Banking & Finance: Lenders | Europe

Allen & Overy is widely viewed as one of the leading banking practices in London with standout expertise in syndicated lending - a space in which it advises high-profile corporate borrowers and traditional lenders on prominent, often multi-jurisdictional, financing transactions. In addition to its work for banks, the team advises a growing number of debt funds on direct lending mandates. The department is also highly regarded as a leader in the leveraged finance market, offering sterling advice to high-profile asset managers.

Linklaters exhibits extensive capabilities acting for banks, funds, corporates and sponsors. The team advises on domestic and cross-border matters and demonstrates strength on a wide range of financings, including term loans, bridges and revolving credit facilities and cov-lite loans. Linklaters is able to draw on the firm's significant derivatives, debt capital markets and securitisation capabilities when advising on margin loans and bank/bond combinations. The team has a growing presence in the alternative credit provider space.

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 and has recently been particularly active in the infrastructure space. The team has long-established experts in the fund finance space, where it advises both sponsors and lenders.

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.

Milbank is a standout London practice offering strong lender-side representation on complex, big-ticket transactions. The team works closely with its US counterparts to provide seamless transatlantic advice. It also showcases expertise in the area of Islamic finance, and acts across industry sectors including telecoms and media and entertainment. The strong bank finance practice is complemented by its high-yield debt and restructuring offerings.

Paul Hastings is prized for its expert handling of sophisticated and high-value leveraged finance transactions. It handles the gamut of complex finance deals and demonstrates particular expertise in the private credit space, seamlessly navigating all manner of sectors. Its clients include both leading clearing and investment banks as well as alternative capital providers and private equity firms. The team is able to call upon the firm's wider capabilities in the high-yield and structured finance markets, as well as utilising its integrated global network on cross-border deals.

White & Case has a solid banking and finance practice with a strong foothold in the private equity space, strengthened by the law firm's cross-border capabilities. The team works regularly with borrowers on complex financings in addition to maintaining strong relationships with major banks. It demonstrates standout strength advising on deals in emerging markets. The team is highly regarded for both its UK and US law capabilities and advisory work for alternative capital providers in matters spanning the credit market. It has notable expertise advising on combined bank/bond issues.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges has a notable leveraged finance practice that is active on major matters for leading private equity firms and traditional lenders, with a growing presence in the direct lending space. It is well positioned to advise on the full range of financial instruments including US products, securing its position as a sought-after adviser in the LBO market. The team draws on the firm's global full-service platform to provide a seamless service on cross-border and multidisciplinary issues.