Department profile
Latham & Watkins LLP

Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket

Europe Guide 2026 : UK


Latham & Watkins LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket - UK

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For
Latham & Watkins is a highly sophisticated banking practice that is considered a first port of call by leading institutional lenders and sponsors for multi-jurisdictional transactions requiring the implementation of cutting-edge financial products. The team continues to represent debt funds on deals in the European leveraged finance market and is well equipped to advise on margin loan financings, bespoke finance solutions such as PIK loans, term loan B facilities and hybrid investments. The team also has notable expertise handling public-to-private deals.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Latham & Watkins advised EQT on a £1.7 billion financing to fund its acquisition of Dechra Pharmaceuticals.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have strong experience in leveraged financing and have helped us navigate complex and unique situations with innovative type of financing.

    Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
  • I have worked with them on multiple complex situation and they always have an answer and solution. They can lean on the tremendous experience they have in the market.

    Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
  • Latham's depth of knowledge in leveraged finance is, in my view, second to none, whilst their client service ethos and ability to deliver high quality work under tight deadlines is first class.

    Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
  • Latham has a very experienced team that is comfortable dealing with complex financing structures.

    Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
  • They have a strong, deep financing team in Europe with a high market share of deal flow, which provides their team with deep market knowledge.

    Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Dominic Newcomb
    Band 1Dominic Newcomb

    Dominic Newcomb

    Dominic Newcomb is regarded as a premier choice for prominent sponsor clients. His practice regularly involves acting on high-value domestic and international debt financings.

    • He's one of the most experienced and knowledgeable financing partners in Europe.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
    • Dominic is one of the best London based banking lawyers. He's very efficient and responsive.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
    • Dominic is a very detail-oriented lawyer. He stands out among partners in the space by remaining directly involved in transactions.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
  • Band 2Jonathan Brownson
    Band 2Jonathan Brownson

    Jonathan Brownson

    Jonathan Brownson is held in high regard for his expertise in leveraged finance. He has a wealth of experience, with a particular focus acting for lenders on both domestic and international mandates.
    • Jonathan is incredibly good to work with - it's always a smooth process.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
    • He's the go-to guy for me, he's very good. He's knowledge and very commercial.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
  • Band 4Fergus Wheeler
    Band 4Fergus Wheeler

    Fergus Wheeler

    Fergus Wheeler has substantial expertise in direct lending matters and counts private credit funds and alternative capital providers among his client base.

    • Fergus is a leader in the private credit space; he is a go-to for complex situations and structures.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
    • Fergus is a trusted adviser to our firm. He is particularly good at complex situations, and he is technically strong and commercial.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
    • He's doing great work on the direct lender side.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
  • Band 5Daniel Maze
    Band 5Daniel Maze

    Daniel Maze

    Daniel Maze is co-chair of Latham's finance department in London. He is particularly adept at acting for direct lenders on leveraged finance transactions.

    • He's calm, commercial and gets things done.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
    • Dan Maze is obviously great at what he does - nothing phases him.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
  • Band 5Joydeep Choudhuri
    Band 5Joydeep Choudhuri

    Joydeep Choudhuri

    Joydeep Choudhuri is noted for his leveraged finance expertise, which spans both domestic and European markets. He has particular experience in matters in the direct lending space.
    • He's very commercial-minded and knowledgeable.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
    • Joydeep is highly skilled and very connected to the latest market trends.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
    • He provides excellent advice, has deep market knowledge and gets the deal done.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
  • Band 6Prue Criddle
    Band 6Prue Criddle

    Prue Criddle

    Prue Criddle is recognised for her leveraged finance expertise. She advises lenders on high value and complex transactions.

    • She knows the market terms well. She's transparent about what we will like in the sponsor terms versus what we won't like, or if something is very aggressive, so we can make a considered decision.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
    • Prue is the partner I have on speed dial. She's highly commercial and navigates getting the deal done, and balances that with being approachable, clear and super user-friendly.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
  • Band 6Ross Pooley
    Band 6Ross Pooley

    Ross Pooley

    Ross Pooley regularly advises on leveraged and acquisition finance with expertise in cross-border matters. He is global vice chair of Latham's asset-based lending group.

  • Up and ComingTracy Liu
    Up and ComingTracy Liu

    Tracy Liu

    Tracy Liu has built a highly respected lender-side leveraged finance practice. She works with well known banks on high value financings.

    • She has a great ability to break down legal problems in a clear and concise manner.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope
    • Tracy is excellent.

      Leveraged Finance: Lenders: Big Ticket respondentEurope

Ranked Individuals at Latham & Watkins LLP (8)

UK

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