
Chambers Review
Clifford Chance has a significant finance practice, which is sought out by high-calibre corporates, financial institutions and private equity sponsors in the leveraged and investment-grade markets. The team is well positioned to advise on the full range of financial instruments, from European covenant-lite structures to term loan B facilities. The department is additionally noted for its ability to advise lenders in EMEA on high-value transactions as well as its expertise assisting US-based clients. It enjoys a strong reputation for its expertise in the healthcare, technology, pharmaceutical and retail sectors. The team has long-established experts in the fund finance space.
Work Highlights
- Clifford Chance advised Anheuser-Busch InBev on an inaugural USD10.1 billion sustainability-linked revolving credit facility.
- Clifford Chance advised the mandated lead arrangers of the bridge financing for National Grid's acquisition of Western Power Distribution.
- Clifford Chance advised Cinven on the financing aspects of its acquisition of a majority stake in Restaurant Brands Iberia, a deal valued at EUR1 billion.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm has good attention to detail and responsiveness, which is appreciated when working to tight deadlines."
"Clifford Chance has excellent knowledge of all the relevant details to financing and is always customer-oriented."
"The team is first-class in helping us think through the complex structuring and execution issues that arise."
"Clifford Chance has a well-integrated multi-disciplinary practice, which is extremely important to us given the breadth of the issues we look at."
"The Clifford Chance team has strong market knowledge and the ability to innovate."
"The firm has good attention to detail and responsiveness, which is appreciated when working to tight deadlines."
"Clifford Chance has excellent knowledge of all the relevant details to financing and is always customer-oriented."
"The team is first-class in helping us think through the complex structuring and execution issues that arise."
"Clifford Chance has a well-integrated multi-disciplinary practice, which is extremely important to us given the breadth of the issues we look at."
"The Clifford Chance team has strong market knowledge and the ability to innovate."
Notable Practitioners

UK regional managing partner Michael Bates is recognised as one of the foremost experts in infrastructure financing matters. He also comes highly recommended for his expertise when acting for corporate borrowers.
"Michael is one of the most experienced partners in the market."
"Michael is first-class."

Robert Lee is the global practice area leader for finance at the firm. His broad finance practice spans cross-border M&A, corporate lending and fund finance matters, among others.

Charles Cochrane acts for both borrower and lender-side clients on complex domestic and cross-border financings. His work includes everything from M&A financing to leveraged and debt restructuring matters.
"Charles is very commercial, efficient, and knows what is and isn't worth spending time discussing."
"Charles is very pragmatic and always achieves a sensible outcome."
"Charles is great - when you think of leveraged finance, you think of him."

Andrew Husdan advises clients on both leveraged and fund finance transactions. He acts for both sponsors and lenders in domestic and overseas jurisdictions.
"Andrew has extensive experience advising on all aspects of fund financing and has a strong commercial mindset."
"He is commercial, constructive and good at getting transactions closed."
"Andrew is technically good, understands the issues and provides solutions."
Nicola Wherity centres her practice on advising lender-side clients on investment-grade and fund finance matters. She is regularly called upon by clients to advise on high-profile and complex matters.
"Nicola is an exceptionally good client relationship partner, she's always looking out for our interests."
"She is super smart and super helpful."
"Nicola is extremely efficient, no-nonsense and commercial."

Emma Folds has a respected corporate lending and debt restructuring practice. She is highlighted for her representation of banks and alternative capital providers.
"Emma is a pleasure to work with. She is very thorough and knowledgeable."
"She is incredibly knowledgeable, technically skilled and a superb negotiator."
"Emma is fantastic; thorough, meticulous, and takes the time to explain things well."

Jim MacHale is well regarded for his expert handling of leveraged finance and corporate loan matters. His practice includes both domestic and cross-border mandates.
"Jim is highly experienced and well regarded in the market. He gets to the point and is solutions-focused."
"Jim is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful."

Taner Hassan is noted for his expertise in acting for sponsors, regularly advising private equity clients on leveraged finance matters. He has experience handling cross-border mandates involving Europe and the USA, among other jurisdictions.
"I had a great experience working with Taner - he is hugely experienced."
Peter Dahlen has a practice that sees him assist both borrowers and lenders on complex financing arrangements. He has a particular focus on the Nordic region.
"He is a really outstanding adviser who helps secure excellent terms and negotiation positions in key financings."
"Peter is very sensible and good to deal with; he always has an eye on finding a resolution and getting a transaction done."

David Robson is noted for his experience advising lenders across the financing space. He is particularly adept at handling leveraged and M&A financings.
"David is super nice to deal with; he is very approachable and advises clients very well."
Ranked Lawyers at
Clifford Chance LLP
London (Firms)








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