with and pays attention to both the small details and the broader picture."
"Jim Ho is a great lawyer who can think outside the box and generate results that exceed expectations for us."
"He has the unique talent of combining his encyclopedic knowledge of the law and the market with commercial judgement when executing complicated projects. He is the lawyer you want on your side for high-stakes matters."