Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Leveraged Finance: Borrowers/Sponsors: Big Ticket - UK
What the Team is Known For
Kirkland & Ellis houses a standout bench of market-leading sponsor-side specialists who are able to provide advice on the full gamut of European and US financing products. The team is active across the spectrum of mid-market to large-cap deals, acting on behalf of both domestic and international private equity clients. It is identified for its deft handling of bank and bond-financed LBOs and refinancings and ably assists clients with distressed matters spanning portfolio acquisitions and rescue financings.
Strengths
No two of our deals are the same and often require thoughtful problem-solving to reach a solution. Kirkland demonstrate that ability to think outside the box and offer differentiated solutions
They have excellent market judgement and world class product knowledge, as well as the ability to operate across borders and on a global basis
They are really plugged in the market with good knowledge of different lenders and their specifics.
They have a very strong set of London-based partners, but also consistently demonstrate the ability to bring the entire firm to bear across multiple geographies and specialist areas.
We benefit from the large number of deals they see in the market. They are always at the forefront in both the EU and US and they see the latest terms and market views.
Work Highlights
Kirkland & Ellis advised Harp Bidco in relation to a £1.75 billion senior secured unitranche facility and a £270 million super senior revolving credit facility used to acquire Hargreaves Lansdown. Harp Bido is a special purpose vehicle backed by Platinum Ivy, CVC and Nordic Capital.
Notable practitioners
Stephen Lucas remains the go-to guy, when you have the most difficult calls to make. No doubt about that.
Ian is the lawyer of choice on everything that we do. He is by far the best lawyer I have ever worked with. He's more than a lawyer, he has that commercial understanding.
He is a very respected figure in the industry. He's innovative, in tune with the market conditions and constantly looking for ways to optimise things.
Chris Shields is one of the most experienced lawyers out there, and among the safest pair of hands. If the house is on fire, I'd call Chris.
Chris is world class in every respect.
We work with her a lot on complex deals, and she has a spectacular way of coming up with right structuring to achieve what we are looking for.
She's highly competent and extremely responsive.
Daniel Borg is a debt finance expert who advises leading private equity sponsors on financing transactions.
He navigates extremely difficult situations seamlessly.
He shows extraordinary levels of commercial awareness, understanding of the client and commitment to delivering
I continue to value his quality advice.
Evgeny is my go-to lawyer. He has always delivered and he is my trusted counsellor - I like to pick his creative brain very early when faced with an important issue.
He's very well regarded and well respected.
Vanessa Xu has a leveraged finance focused practice that sees her advising private equity sponsors on their acquisitions.
Vanessa is an extraordinary lawyer. I trust Vanessa’s instinct, knowledge and negotiation tactics to get us the best outcome possible.