Europe UK Capital Markets: Debt

Allen & Overy has extensive capital markets bench strength, allowing the firm 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. In addition, 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 firm 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.

Linklaters houses a market-leading capital markets team that is recognised for its skilled handling of both debt and equity transactions as well as offering capabilities in high-yield matters. The team handles matters across the UK, Europe and the USA, demonstrating prowess in areas such as liability management, sovereign bonds and equity-linked products. The firm benefits from strong ties to its banking and finance team and has particular expertise in convertible bond issues and green bond DCM 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.

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 on both ECM and high-yield matters.

Dentons fields a team of well-regarded practitioners who are proficient in emerging markets transactions, with notable sub-specialisms in sukuk and Shari'a-compliant DCM deals. The firm has the ability, through its global network, to advise on matters pertaining to the Middle East, Africa and the CEE area. It also offers extensive expertise in US securities law, liability management and sovereign bond issues.

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, they offer skills in Euromarket debt, regulatory capital and liability management and have significant experience in US securities law and high-yield debt offerings.

Slaughter and May brings an issuer-side focus to both its DCM and ECM work. Specifically, the team comes highly recommended for its work with UK-based corporate groups on equity listings including high-value IPOs. In addition, the firm is recommended for its debt practice where it advises on standard issuances as well as more complex structures such as equity-linked products.

Sullivan & Cromwell provides strong domestic capabilities and international coverage for cross-border capital markets transactions. The team works with both issuers and underwriters, and offers expertise across a full range of DCM matters.

"The depth and quality of analysis coupled with ease of access to their partners makes them the go-to firm for us, particularly given their large London presence."

The team at Davis Polk provides counsel to financial institutions on debt and equity offerings and brings its close relationship with the firm's corporate lawyers to bear on acquisition financings. With extensive experience handling capital markets transactions in both Europe and emerging markets, it has particular strength on deals in the Netherlands, Germany and the Nordics.

Morrison Foerster offers strong cross-border capability on high-value debt transactions, acting for financial institutions and issuers. The team is best known for its private placement work, with further areas of expertise including structured products, hybrid offerings and covered bonds. More broadly, they are able to draw on support from an international network of partners from offices in New York and Tokyo.

Shearman & Sterling regularly works on cross-border ECM and DCM matters including innovative debt financings and IPOs. The team benefits from an integrated bank and bond practice, as well as extensive experience advising on high-yield offerings. They are equally capable of representing issuers and underwriters on a variety of sophisticated transactions.

Skadden has a comprehensive capital markets practice with a team that has expertise in debt and equity offerings across multiple jurisdictions, particularly in relation to growth markets. Areas of focus include Eurobonds and convertibles as well as regulatory capital transactions and hybrid securities. The team is also notable for its capital markets-related fintech work.