Leveraged Finance: Borrowers/Sponsors: Big Ticket | UK

Kirkland & Ellis houses a standout bench of market-leading sponsor-side specialists who are able to provide advice on the full gamut of European and US financing products. The team is active across the spectrum of mid-market to large-cap deals, acting on behalf of both domestic and international private equity clients. It is identified for its deft handling of bank and bond-financed LBOs and refinancings and ably assists clients with distressed matters spanning portfolio acquisitions and rescue financings.

A&O Shearman is widely viewed as one of the leading banking practices in London. The department is highly regarded as a leader in the leveraged finance market, where it works with high-profile asset managers, and their portfolio companies, as well as lenders.

Freshfields is a market-leading practice containing a team of finance experts that acts for high-profile corporates and private equity houses. The team is well positioned to advise on cross-border leveraged finance transactions and is regularly instructed on acquisition and take-private financings, refinancing and repricing matters. It is highly experienced in sustainability-linked loan transactions.

Paul Weiss is home to a leading sponsor-focused finance practice. The team works with a who's who of leading asset managers on high-value transactions. Clients benefit from the strength in depth the firm can offer.

Sidley Austin has a prominent sponsor-focused finance practice and a bench of market leading lawyers. The team's client list includes a large number of leading private equity investors who turn to Sidley for their most complex and high value deals.

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.

Clifford Chance has a significant finance practice, which is sought out by high-calibre corporates, lenders and private equity sponsors, for its leveraged finance expertise. The team's work is broad and includes everything from syndicated lending to event driven financings.

Linklaters has a significant leveraged finance practice that consists of teams that are able to advise both borrowers and lender.

Ropes & Gray has an exceptional team of highly skilled practitioners advising on complex financings for borrowers and sponsors. The team regularly works for investment banks and private equity funds. It continues to be a strong presence in the European leveraged finance market due to its acute understanding of high-yield issues and masterful handling of UK and US hybrid transactions. The firm is particularly noted for its strength in acquisition financing and unitranche matters.

Skadden is a global firm with the capacity to handle substantive cross-border work for major sponsors and big-ticket borrowers. The team counts an impressive list of private equity houses among its client base. It works on matters involving high-yield products, in addition to tackling complex transactions in the real estate sector. The team has a strong track record on both leveraged financings and also excels in handling distressed acquisitions and refinancings.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has a strong command of transactional banking matters that run the full gamut, including syndicated lending and financial restructuring. The team engages in a high volume of matters that involve M&A financing on behalf of an enviable roster of corporate clients as well as being highlighted for its work for sovereigns, with a focus on emerging markets. It also excels in LBOs, bank/bond and repo financings. The practice continues to showcase its ability to provide seamless cross-border advice, with particular strength on transactions with US elements.

Debevoise & Plimpton is a well-regarded finance practice noted for its expertise in acquisition financings, demonstrating particular sector expertise in private equity. It regularly acts for a range of international sponsors while complementing its practice with prominent UK corporate borrowers. The department has additional expertise advising on bond financings and financial restructurings.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson is home to an experienced banking team which represents private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies on a wide array of financings. Its well known for its ability to advise on cross-border deals.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher has a sophisticated offering boasting strong transatlantic and European capabilities. It is a go-to shop for private equity sponsors as well as their portfolios, often acting on acquisition financings. The team is able to advise across the space on matters ranging from recapitalisations to take-privates.