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What the team is known for Market-leading practice and go-to team for matters such as acquisitions, refinancings and leveraged finance transactions. Wealth of expertise advising on work spanning senior secured loans, bridge loans and high-yield bonds. Premier sponsor-focused team, with proficiency handling US financial instruments. Remains a popular choice for global private equity clients and their portfolio companies. Well known for its technical prowess and client-friendly service.
Strengths One interviewee says: "The highest-quality sponsor work comes out of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett; their documents are the best and they are hugely high-quality."
Market commentators recognise this as a "top-quality team."
"They are very clued up on what sponsors need and getting best outcome," notes one source.
Work highlights Advised KKR in connection with the financing for its acquisition of a stake in Söderberg & Partners.
Notable practitioners
Ian Barratt continues to be regarded as one of the premier choices for sponsor-side representation. He is frequently instructed by leading private equity clients to advise on leveraged and acquisition finance matters and is well versed in cross-border transactions.
"His commercial judgement extends beyond just legal matters - he is an extremely strong and helpful practitioner." "Ian really is a standout in the London finance market."
Stephen Short impresses with his expert knowledge of the fund finance space. His practice also includes domestic and international leveraged and acquisition finance, with notable expertise in an array of debt instruments.
"He is a very strong and very capable lawyer with a good reputation." "He is very good to deal with, very collaborative and represents the strongest sponsors in the market." "He is good at innovation."