Capital Markets: Debt - UK
What the team is known for
Herbert Smith Freehills is frequently engaged by issuers and deal managers on debt and equity matters in the UK. The team has additional experience in international deals, including those in emerging markets. Specific expertise includes private placements, equity-linked transactions and EMTN programmes. Notably, the firm also has a significant track record in UK IPOs and equity deals undertaken within the context of refinancings or restructurings.
Strengths
"They have excellent depth and breadth within the team across both the US and UK practice.""The team provided creative solution-oriented advice and had an 'all hands on deck' approach.""They are deeply committed to getting through complex issues constructively. They take the time to understand problems in depth."
Work highlights
Herbert Smith Freehills advised Glanbia Co-operative Society on its EUR250 million 1.875% secured exchangeable bonds due 2027.
Notable practitioners
James Palmer possesses broad experience in the capital markets field and is especially well known for his ECM-focused practice. He was the chair and senior partner of Herbert Smith Freehills between 2015 and 2021.
Amy Geddes is a frequent choice for banks and issuers on debt financing across the euro, dollar and sterling markets. She is head of the Herbert Smith Freehills DCM team and comes highly recommended for her ability to coordinate work on complex, high-value transactions.
"Amy is a UK-qualified lawyer who is excellent, very hard-working and technically focused."
Tom O'Neill is head of US securities at Herbert Smith Freehills. He is respected for his work on dollar-denominated transactions for European banks and issuers.
"Tom is always a pleasure to work with. Having practised US securities law around the world for over 30 years, his experience shines through - as does his commerciality and ability to express his opinions clearly and succinctly to his clients.""He's a veteran of the equity capital markets with decades of experience to draw on. He gets to the heart of the risk aspects of a disclosure document and he's a strong advocate for underwriters and issuers alike." "Tom is a skilled and goal-oriented lawyer who seeks the best solutions for his client."