Capital Markets: Debt | Europe

A&O Shearman has extensive capital markets bench strength, allowing it to provide sophisticated advice on a comprehensive array of debt and equity transactions. The team's focal points range from bank regulatory work to some of the UK's largest IPOs, as well as complex high-yield offerings and leveraged finance deals. A&O has significant expertise advising on medium-term note programmes and debt issuances for major investment banks and issuers. Equally able across DCM and ECM, the department draws on integrated US law capabilities and support from a network of EMEA partners, to act on the most significant cross-border transactions.

Clifford Chance has a strong reputation for sovereign DCM issuances and high-value IPOs. In particular, the team benefits from both US and European capabilities, as well as a far-reaching high-yield practice with support from specialists in Hong Kong and New York. The firm has expertise in US securities laws including Rule 144A offerings, which enables the smooth handling of complex cross-border transactions.

White & Case provides skilled representation across DCM, ECM and high-yield capital markets transactions. Especially recognised for cross-border work, the firm maintains an extremely strong presence in European capital markets as well as the Middle East, Africa and other emerging markets. Areas of particular specialism include sovereign deals, debt restructurings and equity listings for EMEA issuers. The team is routinely sought out for advice on high-value regulatory capital matters and liability management work.

Cleary Gottlieb maintains strong firm-wide expertise in emerging markets, US and European debt and equity offerings, and in regulatory concerns. The team also advises sovereign states and their underwriters on high-profile capital markets transactions. In addition, it is further recognised for its presence on equity transactions in the Nordic market.

Freshfields tackles a diverse range of DCM and ECM transactions, from IPOs to sovereign bonds and MTN programmes. The team represents issuers, banks, regulators and exchanges, and has significant experience in equity-linked deals, liability management and rights issues. In addition, it offers strong capabilities in the high-yield capital markets space.

Ashurst's renowned team of capital markets specialists advise on the full range of debt and equity offerings. The group enjoys strong relationships with leading investment banks and also provides extensive support to issuer clients. It offers expertise in high-value IPOs, secondary capital raises and a wide range of DCM transactions including corporate and sovereign bonds and emerging market bonds. It is also sought after for its experience on block trades and reverse takeovers.

Baker McKenzie fields a team of UK and US-qualified specialists with well-established connections throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The team focuses on sovereigns and emerging markets work across the capital markets. It is proficient in issuer-side advice for DCM transactions, with further noteworthy expertise in both ECM and high-yield matters.

Sidley Austin handles DCM work for a client roster of issuers, financial institutions and investment banks. Tackling US, UK and European matters, the team demonstrates strength in a range of cross-border debt offerings and restructurings. In addition, it offers skills in Euromarket debt, regulatory capital and liability management, and has significant experience in US securities law and high-yield debt offerings.

Akin is best known for providing advice on private placements. The team regularly advises both issuers and underwriters on these transactions.

Simmons & Simmons advises issuers, banks and investors at every stage of both debt and equity transactions. The team possesses a diverse work portfolio that encompasses IPOs, convertible bonds and private placements, with additional capacity for regulatory capital transactions, EMTN programmes and secondary offerings. Notably, the firm can advise on transactions involving complex aspects of US securities law.