Leading Individuals

Firms To Watch: Corporate restructuring & insolvency

The arrival of Prav Reddy , who 'combines experience and legal acumen with a very strong commercial awareness' from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP at the end of 2020 has had a positive impact on Katten's restructuring and insolvency capabilities across a range of domestic and cross-border mandates. In particular, Preddy has effectively leveraged the firm's robust funds client base to good effect as well as the firm's broader US resources.
Since it was established in May 2020, boutique firm Keidan Harrison has made inroads in the London market and under the steady hand of 'technically excellent' solicitor advocate Luke Tucker Harrison, and has already built up an excellent reputation for handing international insolvency disputes.

Corporate restructuring & insolvency in London

Akin

Leveraging the expertise of ‘a very deep bench of outstanding lawyers’, the ‘highly commercial team’ at Akin has vast experience in the market and is ‘genuinely first-class in terms of highly complex restructuring situations‘. The team is recognised as ‘one of the leading creditor-side firms’, a reputation that it has been cemented over the years as a result of a key involvement for bondholder clients (both primary and secondary buy credit investors) in many of the largest global restructuring/insolvency situations. In this context, as well as having tremendous transactional restructuring knowledge and expertise of key insolvency tools, the firm’s industry knowledge in the energy and aviation sectors has also been key particularly in light of a rash of workouts in those industries in recent years. Barry Russell, who is now sole head of the practice following James Roome’s recent retirement, has ‘an impressive ability to broker compromises even in the most heated situations’, and consequently excels in acting for large noteholder groups attempting to extract value in major multi-jurisdictional matters. Combining ‘top level strategic nous with excellent legal advice’, James Terry  is an ‘effective operator for fund clients’, particularly as it relates to matters with a Scandinavian nexus, as well as restructurings in the offshore, oil and gas and shipping sectors. The ‘very hard working and super organised’ Liz Osborne is also a key member of the team and has been particularly active of late advising on situations involving Russia sanctions issues. Other key members of the team include Emma Simmonds, who ‘has great technical skills’; Tom Bannister, whose client base includes a broad range of institutional and distressed investors; and Sam Brodie, who returned to the firm in September 2022 following a brief period at Shearman & Sterling LLP.

Practice head(s):

Barry Russell


Other key lawyers:

Tom Bannister; Sam Brodie; Liz Osborne; Emma Simmonds; James Terry; Hermione Allen; Jakeob Brown; Emma Butler; Caoimhe Kennedy; Jessica Ling; Carone Huang


Testimonials

The highly commercial team is genuinely first-class in terms of highly complex restructuring situations.’

‘It is one of the leading creditor side firms with great bandwidth and a huge depth of European deal experience.’

‘The team is one step ahead of the rest of the market. They are very commercial and strategic. They have a very deep bench of outstanding lawyers.’

‘Barry Russell has an impressive ability to broker compromises even in the most heated situations.’

‘James Terry is an effective operator for fund clients.’

‘James Terry combines top level strategic nous with excellent legal advice.’

Emma Simmonds has great technical skills and is incredibly pleasant to work with.’

‘Liz Osborne is very hard working and super organised.’

Work highlights


  • Advising the private placement noteholders in relation to a waiver and deferral arrangement implemented through an Irish scheme of arrangement, and on the restructuring of more than $6bn of the group’s debt through a Chapter 11 plan.
  • Advising the ad hoc group of noteholders on the financial restructuring of Nostrum Oil & Gas Plc, an oil and gas exploration and production company operating in Kazakhstan.
  • Advising an ad hoc group of unaffiliated lenders on a potential restructuring or recapitalisation of GenesisCare, a global healthcare provider specialising in cancer treatment.

Allen & Overy LLP

Drawing upon an ‘impressive’ breadth of expertise across formal insolvencies, corporate restructurings, special situations and distressed M&A, Allen & Overy LLP remains a popular choice among creditors, debtors and investors in big-ticket mandates across a myriad sectors. As well as the firm’s deep substantive knowledge in the space, it is also able to effectively mobilise market-leading practitioners from complementary practice areas (including litigation, corporate and finance) across its vast network of international offices, ensuring that it is able to provide a highly co-ordinated offering spanning geographies. Led on the restructuring front out of London by team head Katrina Buckley and Joel Ferguson, this multi-disciplinary/multi-office approach is effectively showcased by the firm’s continued involvement for the administrators of Greensill Capital. As well as her conventional transactional practice Jennifer Marshall is also noted for the high-level advice she provides as a result of her thought leadership in evolving and novel areas of law.  Randal Weeks is another vastly experienced practitioner who brings gravitas and commerciality to work on behalf of security agents and lenders, including banks and hedge funds. The firm also includes a number of highly-valued more junior practitioners, including Nick Lister and Nick Charlwood, who ‘combines very strong technical knowledge of insolvency and restructuring law with a very commercial, deal-oriented approach’. 

Practice head(s):

Katrina Buckley


Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Marshall; Randal Weeks; David Campbell; Joel Ferguson; Tim Watson; Kathleen Wong; Nick Charlwood; Nick Lister; Hannah Valintine; Siân Perez; Lucy Aconley


Testimonials

‘The breadth of the firm’s insolvency and restructuring practice is impressive and remains consistently strong across all key European jurisdictions.’

‘Nicholas Charlwood is truly exceptional, he combines very strong technical knowledge of insolvency and restructuring law with a very commercial, deal-oriented approach and he always delivers excellent client service.’

 

Key clients

The administrators of Greensill Capital (UK) Limited


Co-ordinating Committee of creditors of ED&F Man


Creditors to Intu Plc


Vroon Group


Mediapro Group


An ad hoc group of noteholders to Hong Kong Airlines


Kroll Agency and Trustee Services in respect of Steinhoff


Work highlights


  • The firm has the central legal role advising the administrators in connection with the administration of GCUK.
  • Advised the co-ordinating committee of creditors representing creditors with over $1bn of debt claims and the agent in relation to the restructuring of the financial indebtedness of the ED&F Man Group and the provision of $300m new money facilities.
  • A cross-border team from the firm’s London and Amsterdam offices are advising the Vroon Group on its corporate and financial restructuring.

Clifford Chance LLP

Tapping into a ‘breadth of experience and market leading know how’, Clifford Chance LLP frequently has a seat at the table for key stakeholders in high-value and complex restructurings/insolvency, where it is noted for its ‘focus on providing commercial solutions’. Although the firm does handle some UK-focused mandates, its true sweet-spot lies in its ability to provide multi-disciplinary teams across offices on big-ticket international restructurings. Lender-led creditor work remains a core focus, an area that David Towers continues to excel on behalf of commercial banks and development finance institutions, as well as alternative lenders. The ‘responsive and approachable’ John MacLennan and Iain White, who ‘combines a can-do attitude with an impeccable client service’, are also well-regarded by financial institutions as creditors, although the scope of their work is much broader to also include alternative investors and debtor mandates. As well as her work on international restructurings (particularly those with a nexus to the Middle East), Melissa Coakley has also been at the forefront of a number of high-profile UK situations, including her work for embattled retailer Matalan on its high-profile recapitalisation. A ‘motivational leader‘, team head Philip Hertz ‘s ‘embrace of teamwork ensures the best solutions are devised’ for an eclectic client base that includes banks, funds and office holders.

Practice head(s):

Philip Hertz


Other key lawyers:

John MacLennan; Iain White; David Towers; Melissa Coakley; Tim Lees; Seema Shukla; Chris Norman


Testimonials

‘The team is knowledgeable and provides an excellent client service.’

‘They are made up of leading practitioners in the restructuring and insolvency market with a razor sharp focus on providing commercial solutions in a timely manner.’

Exceptional team for high-value complex UK and international restructurings.’

‘Breadth of experience and market leading know how makes them one of the top teams in London.’

‘Probably the most “can do” and innovative firm in restructuring space in UK.’

Philip Hertz is the professionals’ professional. He is a motivational leader, whose embrace of teamwork ensures the best solutions are devised.’

Iain White combines a can-do attitude with an impeccable client service.’

‘John MacLennan is responsive and approachable.’

Key clients

AerCap


Barings


BNP Paribas


Chrysoar/ Harbour Energy


Codere


Hemisphere International Properties B.V.


HSBC


Lloyds


M&G


Matalan Group


Natwest Markets/RBS


Nordic Aviation Corporation


Partners Group


Provident Financial


Work highlights


  • Advised UK retailer Matalan on its 2023 comprehensive recapitalization involving debt to equity swap, pre packaged administration, refinancing and new money injection (the highest profile UK restructuring of 2022) and in 2020 on the provision of a £50m emergency liquidity package by existing lenders and noteholders via a combination of a credit facility under the CLBILS scheme, senior notes and a scheme of arrangement of the existing second lien notes to temporarily convert cash pay interest to PIK Interest.
  • Advised the creditors’ committee on NMC Healthcare’s ground-breaking $7bn cross-border financial restructuring.
  • Advised a prominent global investment management firm in respect of the proposed restructuring of JBF RAK LLC and its subsidiaries.

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Acting on a standalone basis, as well as leveraging its market-leading private equity sponsor roster, the ‘highly responsive‘ team at Kirkland & Ellis International LLP provides ‘very commercial advice’ to funds as creditors/investors, as well as on the debtor front. Co-headed by the vastly experienced Partha Kar and Kon Asimacopoulos, the team continues to shape the market, often deploying the use of novel/first-of-kind techniques to elicit the optimal results for clients in large-scale multi-jurisdictional matters. As well as drawing upon deep knowledge of UK/European restructuring tools (including as it relates to the newly enacted Restructuring Plan) the team has the flexibility to utilise US Chapter 11 protections. Indeed, the firm regularly works alongside practitioners in the US, including its recent high-profile work for leading regional aircraft lessor Nordic Aviation Capital, helping it to successfully emerge from Chapter 11. Sean Lacey was involved in the aforementioned matter, although his primary forte remains on the creditor/investor-side, where he excels at handling financial restructurings, special situations investing and credit-led opportunities. Other key members of the team include retail restructuring guru Elaine Nolan and recently promoted partner Gabe Harley , who provides ‘high quality advice and service’ to debtors and creditors on cross-border restructurings and insolvencies.

Practice head(s):

Kon Asimacopoulos; Partha Kar


Other key lawyers:

Sean Lacey; Elaine Nolan; Thomas Jemmett; Kate Stephenson; Hannah Crawford;  Ian Clarke; Gabe Harley; Sarah Ullathorne; Theon Chalklen


Testimonials

‘I find the team to be extremely diligent, experts in their profession, and in the market as a real force.’

‘Elaine Nolan is one of leading women in restructuring in the UK. Her market knowledge, client service mindset, and reputation are second to none.’

‘We greatly admire this firm’s commercial approach.’

‘Sarah Ullathorne advised us on our firm’s most important deal, which involved providing advice for over a year, much of this under extreme pressure. She did a fantastic job, which included saving our deal by redrafting a critical legal document out of hours, and for that we will be eternally grateful.’

‘Very commercial. Ability to translate technical detail into succinct commercial terms for non-legal/non-debt specialists. Highly responsive. Efficient in delivery of service, do not carry passengers.’

‘Gabe Harley – highly responsive. Very efficient and effective in focusing on key issues and delivery high quality advice and service.’

‘Theon Chalklen supported us throughout the restructure process, he was always diligent and thorough in his advice and guidance.’

‘Kon Asimacopoulos is a star among strong peers.’

Key clients

Noble Group


Smile Telecoms


Nordic Aviation Capital Designated Activity Company


The ad hoc group of financial creditors to Steinhoff Finance Holding GmbH and Steinhoff Europe AG


Ad hoc committee of creditors to China Fishery Group


Ad hoc committee of lenders to Celsa Group


Celsius Networks and its affiliates


Venator Materials PLC


Ad hoc group of holders of notes issued by Olympic Entertainment Group


Hilding Anders International AB


Ad hoc committee of first lien noteholders to Matalan Group


Ad hoc committee of lenders to Archer Limited


Ad hoc committee of noteholders of Löwen Play


HPS Investment Partners (UK) LLP


Ad hoc committee of bondholders of WiZink


Petroleum Geo-Services Group


Flint Group


Work highlights


  • Representing Irish aircraft lessor NAC and 116 affiliated companies in their Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases.
  • International counsel to the ad hoc committee of lenders on the restructuring of Celsa Group.
  • Acted for African internet and telecoms business, Smile Telecoms on its ground-breaking restructuring plan.

Latham & Watkins

Led from London by Bruce Bell and also able to leverage considerable resources across its global offices, Latham & Watkins is well-positioned to handle debtor and creditor work on large-scale international restructurings, often involving the unwinding of complex financial products, including UK and US law-governed debt. The firm’s detailed knowledge of European and US insolvency procedures is also a key strength, affording clients the comfort that the firm will be able to utilise the most appropriate technique available in a holistic manner alongside practitioners in key global financial centres. Yen Sum has deep familiarity of insolvency/restructuring procedures which she is able to rely on, should the need arise, on behalf of her core client base of investors/alternative capital providers seeking to realise value in special situations and distressed investments. Simon J Baskerville  and David Wallace are also very effective practitioners at the more transactional end of the market, with both regularly working with fund clients to pinpoint opportunities within the distressed market, including through debt-for-equity swaps. Jennifer Brennan is also a key member of the team who is noted for her skill at providing ‘extremely commercial and deeply technical advice’ to bondholders and alternative capital providers on large multi-jurisdictional transactions.

Practice head(s):

Bruce Bell


Other key lawyers:

Yen Sum; Simon Baskerville; Jennifer Brennan; Jessica Walker; David Wallace; Hugo Bowkett; James Chesterman


Testimonials

‘Jennifer Brennan is a formidable borrower-side lawyer who provides  extremely commercial and deeply technical advice.’

‘An incredible amount of diversity and knowledge within the team, they constantly go above and beyond on each deal that I have worked on with them. I appreciate the attention to detail and commercial understanding of the partners who I feel set out the challenges and what is realistic to the client.’

‘Yen Sum is fantastic to work with, she understands what the client wants and constantly thinks of creative ways to achieve the best outcome. She is fantastic and managing various stakeholders in a process and will go above and beyond.’

Key clients

Blackstone Credit


New Look


Bain Credit


Barings Asset Management


Alcentra


Credit Suisse Asset Management


Goldman Sachs


J.P. Morgan


BC Partners


Partners Group


Hong Kong Airlines


Work highlights


  • Advised the ad hoc committee of noteholders, in connection with the restructuring of Haya Real Estate, the largest Spanish real estate servicing company and the largest bank-independent third-party servicer of real estate developer loans (REDs) and real estate owned assets (REOs) in Spain.
  • Defended New Look in a case concerning the Group’s company voluntary arrangement (CVA), approved during the financial and operational restructuring of New Look in 2020.
  • Advised a committee of senior lenders in connection with the successful financial recapitalization of Hilding Anders, a leading global bedding and mattress company.

Linklaters LLP

Co-led from London by Nick Le Masurier and Richard Hodgson, and with access to ‘a market leading, full service Magic Circle practice and global footprint’, Linklaters LLP is well-positioned to handle resource intensive big-ticket multi-jurisdictional restructurings/insolvencies for a varied range of stakeholders, including lenders, funds and corporates. The team has ‘fantastic breadth of and strength in depth’, advising across the spectrum of contentious and non-contentious work, ranging from formal insolvencies through to balance sheet restructurings and distressed M&A. The ‘very smart’ Matthew Harding recently advised the administrators of failed energy supplier Bulb Energy Limited in relation to its sale to Octopus Energy, implemented using a novel energy transfer scheme. The ‘proactive and smart’ Sarah Mook , who spent a considerable number years in-house at Goldman Sachs, has a ‘unique perspective on financing issues, lender behaviour and problem solving’, which she deploys very effectively for debtors on complex balance sheet restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Nick Le Masurier; Richard Hodgson.


Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Jarvis; Richard Bussell; Tony Bugg; Sarah Mook; Matthew Harding; James Warboys; Euan Clarke; Susan Roscoe; Rory Conway; Chris Stevenson; Juliana Leite de Barros; Rowland Light; Liam Robinson; Damien Gomez; Max Krasner; Dionne Brown; Jason Heron;


Testimonials

‘Fantastic breadth of team and strength in depth.’

Very capable on the corporate side, given access to a market leading, full service Magic Circle practice and global footprint. Excellent customer service & responsiveness. Can manage the largest restructurings and insolvencies – one of the best for the largest cases.’

The proactive and smart Sarah Mook has a unique perspective on financing issues, lender behaviour and problem solving.’

Matthew Harding is a very smart and young insolvency partner. Quick to understand complex issues and provide very practical advice.’

‘Matthew Harding and Chris Stevenson are both very commercial and provide practical, solution focused advice. They are transaction focused and will propose ideas to deliver exceptional outcomes at pace.’

Key clients

Interpath Advisory


Teneo


Steinhoff


PwC


Tor Capital


National Westminster Bank PLC


KKR


Davidson Kempner


HSBC Bank PLC


Barclays Bank PLC


FTI


Citi Bank


JPMorgan


Lloyds Bank PLC


EY Parthenon


BAML


Alix Partners


Alvarez and Marsal


BAIN


SVP


Work highlights


  • Advise Steinhoff International Holdings and its subsidiaries on the extension and amendment of its c. €11bn debt, and related equity re-organisation.
  • Advised the Naviera Group in relation to its successful comprehensive c.€1bn corporate and debt restructuring.
  • Advising an ad hoc committee of bondholders in relation to the restructuring of the $10bn offshore indebtedness of Sunac China Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP

Leveraging ‘excellent experience on the restructuring side, combined with a strong understanding of the markets and an innovative approach’, Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP is a popular choice among debtors and creditors in many of the highest-profile mandates in the market, both from a corporate restructuring perspective, as well as on formal insolvencies. The versatility of the team was further enhanced in June 2022 by the arrival of Lois Deasey from Akin, a practitioner who is as comfortable handling complex bondholder work as she is advising debtors. The team is co-headed by Neil Devaney and Andrew Wilkinson , who are both able to impart considerable wisdom and commercial nous on sophisticated cross-border mandates involving complex layers of debt and are well-versed at implementing restructurings both through European processes as well as US Chapter 11. Mark Lawford  is ‘very strong’ at handling formal insolvency matters including in the context of demanding insolvency litigation matters. Gemma Sage is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Wilkinson; Neil Devaney


Other key lawyers:

Mark Lawford; Gemma Sage; Matt Benson; Jenny Davidson; Lois Deasey


Testimonials

The team has excellent experience on the restructuring side, combined with a strong understanding of the markets and an innovative approach.’

‘The team has a very knowledgeable and adept restructuring practice; well plugged in with FAs, other advisors; responsive, creative and credible.’

‘Neil Devaney, Lois Deasey and Matt Benson all stand out for their depth of knowledge, commercial orientation, and user-friendliness.’

Mark Lawford is very strong.’

Key clients

Ad Hoc Group of Bondholders for Nordic Aviation Capital


Scandinavian Airlines AB


National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation


Lehman Brothers Holding


Telford Offshore Group


Petropavlovsk


David Soden and Ian Wormleighton, the Joint Liquidators of Paragon Offshore plc (in liquidation)


Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (in respect of the Cineworld Chapter 11 case)


Ad Hoc Committee of Bondholders of Zambia


Ad Hoc Group of Bondholders of Frigoglass


Ad Hoc Group of Bondholders in relation to Yandex


Ad Hoc Group of Bondholders of Ukraine’s sovereign debt


Stephen Browne and David Soden as Joint Administrators of VTB Capital (in administration)


Work highlights


  • Advised an ad hoc group of secured lenders in relation to the $6bn+ financial restructuring of Nordic Aviation Capital DAC.
  • Advised Scandinavian Airlines on its financial restructuring.
  • Advised Telford Offshore group of companies in connection with a balance sheet and corporate restructuring.

White & Case LLP

Combining ‘technical knowledge with commercial nuance’, White & Case LLP provides ‘top quality restructuring legal advice’ for debtors and creditors on a myriad complicated cross-border situations, where it is also effectively able to leverage resources across its vast international network of offices. On the debtor front, clients not only benefit from the firm’s core substantive restructuring law expertise but also the team’s ability to provide a multi-disciplinary offering which draws upon other key practice areas including corporate, banking and litigation. ‘A leader in his field’, team head Christian Pilkingtonhas an uncanny ability to identify and resolve the most complex issues‘, and has been at the forefront of many of the firm’s marquee debtor side mandates, including for cinema chain Vue International on its successful recapitalisation which involved a substantial debt-for-equity swap. The ‘personable and technically strong’ Ben Davies was also involved in the aforementioned matter, work which followed on from his key role on the recently completed Swissport restructuring. The ‘impressive’ Ian Wallacehas a great mix of technical legal and commercial judgement’, skills with which he combines to good effect to debtors and creditor banks, particularly in the context of large transatlantic situations. Morvyn Radlow and Will Stoner are ‘technically excellent, very responsive and approachable’, with both gaining particular acclaim for their work on behalf of credit funds.

Practice head(s):

Christian Pilkington


Other key lawyers:

Ian Wallace; Ben Davies; Morvyn Radlow; Will Stoner; Suzanne Thomson


Testimonials

A personable team which provides a great client service, allied with clear advice and a can do approach.’

‘Top quality restructuring legal advice combined with commercial and pragmatic approach.’

Strong depth in quality of team – both at partner and associate level.’

‘I regard them as the pre-eminent team that combines technical knowledge with commercial nuance and see them as the first port of call in any complicated situation.’

A leader in his field, Christian Pilkington combines excellent commercial acumen with an encyclopedic knowledge of restructuring and insolvency law. He has an uncanny ability to identify and resolve the most complex issues.’

The impressive Ian Wallace has a great mix of technical legal and commercial judgement.’

‘The personable and technically strong Ben Davies is able to distil complex situations into a clear strategy and action plan.’ 

Morvyn Radlow and Will Stoner are, without fail, technically excellent, very responsive and approachable.’

Key clients

Vue International Bidco plc


Nostrum Oil & Gas plc


The Adler Group


The agent and existing term loan lenders of Petroserv Marine Inc.


Oi S.A.


The coordinating committee of agent banks and lenders of Seadrill Ltd


Work highlights


  • Representation of Adler Group, one of Germany’s largest real estate groups, on its ongoing financial restructuring, involving the incurrence of €937.5m of new money following an amendment to the terms and conditions of €3.2bn of senior unsecured bonds through English restructuring plan proceedings.
  • Representation of the cinema chain Vue International on its successful recapitalisation. Vue International secured 100 per cent lender consent to the recapitalisation steps, enabling a fully consensual implementation exercise, as part of which the ownership of the group passed to its senior lenders in exchange for a discharge of approximately £470m of debt.
  • Representation of London-listed oil and gas company Nostrum Oil & Gas plc on the financial restructuring of its $1.125bn of senior unsecured notes via a UK scheme of arrangement.

Hogan Lovells International LLP

Hogan Lovells International LLP has 'a very commercial approach and is focused on solving problems’ for an impressively broad stakeholder base that includes banks, funds, IPs and corporates. Consequently, the team has excellent knowledge of "what is market", and is as comfortable handling complex capital structure financial restructurings and special situation mandates, as it is mid-market UK insolvency matters. Tom Astle  provides  'technical and high-quality advice', which manifests itself in a broad array of restructuring and insolvency matters, including his recent lead role as part of a multi-disciplinary offering for the special administrators of FCA-authorised investment bank and wholesale broker Sova Capital. 'Commercial and knowledgeable way beyond his years', James Maltby  co-heads the team along with Astle and delivers advice 'in a calm and collected manner' for a creditor-focused client base that includes banks and private capital providers. Alex Kay  is also a key member of the team and has forged a particularly strong reputation for buy side investors and creditor committees in relation to emerging markets mandates - including a considerable amount with a Ukrainian nexus.

Practice head(s):

Tom Astle; James Maltby


Other key lawyers:

Alex Kay; Camilla Eliott Lockhart; Naomi Parmar; Jonathan Morris


Testimonials

‘The team has a very commercial approach and is focused on solving problems.’

‘A global powerhouse in restructuring, Hogan Lovells team has amassed vast experience in key sectors in the restructuring market.’

‘The team’s strength is the ability to deliver both complex capital structure financial restructuring advice as well as having a really strong UK mid-market insolvency offering.’

Tom Astle provides technical and high-quality advice.’

‘Tom Astle is equally insightful and experienced across both complex capital structure restructuring and UK insolvency matters.’

‘James Maltby is commercial and knowledgeable well beyond his years! He delivers advice in a calm and collected manner, even in the most complex and time pressured deals.’

Key clients

Bank of America Merrill Lynch


Santander


HPS


IP offerings: Interpath, Teneo, PwC, Alvarez


Argentem Creek


Gramercy


Knighthead Capital Management


Work highlights


  • Advised Teneo Financial Advisory Limited, in their role as Special Administrators in relation to the special administration of Sova Capital Limited.
  • Advised BEIS in connection with Bulb, involving the establishment of its energy supply company administration and the extensive, highly publicised sale process throughout the course of 2022, which concluded in November 2022 with the successful transfer of Bulb’s energy supply business to Octopus Energy.
  • Advised PwC on their appointment as joint administrators of seven companies within the McColl’s group, as part of completing a pre-pack administration sale of the business and assets of the group to Morrisons.

Milbank

The ‘creative and dynamic’ team at Milbank remains best-known for its creditor-side excellence on behalf of an enviable roster of funds clients, where it is able to execute ‘technical and commercially excellent’ strategies, both in and out of formal insolvency processes. Praised for its ‘ability to appreciate commercial dynamics, and push the envelope of legal documents and court processes to drive a restructuring’, this manifests itself both in the context of European or US restructuring processes. Yushan Ng, who now heads the team on his own following the recent retirement of Nick Angel, has deep market penetration among hedge fund clients, in particular, while also continuing to  generate work from CLOs and traditional asset managers. Karen McMaster has deep knowledge of restructuring processes and the underlying finance products (including high yield debt, TLBs and loans), consequently she is a popular choice among clients both at a contingency planning stage and in relation to the implementation of complex workout strategies, as well as realising value through new money led solutions.

Practice head(s):

Yushan Ng


Other key lawyers:

Karen McMaster; Sinjini Saha; Kate Colman; Sarah Levin


Testimonials

Milbank’s restructuring team is the only one where it doesn’t matter which partner you get. They are all technical and commercially excellent, with a deep breadth of knowledge.’

What makes them stand out is their ability to appreciate commercial dynamics, and push the envelope of legal documents and court processes to drive a restructuring. They are creative and dynamic.’

‘Very connected across the market. Both CLO players and distressed and fast money hedge funds. Knowledgeable and creative. They care about a fair outcome for all participants.’

Key clients

The Lenders to Schur Flexibles Group


Varde Partners Europe Limited, Teide Ltd and Mulhacen Pte Ltd


Ad Hoc Group of Noteholders of Officine Maccaferri SpA


Avanti Communications Group


Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC


Cerberus European Investments, LLC


Ad hoc group of secured creditors made up of lenders participating in a senior secured term loan facilities of circa $300m arranged by BNP Paribas.


Frigoglass Group


Ad Hoc Group of Noteholders of Adler Group SA


Lenders under a senior facilities agreement borrowed by Cinema City Finance (2017) BV, a subsidiary of Cineworld Group PLC


Ad hoc group of majority bondholders of senior secured stock issued by Intu Debenture plc


Work highlights


  • Advised a co-ordinating committee of lenders on the comprehensive debt-for-equity restructuring, new money financing and the consensual transfer of equity in Schur Flexibles Group (from the former shareholders to a lender-controlled vehicle).
  • Advised Teide, Mulhacen and the Sponsor as owners of Spanish regulated bank, WiZinkon, othe restructuring of Mulhacen’s approx. €560m senior secured PIK toggle notes and the raising of €280m new capital for the group.
  • Advised the ad hoc group holding the majority of outstanding notes of Officine Maccaferri on a ground-breaking restructuring, being the first successful court-supervised restructuring of a high yield bond and distressed debt-to-equity restructuring led by noteholders in Italy.

Slaughter and May

Forming an integral part of the firm’s blue-chip corporate and banking offerings, Slaughter and May‘s ‘exceptional’ restructuring team is best-known for its ability to provide ‘top-notch advice on large and complex UK situations’. In this context, the team, which is led by the ‘experienced, hardworking and smart’ Ian Johnson, is particularly accomplished at handling work in listed situations, both for Plcs as debtors, as well as acquirers of distressed debt. Johnson is also adept at handling work for beleaguered retail financial services entities in the unique challenges faced with their insolvencies, as well as frequently being used as a sounding board for central governments and central banks. The ‘extremely experienced’ Tom Vickers is ‘calm in a crisis’ and has a versatile practice that also includes some creditor work for banking clients. At an associate level, Evelyn Fleming is ‘technically strong and has great case management skills’. 

Practice head(s):

Ian Johnson


Other key lawyers:

Tom Vickers; Claire Cooke; Tim Newey; Joshua Bauernfreund; Ed Couzens; Evelyn Fleming


Testimonials

A technically strong team that connects well with the wider firm to deliver great client service.’

The exceptional team applies its commercial acumen incredibly well to utilising the law to achieve the commercial intent of their clients.’

Highly polished, very experienced, especially in listed situations. Top-notch debtor advice on large and complex UK situations.’

The very experienced, hardworking and smart Ian Johnson is calm in a crisis and well respected by other lawyers and advisers.’

Tom Vickers is extremely experienced, calm in a crisis and highly versatile.’

The exceptional Claire Cooke has first-rate subject matter knowledge which she applies to deliver commercial solutions in complex situations.’

Evelyn Fleming is technically strong and has great case management skills.’

Key clients

Cineworld Group


ASOS


NEXT plc


McBride plc


Interserve


Grant Thornton


NSF


Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch


Atlas Mara Limited


AlixPartners


Silicon Valley Bank


Work highlights


  • Advising Cineworld Group plc on the Chapter 11 cases for its US, UK and Jersey businesses.
  • Advised Silicon Valley Bank UK on the consequences for its own financial position following its parent, Silicon Valley Bank, being placed into receivership by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Bank of England subsequently announcing it intended to place SVBUK into a Bank Insolvency Procedure.
  • Advised NEXT plc on the acquisition of the majority of Joules’ assets out of administration by a newly formed joint venture between NEXT and Joules’ founder, Tom Joule.

Ashurst

The ‘very strong team’ at Ashurst delivers ‘pragmatic, commercial and often innovative advice’ for stakeholders at every level of the capital structure. Although the team has significant experience advising on cross-border matters – where it can leverage resources across the firm’s extensive EMEA and APAC network of offices – it has been particularly active of late on a range of high-profile domestic mandates. Team head Olga Galazoula has been at the forefront of many of these, particularly within the retail sector, including her work for the Morrisons Group on its acquisition of the McColl’s convenience store network via a pre-pack administration sale. The team also has a very strong reputation in dealing with regulated financial services firms, an area that the ‘very experienced and highly knowledgeable’ Drew Sainsbury has developed a niche. Giles Boothman provides ‘innovative solutions’ to funds, including in relation to loan-to-own strategies. Counsel Inga West  is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Olga Galazoula


Other key lawyers:

Drew Sainsbury; Ru-Woei Foong; Giles Boothman; Lynn Dunne; Nigel Ward; Richard Bulmore; Inga West; Maria Staiano-Kolaitis; Simon Clarke


Testimonials

The team is particularly strong in dealing with regulated financial services firms.’

Very experienced and completely comfortable in a highly specialist sector.’

Drew Sainsbury is a very experienced and highly knowledgeable professional in the restructuring fields. He is an excellent person to have by your side in stressful, difficult and sometimes novel situations.’

Key clients

AlixPartners


Allsop LLP


Anchorage


ANZ


Apollo Global Management


Archer Limited


Avenue


Babcock & Brown


Bain Capital


Bank of Cyprus


Barclays


Belveder


Blackrock


Blackstone


Carlyle


Cerberus


Channel 10


China Energy Reserve & Chemical Group


Crossrail Limited


Davidson Kempner European Partners, LLP


DE Shaw & Co Inc


Deloitte


Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy


Deutsche Bank


EMAS Chiyoda


EnQuest


Equilend Europe Limited


Essar Oil


EY


Fortress


General Nuclear International Limited


Grant Thornton


Hamburg Commercial Bank AG


Her Majesty’s Government


HIH Insurance


HSBC


ICICI Bank


Infrastructure and Projects Authority


Interserve


Interpath


Johnston Press


JP Morgan


KPMG


Kildare Partners


Lamprell Plc


Lehman Brothers


Lloyds


LGT Private Debt (UK) Ltd


M&G


McLaren


MF Global


M&G Investment


MIE Holdings


NAB


Nomura


Nordic Trustee AS


Oaktree


Petra Diamonds


Pemberton Capital


PGS


PIMCO Europe GmbH


PWC


Santander UK plc


Standard Chartered Bank


Stewart Milne Group Limited


SVS Securities Plc (in Special Administration)


TD Securities Limited


Teneo


The Financial Conduct Authority


Thomas Cook


Titan Petrochemicals


Tullow Oil Plc


UIA (Insurance) Limited


Wasps Holdings Limited


William Blair International, Ltd


WM Morrison Supermarkets Plc


York Capital


Work highlights


  • Acted for the Morrisons Group on its acquisition of the McColl’s convenience store network via a pre-pack administration sale of the business and assets, rescuing the business out of the largest UK retail insolvency since 2020.
  • Advising Alastair Beveridge and Clare Kennedy of AlixPartners UK LLP in relation to their appointment as joint liquidators of Debenhams PLC and their ongoing investigations.
  • Advising the FCA on its review, and negotiation, of Amigo Loans’ schemes. This included acting for the FCA on its successful court opposition of the first scheme of arrangement.

Jones Day

The ‘exceptionally able and well-resourced’ team at Jones Day is best-known for its contentious insolvency expertise, where it handles the ‘biggest cases calmly and successfully’. Ben Larkin, who is praised for his willingness to take ‘the time to develop a very deep understanding of salient aspects of litigation’, has been instrumental to this success, and alongside the ‘fantastic’ Adam Brown, has acted for the IPs in relation to many of the largest retail insolvencies in UK history, including their ongoing work investigating and prosecuting claims in the aftermath of the BHS collapse. Larkin, who co-heads the overarching team alongside Sion Richards, has also continued to develop the team’s traction among private equity firms in relation to distressed M&A activity, in particular. Barnaby Stueck  is a ‘highly effective insolvency litigator’ and is adept at handling cases with a multi-jurisdictional complexion, while at a non-partner level, counsel Hannah Plumb is ‘one to watch’.

Practice head(s):

Ben Larkin; Sion Richards


Other key lawyers:

David Harding; Adam Brown; Barnaby Stueck; Hannah Plumb


Testimonials

It is an exceptionally able and well resourced team.’

They display an incredibly impressive marriage of fastidious attention to factual detail and carefully thought out litigation strategy.’

They are very adept at traversing the technical aspects of insolvency law/complex M&A transactions and the more general strategic aspects of litigation.’ 

‘They are a top drawer outfit, handling the biggest cases calmly and successfully.’

They have all the strength-in-depth and resources that you would expect from a massive international operation, but they provide the individual and bespoke service you would hope to find in the very best litigation boutique.’

‘Ben Larkin takes the time to develop a very deep understanding of salient aspects of litigation and has an acute understanding of the need to continually reflect on the strategy and adapt as soon as necessary.’

The fantastic Adam Brown has brilliant litigation judgement and is always thinking three steps ahead.’

Ben Larkin and Adam Brown are exceptionally talented practitioners who bring a wealth of experience in litigation concerning M&A and restructuring aspects.’

Key clients

Comet/FRP


Flexport


BHS/FRP


Laura Ashley/FRP


Interpath


Aurelius Capital


Work highlights


Mayer Brown International LLP

Mayer Brown International LLP‘s ‘very commercial practice’ advises a diverse array of stakeholders across an eclectic mix of work in the space, ranging from more transactional distressed investment mandates, through to formal insolvency matters. Leveraging his expertise on underlying Shariah-compliant financial structures, Barry Cosgrave has niche strength handling Middle East-related mandates. Devi Shah  is adept at advising on cross-border contentious matters, as well as having built up a market-leading reputation for pensions and insurance-related insolvencies. Shah co-heads the team alongside Amy Jacks and Michael Fiddy, who are ‘both personable, technically strong and appropriately pragmatic’ for clients, including banks, funds and IPs on mainstream restructuring matters.

Practice head(s):

Devi Shah; Amy Jacks; Michael Fiddy


Other key lawyers:

Barry Cosgrave; Sheena Frazer; Ben Ward


Testimonials

A very commercial practice with broad expertise.’

‘Michael Fiddy has a very strong legal mind, is extremely commercial and a great problem solver.’

Amy Jacks is simply a great operator who, in addition to a great volume of technical knowledge, has a hands-on and commercial approach to complex restructurings.’

Amy Jacks and Michael Fiddy are both personable, technically strong and appropriately pragmatic.’

Key clients

HSBC


BDO


Daiwa


FTI


Mothercare Pension Schemes


Alvarez & Marsal Europe


Debenhams Pension Schemes


PricewaterhouseCoopers


Moorfields


Apollo Global Management, Inc.


EA Partners


Permira Funds


Green Network Energy


AlixPartners


Mount Street


EDF Man


Work highlights


  • Advised Sancta Capital GP Ltd, Sandglass Capital Advisors LLC, VR Advisory Services Ltd and various other noteholders forming the Ad Hoc Committee of Noteholders, who, together, held Notes issued by EA Partners I B.V. and EA Partners II B.V., entities associated with Etihad Airways.
  • Represented CVA supervisors and partners AlixPartners and their predecessors, partners in Ernst & Young, in relation to a number of aspects and transactions involving the CVA company which is a North Sea oil operator and developer.
  • Acting for insolvency practitioners from Alvarez & Marsal Europe, in their capacity as the joint liquidators of a high-profile multi-national construction and engineering company with interests and operations across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

Sidley Austin LLP

The ‘entrepreneurial, commercial and highly personable’ team at Sidley Austin LLP has continued to gain market share for a range of stakeholders throughout the capital structure, from lead lenders, private equity sponsors engaged in distressed investments and for portfolio companies requiring liability management advice.  Under the leadership of the ‘young, energetic and commercial’ Jifree Cader and Mark Knight, the firm has, however, been particularly successful in scoring debtor-side roles, both in Europe and Asia. Most notably, the team has successfully worked alongside its Hong Kong restructuring and capital markets colleagues on the spate of offshore Chinese real estate company restructurings which have ensued since the firm acted as issuer counsel on their bond raisings.

Practice head(s):

Jifree Cader; Mark Knight


Other key lawyers:

Kieran Sharma; Dhevine Chandrapala; Raveena Channa; Molly Dyas; Luke Mason


Testimonials

‘An entrepreneurial, commercial and highly personable team.’

‘Mark Knight and Jifree Cader are both young, energetic and commercial, and are a joy to work with.’

‘Mark Knight’s ability to see the big picture, apply a strong commercial mindset and back it up with deep legal skills and hard work means premium results are achieved and the journey to them is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.’

‘The Sidley team really understands the commercial issues for our business. They are solution driven and always want to find a solution. A joy to work with!’

‘Mark Knight and Jifree Cader stand out amongst their peers. Both are hands-on when working on complex deals.’

‘Partners are available around the clock for clients and are hands-on with mandates, providing senior led complex advice using low levered teams, creating cost efficiencies.’

‘The individual strength of the team members at each level is highly visible and it is clear the team both likes and greatly respects one another. The working environment created by the Sidley approach results in a sense of being ‘in this together’ across client and counsel and that drives better outcomes and clearer communication between us.’

Key clients

Scale Facilitation Partners LLC (BritishVolt)


Merced Capital (Telford Offshore)


Schur Flexibles Group


The Learning Network


Global Loan Agency Services Limited (Galapagos)


Global Loan Agency Services Limited (Moby)


Travelex Topco Limited


CFLD (Cayman) Investment Limited


Modern Land (China) Co. Limited


RiseSun Real Estate Development Co., Limited


China Evergrande


Fantasia Holdings Group


Sunac China Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Merced Capital on its acquisition of the Telford Offshore group, by way of enforcement of Cayman security over shares held in the holding company of the operational group.
  • Advised China Fortune Land Development Co. on the restructuring of its $4.96bn offshore debt by way of English scheme of arrangement.
  • The Learning Network on the completion of its sale to Dutch investment company (Intersaction) and its associated restructuring.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Effectively able to leverage the firm’s institutional ties with a raft of private equity heavyweights, including KKR, and also benefiting from good officeholder relationships, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s nascent restructuring team has performed well in the market, picking up ‘strong and important mandates from key players’. As well as defensive debtor side work for sponsor clients, the team, which is led by ‘class act’ Adam Gallagher, has also picked up work for funds providing private capital in stressed situations. The ‘detail oriented and responsive’ James Watson , who founded the UK team in 2021 with Gallagher, is ‘highly technical, likeable and user friendly’ and has experience in domestic and cross-border restructurings and formal insolvency situations.

Practice head(s):

Adam Gallagher


Other key lawyers:

James Watson; Mark Hecht; Toby Smyth; Dasha Chirkov


Testimonials

‘Led by arguably the most commercial and pragmatic lawyer in the London market in Adam Gallagher. Marc Hecht is also a real talent and rising star.’

‘James Watson is a detail orientated and responsive partner, and not afraid to give a view when the situation calls for it.’

‘Adam Gallagher – considered, extremely knowledgeable, always available, excellent at stakeholder management. Dasha Chirkov is technically excellent across a range of topics – great communicator, commercially savvy, hard-working, a pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

KKR (Food Delivery Brands / Telepizza)


FTI Consulting LLP as administrators to certain Avanti group companies


Esken Limited


Ian Wormleighton, Daniel Butters & Benji Dymant of Teneo as joint administrators of GBG International Holding Company Limited (GIHCL), TVM Fashion Labs Limited, and GBG Europe Footwear & Accessories (GBG EF&A) – all members of the international Global Brands Group


Toucan Energy Holdings 1 Limited and its subsidiaries|Interpath Advisory as administrators to Toucan Energy Holdings 1 Limited


Hurtigruten Group AS


Work highlights


  • Advised the Norwegian specialist cruise operator Hurtigruten and its sponsor, TDR, on its €1.3bn multi-stakeholder recapitalisation.
  • Advised KKR in relation to the restructuring of Telepizza/Food Delivery Brands involving debt of c. €530m.
  • Advised Teneo as administrators of Global Brands Group with c.$500m of debt.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP

Although it remains relatively compact in comparison with some ranked peer firms, Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP‘s partner-led team ‘punch well above their weight’ for a creditor/investor-focused client base engaged in a myriad complex restructuring and distressed and special situations investing matters. ‘Very calm through difficult situations’, team head Graham Lane  leads from the front, providing ‘clear, commercial advice that cuts through the complex legal knots’, including for funds seeking to capitalise on restructuring opportunities and to protect and optimise existing investments. Much of the workflow is multi-jurisdictional, with clients benefiting from access to lawyers on the ground across both Europe and US. Edward Downer and Iben Madsen round at the team at partner level, and are both also adept at working with fund clients in particular, both as creditors and investors. At an associate level, Alexander Roy is ‘incredibly creative’ on behalf of corporates, IPs and funds; he recently worked alongside Lane for the debtor in what was the first use of a restructuring plan involving a regulated healthcare business in the UK.

 

Practice head(s):

Graham Lane


Other key lawyers:

Edward Downer; Iben Madsen; Jason Taylor; Alexander Roy


Testimonials

‘It is a small team of impressive lawyers who punch well above their weight.’

‘The team were very pragmatic in their approach and were always considering the client/commercial view which supported us in making good, informed decisions.’

They offer clear, commercial advice that cuts through the complex legal knots.’

Graham Lane is fantastic.’

Graham Lane is an outstanding professional. A delight to work with. He is very calm through difficult situations, and steps up as a trusted adviser to proactively lead his client and transactions.’

Graham Lane and Alexander Roy are both incredibly creative in terms of finding solutions and workarounds before they become problems.’

Key clients

Steerco of unsecured creditors of Orpea


GLAS


Official committee of unsecured creditors of SAS


Kroll


Lifeways Group


Searchlight Capital Partners


Third Point


Monarch Alternative Capital


Work highlights


  • Advised Lifeways, the UK’s largest provider of supported living services for adults with complex needs, on the first ever UK restructuring plan involving a Care Quality Commission-regulated business in the UK, and one of only a handful of restructuring plans in the UK since their introduction by new legislation in 2020.
  • Continued to advise GLAS in its capacity as trustee of a group of convertible bondholders with respect to the administration of Intu Properties, the owner and operator of a number of large shopping centres in the UK and internationally.
  • Advising a group of independent directors in connection with the UK law aspects of the $5bn bankruptcy of Cineworld, the world’s second-biggest cinema chain.

CMS

Often deploying a multi-disciplinary approach which draws upon expertise from across other practice areas, CMS provides ‘helpful and cost-effective advice’ to a fairly even split of debtors and creditors on restructuring and insolvency matters within the mid to upper-mid market. Traditionally strong for banks as creditors, under the leadership of Martin Brown, the firm also continues to gain market share on behalf of funds, including in the context of special situations and acquirers of NPL portfolios. The ‘unflappable’ Glen Flannery is key to much of the firm’s success on the debtor/IP front, where he is appreciated for his ‘commercial’ approach, tactical acumen, detailed knowledge of the law and underlying financial services, pensions and retail sector expertise.

Practice head(s):

Martin Brown


Other key lawyers:

Peter Wiltshire; Glen Flannery; Emma Riddle; Timea Scholey; Kelly Rothwell


Testimonials

The approachable team provides helpful and cost-effective advice.’

‘The unflappable Glen Flannery is experienced, affable, commercial and a great tactical player.’

 

Key clients

National Westminster Bank


HSBC Bank UK


AIB Group (UK) plc


Deutsche Bank


LCM Partners


Financial Conduct Authority


Insolvency officeholders from Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP, PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP, ReSolve Advisory Limited, RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP, Teneo Limited, FRP Advisory LLP and David Rubin & Partners LLP (now part of Begbies Traynor Group plc).


Octopus Energy Group.


Hoover Limited.


SO Energy Limited.


Davidson Kempner European Partners, LLP.


Work highlights


  • Advised the German Federal Network Agency of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action on English law aspects of stabilisation, financing and recapitalisation of SEFE GmbH (formerly known as Gazprom Germania).
  • Advising Alvarez & Marsal as administrators of the failed energy supplier Orbit Energy on its administration, following the transfer of its customers to a supplier of last resort in the midst of the UK’s energy supply crisis.
  • Advised DK on its bid for and purchase of a portfolio of loans with face value of $1.2bn from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. This was the first transaction of its kind in the UAE market and the consent of the UAE Central Bank was required.

Dentons

Led by the ‘incredibly knowledgeable and practical’ Neil Griffiths, the ‘proactive and pragmatic’ team at Dentons provides ‘high quality and commercial advice’ to banks, IPs and debtors across the gamut of restructuring, insolvency and distressed investing. The team has recently been particularly active handling a number of high-profile matters within the beleaguered UK energy sector, including Ian Fox's advice to the board of Britishvolt on its restructuring options given its deteriorating financial position. Contentious insolvency work also remains a mainstay of the practice, with the firm noted for its ‘ability to think innovatively as new situations and problems emerge’. This thoughtful and sophisticated approach has over the years come to the fore in the firm’s high-profile representation of the joint administrators in the LBHI2 (Lehman Brothers) estate. The ‘exceptionally good’ Tessa Blank  and associate Jonathan Sears, who is ‘a brilliant technical lawyer’, have been pivotal members of the team on the aforementioned matter, as has ‘highly capable’ counsel Luci Mitchell-Fry.

Practice head(s):

Neil Griffiths


Other key lawyers:

Ian Fox; Catherine Astruc; Celia Hayward; Richard Pallot-Cook; Jason Sheard; Tessa Blank; Luci Mitchell-Fry; Mark Price; Helen Anderson; Jonathan Sears


Testimonials

They provide high quality and commercial advice.’

What I think stands out is that depth of experience and, from that, the ability to think innovatively as new situations and problems emerge.’

It is completely on the ball in responding quickly, being proactive and providing pragmatic advice.’

Neil Griffiths is incredibly knowledgeable and practical in his approach.’

‘Ian Fox is solutions oriented and commercial.’

Tessa Blank is exceptionally good with clients and a great communicator.’

Richard Pallot-Cook and Celia Hayward provide a first-class service and have an excellent understanding of their clients’ needs, often anticipating and managing challenges before they become impediments to a transaction.’

Jonathan Sears is a brilliant technical lawyer.’

Key clients

Power by Britishvolt Limited


Hurricane Energy


Ofgem


BDO


Beal Bank


PwC


Knight Frank


Interpath/KPMG


Hurricane Energy PLC


Work highlights


  • Advising the board of Britishvolt on its restructuring options given its deteriorating financial position and contingency planning (with EY) for the potential administration of the company.
  • Advising Hurricane Energy on one of the first restructuring plans in the UK.
  • Providing advice and assistance to energy regulator Ofgem in relation to issues arising from the significant volatility/disruption in the energy markets.

DLA Piper

With a strong presence in London and the key regional centres, the ‘hard working and technically strong’ team at DLA Piper is particularly effective at providing ‘responsive and pragmatic’ advice to creditor, debtor and investor stakeholders engaged in high-profile UK-based restructuring and insolvency matters. In this context, the team, which is led by Tim Dawson, is able to provide support on all aspects of complex insolvency’, as well as being able to lean into other core complementary practice areas including tax, litigation and finance. Under the guidance of David Ampaw and David Manson, the team has also continued to develop its special situations offering and is gaining traction among funds clients deploying a range of bespoke capital solutions. Chris Parker has ‘strong technical knowledge’ in relation to cross-border contentious restructuring, and regularly works alongside practitioners from throughout the firm’s wide global footprint.

Practice head(s):

Tim Dawson


Other key lawyers:

Chris Parker; David Ampaw; Neil Riley; David Manson; Jonathan Richards; Peter Manley; Pippa Hill; Sarah Archer; Rowan Aspinwall; Samantha Reeves; Laura Carrier; Philip Povey


Testimonials

‘The team is friendly, hard working and technically strong.’

They are pragmatic and appropriately assertive in driving cases forward.’

Responsive, proactive, experienced, knowledgeable, friendly and commercial.’

‘They have strength and depth in terms of its service offering and is able to provide support on all aspects of complex insolvency, given its strong service offering in areas such as corporate tax and its broad geographical reach (both international and regional within the UK).’

Chris Parker has strong technical knowledge and delivers advice with a friendly and warm demeanour.’

Neil Riley is an excellent negotiator.’

Key clients

Alvarez & Marsal


Kyma Capital


EY Parthenon


Kroll


FTI Consulting


GLAS


Hilco Capital


PwC


Grant Thornton


Teneo


Interpath


Cooperative bank


Eden


Canary Wharf Contractors


VEON


Fidera


Work highlights


  • Longstanding legal advisors to VEON on their loan facilities, derivatives and other corporate treasury matters.
  • Advised Flybe in relation to its options analysis, stakeholder engagement, directors’ fiduciary and statutory duties, contingency planning and latterly the appointment of David Pike and Mike Pink of Interpath Advisory as administrators to the company.
  • Advising Alvarez & Marsal as joint administrators for NMC Health Plc, the largest private healthcare company in the UAE.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Drawing upon 'excellent insight and rounded knowledge of the industry', Herbert Smith Freehills LLP provides a 'responsive and proactive' service to a debtor-focused client base across a range of restructuring and formal insolvency matters. Unsurprisingly perhaps given the firm's commercial litigation pedigree, the team, which is led by John Whiteoak ('extremely energetic and full of ideas'), is particularly adept at handling contentious insolvency engagements. Appreciated for her 'measured and incisive' advice, Natasha Johnson is also a key practitioner for contentious matters, including as it relates to directors' duties/misfeasance issues. As part of his broad skillset in the space, Kevin Pullen has niche expertise handling    infrastructure and project restructurings including those underpinned by PFI/PPP contractual terms.

Practice head(s):

John Whiteoak


Other key lawyers:

Kevin Pullen; Natasha Johnson; John Chetwood; Andrew Cooke; James Rea-Palmer; Philip Lis


Testimonials

The team is extremely experienced in all matters arising in relation to contentious corporate insolvency disputes.’

Excellent insight and rounded knowledge of the industry.’

They have a very clear strategic direction from the outset, are consistently assessing whether the clients’ best interests are being met by the proposed course, and are very hands-on and immersed in the detail of the case.’

Key clients

Certain non-executive directors of Carillion


DTGO Corporation Limited


Birmingham Highways Limited


Made.com


Accsys Technologies Plc


Work highlights


  • Advising certain former non-executive directors in relation to director disqualifications proceedings brought by the Secretary of State as a result of the high-profile liquidation of Carillion Plc.
  • Continuing to advise the joint administrators in the long running Nortel Networks insolvency.
  • Advised Made.com on its contingency planning in parallel with its strategic review and subsequently acted for the administrators on the sale of the Made.com brand, associated intellectual property, domain names and customer databases to Next Retail Limited.

Macfarlanes LLP

The 'very personable' team at Macfarlanes LLP provides advice to a myriad stakeholders including corporates, investors and IPs which is 'tailored to real circumstances and backed by technical detail'. Consequently, the team, which is led by Jat Bains ('a fountain of knowledge across a range of restructuring matters') regularly secures favourable results in domestic and cross-border matters, whether it be in relation to formal insolvency mandates, restructurings or fund-related transactional work. Himself a qualified IP,  Paul Keddie has 'very impressive technical knowledge', which he is able to draw upon to 'suggest practical solutions to complex legal problems' across a range of corporate restructuring and recovery matters.

Practice head(s):

Jat Bains


Other key lawyers:

Paul Keddie; Amy Walker; Tim Bromley-White


Testimonials

‘Very personable, able to provide advice tailored to real circumstances and backed by the technical detail.’

Jat Bains has a wealth of experience and is a fountain of knowledge across a range of restructuring matters.’

Paul Keddie has very impressive technical knowledge and is able to use that to suggest practical solutions to complex legal problems.’

Amy Walker is one to watch.’

 

Key clients

Benji Dymant and Rob Harding of Teneo Financial Advisory Limited


Constructions Industrielles de la Méditerranée SA and its subsidiaries


Creative Artists Agency, LLC (CAA),


Sparta Capital Management Limited


Trevor Binyon and Steve Parker of Opus Restructuring LLP as administrators of Unicom Insurance Services Limited, Tradewise Group of Companies Limited and liquidators of Tradewise Insurance Services Limited


Rob Croxen and Jonathan Marston of Alvarez & Marsal as administration of Aurora Limited, Aurora Distribution Limited and Aurorira Projects (UK) Limited


Work highlights


Paul Hastings LLP

Leveraging the firm’s vastly enhanced acquisition finance offering, which has included a spate of eye-catching lateral hires over the past 18 months, and also itself benefitting from considerable upward trajectory – with Helena Potts  the latest recent hire to the restructuring team (following her arrival in February 2023 from Shearman & Sterling LLP) – Paul Hastings LLP is increasingly well-positioned and well-resourced to handle a significant range of instructions, from insolvent liquidations to consensual restructurings and new money opportunities. As well as handling European and domestic mandates, the team, which is headed by the vastly experienced David Ereira  is well-placed to advise on the unwinding of US debt products, as well as having the flexibility to utilise Chapter 11 protection  by virtue of its US offices. Mei Lian is well-versed at handling transactional work in the space, including for funds seeking to realise value in stressed and distressed situations.

Practice head(s):

David Ereira; Mei Lian


Other key lawyers:

Helena Potts; David Shennan; Crispin Daly


Testimonials

‘Deep knowledge and significant experience. In addition, a great team – a pleasure to work with.’

‘Mei Lian is an exceptional lawyer and a great team leader: in addition to her deep knowledge and expertise, her hands-on approach to each transaction, her attention to detail and her communication skills make her unique.’

Key clients

Alpine Grove


Government of Jamaica


Park First


DPK


The family shareholders of Matalan


Metals Exploration/Edwards Investment/Runruno Limited


doValue S.p.A. and doValue Greece


GLAS


Mudrick Capital


AlbaCore


Owl Creek Asset Management


Work highlights


  • Acted for Alpine Grove on the acquisition of the entire business of the Argyll Club.
  • Advising Park First, a leading operator of airport car parking services at several leading UK hub airports, on their refinancing and liability management strategies, including on potential asset disposals for generation of liquidity and other restructuring processes.
  • Advised DPK on its acquisition of the Royal Albert Docks site in East London from the insolvent Chinese-backed developer, ABP London.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP provides a ‘very professional, proactive and highly collaborative’ service to banks, funds and IPs engaged in mid to upper-mid-market restructuring and insolvency matters. Although the firm is industry agnostic, it has over the years developed core specialisms, including the ‘very solutions oriented’ Andrew Robertson's skill at handling infrastructure/construction insolvencies. Team head Steven Cottee is very effective at advising on high-profile football administrations, and is also a market-leading practitioner in relation to professional practices insolvencies (including law firms). Charles Maunder is also a key member of the team, and frequently receives referral work from Magic Circle and large US firms to provide advice to directors in relation to high-profile company failures.

Practice head(s):

Steven Cottee


Other key lawyers:

Charles Maunder; Nick Gavin-Brown; Gemma Kaplan; Andrew Robertson; Serena McAllister; Bhaljinder Mander; James Hillman; Melanie Moore


Testimonials

‘The team displays a very professional, proactive and highly collaborative approach.’

‘Andrew Robertson has a very solutions oriented and pro-active approach, always with the target to achieve the best outcome for the client and to coordinate parties involved in the best possible way.’

‘The team are technically strong, particularly from a banking/security perspective, as well as highly commercial dealmakers who are often critical to us completing deals, enabling us to complete transactions swiftly often in competition with other investors ensuring we take a balanced view of risk/reward. There is no other team who we can go to in highly complex situations where we need both core R&I led advice supported by strong cross functional teams.’

Key clients

All UK clearing banks except the Bank of England


PwC


Deloitte


Teneo


Interpath


EY


BDO


Grant Thornton


Alvarez and Marsal


Smith & Williamson


RSM Advisory


Quantuma Advisory


Begbies Traynor


Azets


Mazars LLP


Kroll Advisory


FRP Advisory


Gordon Brothers


Aurelius


Rcapital


Sandton Capital


Soho Square Capital LLP


Zetland Capital


Cushman and Wakefield


Simple Energy Technology Limited


Nostrum Oil & Gas plc


Intu Milton Keynes Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Quantuma Advisory Limited as the joint administrators of Derby County Football Club.
  • Advising Nostrum Oil & Gas in connection with its $1bn Scheme of Arrangement, in particular around the structuring of its compromise of certain noteholders subject to sanctions by the UK Government.
  • Advised FRP Advisory Limited as the joint administrators of Safe Hands Plans Limited, a pre-paid funeral provider to approximately 46,000 customers in the UK.

Addleshaw Goddard

Drawing upon the expertise of an 'exceptional regional offering' and a 'solid' presence in the capital, Addleshaw Goddard is particularly well-suited to handling domestic mid-market work for a creditor/investor-focused client base that includes banks, bondholders and special situations funds. Team head Fraser Ritson  provides a 'responsive and knowledgeable' service on much of this creditor work, and is also a popular choice for IPs engaged in the administration of insolvent businesses. Although the firm's cross-border capabilities were impacted somewhat by the departure of Paul Fleming  to Winston & Strawn LLP in January 2023, it is still able to call upon the services of Karl Clowry, who continues to work alongside the firm's Asia offices on high-quality creditor committee work relating to English law-governed offshore issued bonds.

Practice head(s):

Ged Barnes; Fraser Ritson


Other key lawyers:

Karl Clowry; Anna Hodgson; Adam McCarron


Testimonials

The team provides practical and commercial advice.’

‘They have excellent technical knowledge.’

‘Adam McCarron is responsive, commercial and effective in helping to structure and agree financially stressed transactions in short timeframes.’

Fraser Ritson is responsive and knowledgeable, and always makes himself available to assist funders.’

Key clients

Teneo Financial Advisory Limited (as Administrators of SunGard Availability Services UK Limited)


Cyrus Capital (as principal shareholder and debt funder of flybe Limited)


FRP Advisory Trading Limited (as Liquidators of Maker & Son Limited)


Cercis Limited


Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP (as Administrators of Aurora Limited, Aurora Distribution Limited and Aurora Projects (UK) Ltd)


Interpath Advisory (as administrators of the CNG Group of companies)


Kroll Advisory Ltd (as Liquidators of Arena Television Limited)


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (as Administrators of The Sofa Workshop Limited)


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (as administrators of Recycling Technologies Plc)


Solar Clear Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Teneo as joint administration on a complex series of sales of the datacentre assets of the SunGard Group.
  • Acting for Cyrus Capital as lender and shareholder to flybe limited ahead of and in relation to the airline’s high profile administration and sale of landing slots.
  • Acting for Cercis (incorporated by the owners of Crocus.co.uk – the largest gardening website in the UK) to acquire the business and assets of Primrose.co.uk.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Strengthened on the contentious and corporate restructuring sides, respectively, by the arrival in July 2022 of both Colin Ashford and Richard Obank from Brown Rudnick LLP, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner provides an increasingly comprehensive offering for a varied mix of corporates, IPs and funds on mid-market mandates. Obank now heads the practice that includes long-established team member Marc Trottier , whose eclectic mix of work includes formal insolvency mandates and transactions for funds investing in distressed situations, impaired credits and complex loan-to-own transactions. Leveraging the firm’s real estate credentials, the team also has niche expertise advising stakeholders in nearly every major landlord CVA in the market.

Practice head(s):

Richard Obank


Other key lawyers:

Colin Ashford; Marc Trottier


Testimonials

‘The team is very aligned and joined up. Always fully briefed and willing and able to participate in discussion. Extremely pragmatic and always keen to find proportionate solutions to issues.’

‘Marc Trottier is a superb first point of contact and exceedingly able corporate finance lawyer. Marc has an excellent manner which is both approachable, for those smaller queries, and utmost professional in situations that require a more formal approach. Marc’s technical ability is outstanding, making him a safe pair of hands for any matter that requires legal attention. In all, Marc is a tremendously nice person, excellent insolvency lawyer and someone in whom an entire audience immediately has confidence in.’

Key clients

C.& J. Clark International Limited


The Equiom group of companies


Begbies Traynor Group


FRP Advisory


Work highlights


  • Advising Clarks, the iconic British-based shoe retailer, throughout 2022 in relation to the implementation of its high-profile company voluntary arrangement (CVA) involving c.350 stores and on negotiations regarding various High Court challenges to the CVA.
  • Advised the Equiom group of companies on the multi-jurisdictional restructuring of its equity and approximately £190m of debt owed to a consortium of commercial banks and private equity funds.
  • Advised Begbies Traynor Group in their capacity as joint administrators and joint receivers on the sale of Worcester Warriors rugby club to Atlas Worcester Warriors Rugby Club Limited.

Dechert LLP

Despite the departure in January 2023 of Solomon Noh  and Alastair Goldrein   to Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Dechert LLP maintains a strong offering for both creditors and debtors where it displays a ‘high level of technical excellence, in both UK and multi-jurisdictional situations‘. Leveraging the firm’s rich heritage in the asset management space, funds-related work informs much of the deal flow, both for private equity sponsors and credit funds. Praised for her ‘thorough and business-oriented’ approach and her ability ‘to build consensus’, Kay Morley is key to the success, regularly acting for distressed investors seeking to realise value in European distressed scenarios, as well as for private equity portfolio companies as debtors. Team head Adam Plainerbrings common sense, commerciality and plain speaking to any situation’, be it on behalf of distressed investors, junior and senior lenders or IPs.

Practice head(s):

Adam Plainer


Other key lawyers:

Kay Morley; Adam Silver; Tayyibah Arif


Testimonials

‘The team is diverse and provides hands-on, clear and thorough advice.’

‘Very client focused, technically excellent and responsive.’

High level of technical excellence, in both UK and multi-jurisdictional situations.

Adam Plainer is experienced, committed to his clients, technically very strong and commercial.’

Adam Plainer is an exceptional practitioner who brings common sense, commerciality and plain speaking to any situation.’

Kay Morley is very approachable, sharp, thorough and business-oriented.’

Kay Morley is very calm and insightful, and brings great influence to build consensus.’

Adam Silver – Technically very strong and very dedicated.’

Key clients

Noteholders of Public Joint-Stock Company Commercial Bank “PrivatBank”


Funds managed by Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited


Davidson Kempner


Citadel


Elliott Associates


Alden Global Capital


Monarch Alternative Capital LP


Eurohold Bulgaria AD


Sindicatum Renewable Energy Company PTE


JSC Ukrainian Railways


Duncan MacInnes & 465 SI Limited (“465 SI”)


Kevin Hellard and Amanda Wade, as trustees in bankruptcy of Derek Hood (Tuke proceedings)


Work highlights


  • After PrivatBank, the largest commercial bank in Ukraine, was placed into “temporary administration” and then nationalised under Ukrainian law, advised various noteholders on two related LCIA arbitration and English High Court proceedings relating to the sums due under Loan Participation Notes indirectly issued by PrivatBank through an SPV and purportedly “bailed-in”.
  • Advised the joint trustees in bankruptcy of Derek Hood who is the former owner and director of JD Classics, the largest classic car dealership in Europe.
  • Advised Mr MacInnes and 465 SI on the restructuring of their assets in order to satisfy a judgment of over £11 million obtained by Xenfin Fund 1 Trading Limited.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

Acting alone well as frequently in harness with its New York office, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP provides ‘a great quality client service’ to debtors and creditors across a broad range of mandates, from distressed M&A and out-of-court restructurings through to formal insolvency proceedings. Team head Ashley Katz is ‘outstanding’ across both insolvency and restructuring matters, and excels in advising clients, including funds, on sophisticated matters which often involve a fluid multi-disciplinary approach drawing from the firm’s broader corporate, finance and litigation offerings. Mandip Englund is also recommended and provides ‘a top quality client service’ to stakeholders engaged in cross-border restructuring and insolvencies.

Practice head(s):

Ashley Katz


Other key lawyers:

Mandip Englund; Amy Faraday


Testimonials

The team displays a great quality client service.’

‘The team has excellent legal skills and is very commercially minded.’

Ashley Katz is an outstanding insolvency and restructuring lawyer.’

Key clients

Bantry Bay Capital Limited


Ernst & Young as the administrators of CX Reinsurance Company Limited (in administration)


Alteri Investors


JNE Partners


Jefferies International Limited


Fidera Limited


Work highlights


  • Representing Bantry Bay in connection with the 2022 refinancing of the super senior facilities (revolving credit facilities and priority notes) of the Matalan Group, a UK fashion and homeware retailer and the subsequent high profile restructuring in early 2023.
  • Representing Ernst & Young, as joint administrators of CX Reinsurance Company Limited, in connection with CXRe being placed under English administration and advising on their role as foreign representatives in the Chapter 15 recognition proceedings.
  • Advised Alteri Investors, the specialist private equity investor in the European retail sector, backed by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. in the acquisition by Bensons for Beds of certain assets of Eve Sleep PLC (in administration) via pre-pack administration.

Goodwin

The ‘innovative and ambitious’ team at Goodwin continues to gain market traction among funds and IPs, in particular, which are appreciative of the team’s versatility across restructuring and formal insolvency work, as well as its ability to draw from other core firmwide sector strengths, including tech and life sciences. Simon Thomas is ‘very innovative’ and has been key to the firm’s success since establishing a UK offering in 2019, not only due to his transactional and technical expertise but also his ability to leverage the firm’s US credentials to good effect on cross-border mandates. The principal author of the market leading textbook on UK restructuring tools, Geoff O’Dea‘s ‘depth of knowledge in UK restructuring techniques is unsurpassed’, and he complements his co-head Thomas’ more cross-border focused offering. Counsel Tony Horspool  is also a ‘highly experienced and very capable’ member of the team by dint of his work for private equity firms on special situations and restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Simon Thomas; Geoff O’Dea


Other key lawyers:

Oonagh Steel; Emily Lockhart; Tony Horspool; Thomas Plowman


Testimonials

‘It is a very focused and knowledgeable team that seems to understand not only the commercial and legal implications of restructuring but also the personal ones.’

‘A strong, well connected team that is innovative and ambitious.’  

‘Simon Thomas – innovative and works collaboratively to progress matters across multiple sectors.’

Geoff O’Dea is a heavyweight presence in the market. His depth of knowledge in UK restructuring techniques is unsurpassed.’

Tony Horspool is a highly experienced and very capable lawyer.’

Oonagh Steel is technically very strong and has great case management skills.’

 

Key clients

Permira Credit Limited


Teneo


Flexenable Limited


Galaed / Aurora Lighting


T0day Group


Kroll Advisory


Interpath Advisory


EY


Madison Pacific


Alvarez & Marsal


FRP


Stellex Capital


Kroll Trustee Services


PwC


TowerBrook Capital Management / The Learning Network


Evolito


Sixth Street


Work highlights


  • Advised Madison Pacific Trust on several phases of the Noble Group restructuring with a combined aggregate value of $2.35bn.
  • Advised Galaed as the acquirer of the global trade Aurora Lighting business from Alvarez & Marsal (administrators).
     
  • Acted for TowerBrook Capital Management and its portfolio company TLN in connection with TLN’s ongoing restructuring.

McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP

The 'nimble and very approachable' team at McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP provides 'pragmatic, commercially-minded and technically superb' advice to a myriad stakeholders across a range of work in the contentious and non- contentious restructuring sector. Drawing upon the firm's wider finance capabilities and US footprint, the team is particularly adept at formulating innovative solutions for stakeholders throughout the capital structure and is appreciated for its ability to handle 'complex, multi-jurisdictional projects with ambition and creativity'. Mark Fennessy best demonstrates this solutions-oriented approach and excels 'in successfully conducting complex and often contentious matters co-ordinating client teams and other stakeholders involved'. Fennessy co-heads the team alongside the 'highly responsive and very knowledgeable' Aymen Mahmoud.

Practice head(s):

Mark Fennessy; Aymen Mahmoud


Other key lawyers:

Sunay Radia; Mark Fine; Alexander Andronikou; Marcia Shekerdemian; Victoria Kuhn


Testimonials

The team is nimble and very approachable.’

This is a pragmatic, commercially-minded and technically-superb team, which puts client service at the centre of its focus. One of its key qualities is an absolute dedication to providing solutions to clients and working around the clock to achieve that.’

Their knowledge and ability to deal with complex restructurings in line with the risk appetite of their clients is top notch.’

Versatile, multi-skilled team able to take on large, complex, multi-jurisdictional projects with ambition and creativity.’

‘Mark Fennessy has a superb grasp of the big picture and of creating strategy to achieve his clients’ goals.’

‘Mark Fennessy is an exceptional leader, whose key talent lies in successfully conducting complex and often contentious matters co-ordinating client teams and other stakeholders involved.’

Sunay Radia is second to none in availability, problem solving and safe guarding your position in a transaction.’

Aymen Mahmoud is highly responsive and very knowledgeable.’

Key clients

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority


GLAS SAS (London Branch)


GLAS Trustees Limited


GLAS Trust Corporation Limited


Global Loan Agency Services Limited (“GLAS”)


HPS Investment Partners


Odyssey Europe Holdco S.à r.l.


QMetric Group Limited


TREO Asset Management LLC


TREO NOAL GP Sarl


Work highlights


  • Representing TREO in its capacity as the general partner and investment manager of NOAL SCSp Fund (formerly known as the Novalpina Fund), in relation to all aspects of its role relating to the fund assets.
  • Representing GLAS in various trustee and agent capacities of circa $1.2bn billion of notes and €400m of bank debt issues by the Ukrainian DTEK energy group.
  • Advising GLAS as trustee and security agent on the restructuring of €515m senior notes issued by Mulhacen Pte Ltd (parent company of Spanish online bank, Wizink) and the raising of €250m new capital for Wizink.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Able to access resources throughout the firm's vast international network of offices, the 'brilliant' team at Norton Rose Fulbright excels in advising creditors and debtors engaged in cross-border restructurings/insolvencies in firmwide areas of sector strength including transport, energy and financial services. Team head James Stonebridge  regularly works alongside the firm's market-leading asset finance team to provide restructuring expertise in relation to large-scale distressed shipping matters. Mark Craggs  combines a deep knowledge of a variety of restructuring tools (including CVAs and schemes of arrangement) with transactional nous, ensuring that stakeholders are most appropriately advised, including in relation to distressed situations in highly regulated sectors.

Practice head(s):

James Stonebridge


Other key lawyers:

Mark Craggs; Radford Goodman; Dan Kennedy; Matthew Thorn; Gemma Long; Jack Mead; Manhal Zaman


Testimonials

‘The firm has a brilliant corporate restructuring and insolvency practice.’

‘Dan Kennedy is simply brilliant.’

‘Technical ability and collaboration – seamless delivery.’

‘James Stonebridge is technically strong in dealing with complex matters’

Key clients

Nordic Aviation Capital


Citibank


Scandinavian Airline System


ABN Amro


DNB


ING Bank


SMBC


Danmarks Skibskredit


LATAM


Regulator of Social Housing


Work highlights


  • Advised KfW IPEX-Bank and other lenders of Genting Hong Kong on the insolvency of the Genting Hong Kong Group of cruise companies.
  • Advised the Co-ordinating Committee comprised of financial institutions and export credit agencies representing over $500m in debt, secured by certain of Altera’s vessels.
  • Acted for Heytex, a German manufacturer, in relation to an unpaid letter of credit issued by Unity Trade Capital Limited.

Simmons & Simmons

Drawing upon an 'outstanding knowledge of restructuring and insolvency law',  Simmons & Simmons is a popular choice to safeguard the interests/maximise value for banks, investors, IPs and corporates in formal insolvency situations, distressed transactions and consensual restructurings. Team head Ben Jones is 'calm and collected at times of stress in negotiations' and provides 'very user friendly' advice to debtors and creditors in relation to contingency planning, as well as work in a distressed M&A context. Leveraging the firm's impressive private fund pedigree, the team is also noted for its work for secondary investors seeking to realise value in stressed situations. In this context, Ross Miller  'displays impeccable legal and commercial judgement' through his many years in private practice as well as during his previous tenure as head of legal with Deutsche Bank's Global Distressed Products Group.

Practice head(s):

Ben Jones


Other key lawyers:

Ross Miller; Tina Lockwood; Kirsten Kitt; Alexander Thavenot


Testimonials

The team is great to work with and has outstanding knowledge of restructuring and insolvency law.’

Ben Jones is a font of knowledge on both the law and the market and is very user friendly – calm and collected at times of stress in negotiations.’

Ben Jones has a great grasp of international bankruptcy regimes and is a great client advisor.’

Key clients

Avenue Capital


National Car Parks Limited


FRP Advisory


Teneo


Interpath


UK Government Investments


Grant Thornton UK LLP/Asset Recovery Fund SV 1 SARL


Shuaa Capital


Alvarez & Marsal


Work highlights


  • Advising National Car Parks Limited and its board of directors on the successful consensual restructuring of its leased car park portfolio and its recapitalisation.
  • Advising Intu Merry Hill and Intu Debenture on their ongoing restructurings.
  • Acting as conflicts counsel advising Grant Thornton LLP as administrators of Greensill Capital (UK) Limited and Greensill Capital Management Company (UK) Limited.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is involved for a debtor-focused client base in a significant number of major cross-border mandates, often working closely with associated practice areas including capital markets, corporate and disputes. Much of this work has a transatlantic angle, which the firm is able to handle out of London, as well as by collaborating with the market-leading US offering. Team head Peter Newman excels in this work, bringing as he does vast knowledge of US and English restructuring and insolvency procedures and how these interact with various jurisdictions in continental Europe. Newman also advises on creditor engagements, bringing ‘a calm demeanour to complex and stressful situations and looks to develop practical solutions to difficult problems’. 

Practice head(s):

Peter Newman


Other key lawyers:

Nicole Stephansen; James Falconer; Edward Taylor


Testimonials

‘The team has a deep bench and a broad skillset to bring to the most complex of situations.’

‘It uses technology well and shares information effectively, both inside and outside the team.’

They are adept at handling highly complex corporate and insurance restructuring work.’

Peter Newman is the attorney to go for any complex cross-border restructuring, in particular with a US angle.’

Peter Newman brings a calm demeanour to complex and stressful situations and looks to develop practical solutions to difficult problems.’

Key clients

Markel CATCo Reinsurance Fund Ltd. And its debtor affiliates


Sequana S.A.


E-House (China) Enterprise Holdings Limited


CFG Investments S.A.C.


Endo Pharmaceuticals


Wilmington Trust Limited / Creditor Trust


Borr Drilling


Sponsor of well-known taxi app


Majority shareholder of retail insurance business


Investment fund


Bondholder/shareholder of aircraft leasing business


Ad Hoc Group of bondholders to Moby Group SPA


Paragon Offshore Limited


Work highlights


  • Completed an innovative restructuring on behalf of Markel CATCo, a Bermuda-based insurance investment fund, which allowed for the repayment of investors and the release all litigation claims by way of a Bermuda scheme of arrangement and subsequent recognition and enforcement of the scheme in a chapter 15 case in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
  • Advised Borr Drilling Limited on refinancing transactions involving over $1.5bn of debt and trade liabilities, and on public equity capital raises of over $275m.
  • Advised CFG Investments SAC on its English restructuring plan under Part 26A of the Companies Act, one of the first plans of a non-English debtor, which was implemented in parallel with a US chapter 11 plan of reorganization.

Stephenson Harwood

Combining ‘deep technical expertise’ with a ‘pragmatic and commercial approach and client-focused availability’, Stephenson Harwood is popular among IPs, investors, corporates and creditors across a range of domestic and cross-border insolvency/restructuring matters, particularly in core areas of firmwide sector strength including shipping and energy. The team is, however, best-known for its contentious insolvency expertise, with ‘commercial and insightful’ team head Julian Cahn  and ‘extremely talented litigation’ partner Tal Goldsmith key resources in this regard. Ian Benjamin  is also recommended and provides ‘highly commercial and flexible advice’ on business turnarounds and both creditor and debtor-led restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Julian Cahn


Other key lawyers:

Ian Benjamin; Tal Goldsmith; Tim Crocker; Nick Axup; Paul Hollands


Testimonials

Deep technical expertise combined with a pragmatic and commercial approach and client-focused availability.’

‘Julian Cahn is commercial but also insightful on more contentious insolvency matters, both mid-market and more complex.’ 

Ian Benjamin provides highly commercial and flexible advice.’

Tal Goldsmith quickly understands the key commercial ramifications of any issue.’

Tal Goldsmith is an extremely talented litigation partner whose knowledge of the law is up there with her ability to adapt on an ever moving litigation assignment.’

Key clients

BDO


Interpath


Begbies Traynor


Evelyn Partners


FTI Consulting


Teneo


RSM


FRP Advisory


Wells Fargo


Grant Thornton


Work highlights


  • Continue to act for the Receivers of Sebastian Holdings Inc (the personal investment vehicle of the Norwegian billionaire Alexander Vik), work which involved a complex dispute centred around  Mr Vik’s dissipation of $1bn assets to avoid liabilities owed to creditor, Deutsche Bank.
  • Acting for Court Appointed Enforcement Receivers attempting to trace and confiscate the proceeds of crime of twice convicted fraudster Dr Gerald Smith to compensate his victims.
     
  • Advising the joint liquidators in relation to the liquidation of NQ minerals which was successfully sold in 2022. Investigations into other asset recoveries continue including the resolution of complex and international negotiations regarding the intercompany debt position.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

The ‘knowledgeable and commercially savvy’ team at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is best-suited to advising debtors and creditors in large-scale international restructurings, where it is able to work 'seamlessly across offices and jurisdictions’. The firm is particularly effective at advising on emerging markets matters, an area that has been enhanced by the arrival in February 2023 of the ‘highly skilled and knowledgeable’ Solomon Noh  and Alastair Goldrein  from Dechert LLP.

Other key lawyers:

Polina Lyadnova; Solomon Noh; Jim Ho; Alastair Goldrein


Testimonials

‘Highly professional team that is capable of achieving the ultimate goals of the project. They are always ready to go extra mile and propose out-of-the-box structures to help the project move forward.’

‘They are efficient lawyers with a creative approach.’

‘They have a very hands-on, knowledgeable and commercially savvy team.’

Key clients

PT Garuda Indonesia


LATAM Airlines Group SA


Ozon Holdings Plc


Government of Barbados


Lebanese Republic


Ministerio de Economía de la República Argentina


Province of Buenos Aires


Ad Hoc Stoneway Committee


Ad hoc SAS AB (owner of Scandinavian Airlines), Committee of hybrid bondholders


Republic of Chad


Work highlights


  • Advising PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero), Indonesia’s flag carrier, in its restructuring of approximately $9.58bn of bank, bond, lease and other indebtedness to address the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Representing LATAM Airlines Group and its affiliates in Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and the United States in the voluntary reorganization and restructuring of their debt under Chapter 11 protection in the US.
  • Advised Ozon Holdings Plc in the restructuring of its $750m convertible bonds through a consent solicitation process that included the option of either redeeming or buying back its dollar bonds at a specified discount.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Led from London by Carl Allen,  Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has ‘robust experience in the restructuring landscape’, which it deploys to good effect on behalf banks, corporates and IPs across a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Allen has taken the lead on a number of high-profile matters within the beleaguered energy sector and has become recognised as an expert in relation to the effective deployment of the “Supplier of Last Resort” regime. The team also continues to generate more cross-border instructions, with Alex Rogan, who ‘combines a razor sharp academic approach with commercial pragmatism’, particularly adept at utilising the English scheme of arrangement in the context of international restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Carl Allen


Other key lawyers:

Simon Waller; Andrew Jordan; Alex Mehdevy; Sheena Buddhdev; Alex Rogan; Zoe Aarons; Felicity Jordan


Testimonials

Highly experienced team with robust experience in the restructuring landscape.’

Broad depth of knowledge, with an underlying technical ability and skillset.’

‘They have an excellent understanding of the nuances of the Restructuring Plan in the UK.’

Alex Mehdevy is responsive, proactive and experienced.’

Alex Rogan is a very strong restructuring lawyer; he combines a razor sharp academic approach with commercial pragmatism.’

Alex Rogan who is a bankruptcy superstar in the making.’

Zoe Aarons is easy to work with and provides reliable and high-quality advice.’

Key clients

PricewaterhouseCoopers


Alvarez & Marsal


Kroll Advisory


EY


Teneo


Interpath


FRP


BDO


Grant Thornton


Mazars


Ad Hoc Customer Committee (FTX customers)


Dubai Islamic Bank


UK Government Investments


Work highlights


Fieldfisher

The ‘commercial and solutions-oriented’ team at Fieldfisher has a particularly strong reputation among officeholders, which are appreciative of its ability to ‘come up with solutions to complex issues quickly and without fuss’. This solutions-oriented approach is rooted in high levels of technical competence and the firm has gained an excellent reputation over the years for its thought leadership and involvement at the vanguard of developments in the UK market. Stewart Perry, who remains chair of the R3 General Technical Committee (a trade association for UK insolvency and restructuring professionals), exemplifies this high level technical excellence, enabling him to provide ‘clear advice and practical solutions’, on both contentious and non-contentious matters. Contentious expert Kit Jarvis is appreciated for his ‘no nonsense approach’ and ability to provide ‘highly creative solutions to problems’.  

Practice head(s):

Stewart Perry; Michelle Shean; Kit Jarvis; Robin Spender


Other key lawyers:

Carly Schiff; Asa Buchanan


Testimonials

They are commercial and solutions oriented.’

‘The team is approachable, personable and very forward thinking, able to come up with solutions to complex issues quickly and without fuss.’

The Fieldfisher restructuring team is strong in contentious matters and has a strong UK regional practice and is increasingly strong across Europe.’

‘Stewart Perry is technically and commercially excellent; he is able to deliver clear advice and practical solutions.’

Kit Jarvis is a litigation winner who takes no nonsense approach and provides highly creative solutions to problems.’ 

‘Robin Spender is commercial and hardworking.’

‘Carly Schiff is a great new restructuring partner. Clearly knows her stuff. She also thinks about the wider aspects of litigation to help ensure the best result.’

Key clients

Justus von Buchwaldt as administrator of AS German Property Group GmbH


Compound Photonics Group Limited (CPGL)


Colin Hardman and Finbarr O’Connell of Evelyn Partners as liquidators of The Wine Enterprise Investment Scheme Limited


Various partners in PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Administrators and Liquidators of different entities


David Standish and James Bennett of Interpath as joint liquidators of Argyle UAE Limited


Various partners in Teneo as advisors to boards, Administrators and Liquidators of different entities


Various Partners in FRP Advisory LLP as Trustees in Bankruptcy, Administrators and Liquidators of different entities


Various Partners in Quantuma Advisory Limited as Trustees in Bankruptcy, Administrators and Liquidators of different entities


Various partners in Kroll as Trustees in Bankruptcy, Administrators and Liquidators of different entities


Rob Horton of R2 Advisory LLP as Administrators and Liquidators of different entities


Work highlights


  • Advised Justus von Buchwaldt as administrator of AS German Property Group GmbH and related entities on a large international fraud selling ‘investments’ in German real estate.
  • Advised Compound Photonics Group Limited in a claim for unfair prejudice resulting in a successful seminal judgment on the effect of good faith clauses in shareholder agreements, and subsequently in the appointment of administrators in order to resolve sanctions issues.
  • Acting for a Middle Eastern and European chemical manufacturer currently going through a court-based insolvent liquidation process for the restructuring of a multi-jurisdictional $1bn debt.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Greenberg Traurig, LLP provides ‘clear and concise advice’ to stakeholders across a broad mix of matters, ranging from contingency planning and consensual workouts through to formal insolvency proceedings. Vastly experienced team head John Houghton exemplifies this versatility, being as accomplished at advising on distressed M&A and special situations, as he is effecting restructurings through schemes of arrangement and the nascent Restructuring Plan. On the contentious front, the ‘solutions-oriented’ Hannah Blom-Cooper is a ‘very effective insolvency litigator’. 

Practice head(s):

John Houghton


Other key lawyers:

Hannah Blom-Cooper; Rupert Cheetham; Kevin Mulligan


Testimonials

‘The team provides clear and concise advice and is great to deal with.’

‘Hannah Blom-Cooper and Rupert Cheetham are both very experienced and solutions-oriented.’

‘Hannah Blom-Cooper is a very effective insolvency litigator.’

‘John Houghton is a calm lateral thinker with very good experience of complex restructuring and insolvency assignments.’

‘Rupert Cheetham – hard working, diligent and thorough.’

‘John Houghton – experienced, great contacts and great problem solver.’

‘Hannah Blom-Cooper and Rupert Cheetham are both very experienced. They are good leaders to their team; Kevin Mulligan is a credit to work with too.’

Key clients

ReSolve Advisory


966 Co. S.à r.l. (super senior lender in the Smile Telecoms restructuring)


FRP Advisory


Global Loan Agency Services


Ad Hoc Group of holders bonds in by Folli Follie


Toys “R” Us (TRU (UK) Asia Ltd)


Bank Frick & Co AG


Ad Hoc Group of holders of bonds in Atlas Mara Limited


R&H Restructuring Cayman


Tradition Financial Services Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised 966 Co S.a.r.l. in the Part 26A Restructuring Plan of Smile Telecoms.
  • Advised the Part A1 monitors and subsequent administrators of Festicket, a live music/festivals event ticketing business.
  • Acting for the Ad Hoc Group of holders of €249m Eurobonds of Folli Follie who are participating in a debt for equity restructuring approved by the Greek courts through their ratification of a Rehabilitation Agreement under the Greek Bankruptcy Code.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

Premier US-headquartered litigation boutique Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP excels in handling complex multi-jurisdictional contentious restructuring matters for office holders, funds and corporates, and is a top choice 'if you want to litigate quickly and effectively'. The 'very committed, creative and tenacious' Richard East is frequently instructed by IPs on hostile mandates involving alleged fraud and heads up a strong team that also includes Khaled Khatoun, who 'has particular expertise in bondholder disputes and claims arising from restructuring'. 

Practice head(s):

Richard East


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Bunting; Ted Greeno; Khaled Khatoun; Yasseen Gailani; Karabeth Ovenden; Alex Nelder; Daniel Freund; Jovanna Panayi


Testimonials

The premier restructuring disputes firm in London.’

They are able tackle any firm and any level of dispute with vigour and determination. They relentlessly pursue every avenue to maximise prospects of success.’

They are brilliant litigators, and they bring that to bear in corporate insolvency matters.’

Key clients

The Joint Administrators of JD Classics Limited (in administration). The Joint Administrators are Mark Firmin, Richard Beard and Richard Fleming of Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP.


Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, Anchorage Capital, L.L.C., Algebris (UK) Limited


Phones 4U Limited (in administration)


The Joint Administrators of NMC Healthcare LTD (in administration in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)) (subject to deed of company arrangement)


Redox Plc / IWG Plc


Carillion plc (in liquidation), together with its subsidiaries in respect of which the Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator (32 entities in total). Quinn Emanuel is instructed by the Official Receiver, via the Special Managers.


Luigi Cimolai Holding S.p.A. and Cimolai S.p.A.


HBK Europe Management LLP


The Joint Administrators of NMC Health PLC (in administration in England)


NMC Opco LTD


Cimolai Group


Work highlights


  • Acting for the Joint Administrators of NMC Health PLC (in administration) and NMC Healthcare LTD (in administration) (subject to deed of company arrangement).
  • Acting for NMC Opco LTD, the new holding company of the NMC Group, owned by the companies’ creditors, which includes some of the world’s largest investments banks and hedge funds, in connection with a fraudulent trading claim against Noor Bank PJSC under the ADGM Insolvency Regulations.
  • Representing entities within the Cimolai Group, an Italian-headquartered specialist steel construction firm, which has undertaken projects including at the Hudson Yards and World Trade Center developments in New York City, and in Qatar in connection with the 2022 World Cup.

Taylor Wessing LLP

Taylor Wessing LLP provides a ‘flexible and responsive’ service to IPs, corporates and lenders across a broad range of mid-market restructuring and insolvency matters. Amy Patterson is ‘extremely thorough and user friendly’ on contentious and non-contentious matters, including within the real estate sector. The firm’s overarching technology sector strength and IP expertise also informs a considerable amount of work within the insolvency space. In this context, Stephen O’Grady is particularly adept at advising crypto/blockchain participants on risk management and distressed opportunities. Team head Nick Moser is particularly effective at helping creditors realise value from capital structures involving ABL products.

Practice head(s):

Nick Moser


Other key lawyers:

Amy Patterson; Richard Viegas; Stephen O’Grady; Lorna Bramich; Kirsten Fulton-Fleming; Luke Viner; Emilie Kennedy


Testimonials

They are flexible and receptive to suggestions as to how we can both work together, to ensure that their product is bespoke and there is no duplication of effort.’

‘They are flexible and responsive.’

Amy Patterson is extremely thorough and user friendly.’

Amy Patterson is very sharp but with an effective disarming approach. A genuine pleasure to work with and my first port of call for insolvency and restructuring matters in England.’

Key clients

Trinity Investments DAC


Deluxe Media


Arcadia


United Fintech Global Limited


White Oak


City of London Group Plc


Lightbulb


Statar Mining


Work highlights


  • Acting on a complex cross-border financial restructuring in the clean energy sector across approximately 15 lender entities.
  • Advising White Oak regarding recovery of funds due to it following its purchase of receivables through a structure operated by Greensill Capital UK Limited which collapsed into administration in 2021.
  • Acting for Trinity Investments Designated Activity Company on its loan management, restructuring, workout strategy and asset management following its acquisition of the £400m distressed loan portfolio from NatWest secured against shopping centres across the UK.

Bird & Bird LLP

The ‘technically strong, entrepreneurial and dynamic’ team at Bird & Bird LLP provides ‘cost-effective and responsive’ advice to officeholders, investors and creditors in restructuring situations within firmwide sector strengths including sports, financial services, energy and aviation. ‘Commercially astute’ team head Joss Hargrave provides ‘commercial advice not just legal opinions’ and is a very popular choice among IPs in relation to UK mid-market insolvencies.

Practice head(s):

Joss Hargrave


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Ramsden


Testimonials

The team is hugely experienced but also bring buckets of commercial experience to help clients navigate complex situations to arrive at the right result with the minimum of fuss.’

The team is very approachable and they talk sensibly without any resort to lawyer speak making their arguments cogent and concise.’

Technically strong, entrepreneurial and dynamic.’

‘Joss Hargrave is commercially astute and provides commercial advice not just legal opinions.’

Joss Hargrave is an erudite witty and amusing lawyer who responds to sometimes difficult questions with a lot of humour but is willing to work extraordinary hours to get the job done.’

Key clients

Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP


FRP Advisory Trading Limited


Grant Thornton UK LLP


Arbuthnot Latham and CO. Limited


Cork Gully LLP


Oakley Capital Limited


Opus Restructuring LLP


ReSolve Advisory Limited


Kreos Capital


Kroll Advisory Ltd


Work highlights


Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

The arrival of the ‘outstanding’ Bevis Metcalfe  from Baker McKenzie in April 2022 has galvanised Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP‘s hitherto inconspicuous restructuring offering, with Metcalfe busily developing the firm’s creditor/investor-focused offering. Metcalfe, who ‘really understands the art of the deal’, has been particularly effective advising funds on distressed and special situations transactions.

 

Practice head(s):

Bevis Metcalfe


Other key lawyers:

William Sugden; Gregory Petrick


Testimonials

‘Bevis Metcalfe is hands-on and is always across the detail of a transaction but can see the bigger picture in terms of his clients’ commercial objectives. Bevis can be a tough negotiator when required but really understands the art of the deal.’

‘Bevis Metcalfe is a knowledgeable lawyer who really loves his job. His experience especially on South African situations from a European perspective is bar none.’

‘Bevis Metcalfe is outstanding.’

‘Excellent skill set in the team with real partner involvement.’

‘Bevis Metcalfe provides excellent advice and is accessible and pragmatic.’

The Cadwalader team provided a very high level of counsel and service. They were responsive, always available to answer questions, and really helped drive to a great outcome. They not only excelled at the legal execution, but provided true advice and guidance, which is not always the case with other firms.’

Key clients

Hanover Investors


Goldman Sachs


Wilmington Trust


Bridgepoint Credit


North Wall Capital


Kroll Advisory Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Hanover in a dispute with a publicly listed investment company regarding the recovery of our client’s credit investment. Currently acting for the administrators of the company after the firm successfully obtained an administration order in Court in relation to the company.
  • Advising Wilmington Trust London Limited and Wilmington Trust, N.A., in relation to the Atento Group.
  • Advised Bridgepoint Credit in its PIK facility to the Enhesa Group.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Tapping into the expertise of a team of 'sage seniors and clever associates', Charles Russell Speechlys LLP makes effective use of its resources to provide a cost-effective and solutions-oriented service to debtors and creditors across a range of domestic and cross-border formal insolvency and restructuring work, in both a corporate and personal insolvency setting. The team, which was recently enhanced by the arrival of the 'very impressive' Alison Goldthorp from Norton Rose Fulbright, has excellent knowledge of the "black letter law", but does not lose sight of how to effectively implement these principles in a commercially sensitive manner. Hanh Nguyen is a 'serious intellect' whose skills are appreciated by IPs, including when they are seeking to bring claims against stakeholders/third parties to maximise recoveries for creditors. 'Experienced and cool headed' team head Roger Elford also regularly handles contentious work and is particularly adept at handling real estate-related restructurings/insolvencies.

Practice head(s):

Roger Elford


Other key lawyers:

Alison Goldthorp; Hanh Nguyen; Joseph Evans; Bethan Cunniffe; Jamie Tilling


Testimonials

The team has sage seniors, and clever juniors who can be relied upon to do the work properly.’

They are efficient, client friendly, and commercial.’

‘They are clear thinking, strategic, and consistently thinking of creative solutions which might afford a practical way forward.’ 

‘Roger Elford is experienced and accordingly cool headed, with his eyes on the big picture.’

Hanh Nguyen and Joseph Evans are very much on top of the legal principles but also look  for a commercial way forward in a constructive way.’

Jamie Tilling is superb: he is clever, writes well, and always understands the issues.’

Key clients

Begbies Traynor


Central Bank of Bahrain


CVR Global


FRP Advisory


Grant Thornton UK LLP


Insolve Plus


Interpath (formerly KPMG)


Kroll (formerly Duff & Phelps)


Leonard Curtis


Mercer & Hole


Menzies


Opus Restructuring & Insolvency


RSM


Teneo (formerly Deloitte)


The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas


UHY Hacker Young


Nike (on supplier insolvency issues)


Verulam Advisory Ltd


Rollings Butt


BDO LLP


Work highlights


  • Following the high-profile collapse of Greensill Limited, the firm was instructed to advise on the potential liquidation of the company. The firm continues to advise the Joint Liquidators in relation to their investigations generally, including on potential recovery actions.
  • Appointed liquidator of Awal Bank by the Bahrain Civil High Court pursuing the recovery of Awal’s $2bn of balance sheet assets.
  • Acting for the Joint Administrators on an urgent basis to place Haircare Limited into administration and effect the pre-pack sale of the Company’s business and assets to VS Salons UK Limited, a newco linked to the existing ownership team.

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath

Despite its relative infancy in the London market, the ‘knowledgeable, insightful and responsive’ team at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath has rapidly gained market traction among funds, IPs, corporates and trustees which are appreciative of its ‘ability to think outside of the box to find solutions’. Team head Patrick Corr  exemplifies this innovative approach, working ‘exceptionally hard to achieve his client’s interests’ across a range of cross-border and domestic restructurings and insolvencies. Drawing upon her ‘strong tactical instincts’, gleaned from her many years' experience in the market, Sue Moore takes the lead on much of the insolvency litigation handled by the team. Buvini Kularatne  ‘is both articulate and pugnacious in equal measure’, skills which endear her to clients engaged in complex insolvency disputes and complex multi-jurisdictional restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Corr


Other key lawyers:

Sue Moore; Buvini Kularatne; Wayne Beck; Raphaela Cotoulas; Gary Bellingham


Testimonials

The team is very commercial and thinks outside of the box to find solutions for clients.’

Knowledgeable, insightful and responsive.’

‘Patrick Corr is one of the most outstanding insolvency practitioners of his generation. He works exceptionally hard to achieve his client’s interests and leads his team by example.’

Sue Moore is a forceful and effective insolvency litigator with strong tactical instincts.’ 

Buvini Kularatne is the real deal: a sophisticated litigator who is both articulate and pugnacious in equal measure.’

Raphaela Cotoulas is a diligent associate consistently going the extra mile and shows a remarkable ability to grasp new concepts and adapt them to the client’s needs.’

Key clients

ACM Emerging Markets Master Fund 1 LP


Alix Partners UK LLP


API Heat Transfer Company


Bank of America


CDIB Global Markets Limited


Deloitte UK


Deloitte Australia


Ernst & Young (Bermuda)


Ernst & Young (Cayman)


Essar Oil (UK) Limited


Fitness Anywhere UK Limited


FRP


GLAS – Global Loan Agency Services Limited


Grant Thornton


IWG plc


KPMG


Kroll


Moss Bros Group Holdings Limited


Northwood Investors International


Teneo Financial Advisory Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising the Ad Hoc Group of lenders on the restructuring of the Cineworld UK group of companies (being part of the world’s second biggest cinema chain which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Texas bankruptcy court).
  • Advised the Administrators (from Grant Thornton) of Greensill Capital UK Limited (in administration) on litigation to determine the economic interest of certain key stakeholders in significant assets in the administration estate.
  • Advised Northwood Investors International in connection with the restructuring of UK Land Estates Partnership (Holdings) Limited (“UKLEP”), advising on an auction and sale of the assets to one of the world’s largest property investors, GIC.

K&L Gates LLP

The 'highly responsive and personable' team at K&L Gates LLP provides 'legally tight and commercially insightful advice' to IPs, creditors, funds and corporates on both solvent restructurings and insolvency matters. 'Empathetic and technically excellent' team head Jonathan Lawrence continues to handle a considerable amount of distressed M&A-related work for US funds, and is also well-versed in restructurings with a nexus to the Middle East. Special counsel Clare Tanner is the other main practitioner in the team and has a focus on contentious insolvency matters.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Lawrence


Other key lawyers:

Clare Tanner


Testimonials

The team delivers legally tight and commercially insightful advice.’

‘The team is highly responsive and personable.’ 

‘Jonathan Lawrence is experienced, client-centric, empathetic and technically excellent.’

‘Proactive, responsive – the team are a real pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

Travel & General Insurance Services


Chembio Diagnostics


CBRE


CTD Tiles Limited


Mount Street Mortgage Servicing Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised CTD Tiles Limited on the acquisition of Tile Giant assets out of administration.
  • Advised CBRE on the receivership of a UK commercial real estate asset.
  • Advised Travel & General Insurance Services Ltd in respect of its obligations and duties with regard to the re-negotiation of its debt and equity structure and on the rights and obligations of its directors.

Reed Smith LLP

Drawing upon ‘excellent scope and breadth’, both across pure insolvency matters as well as more transactional mandates, Reed Smith LLP is a compelling offering for a myriad stakeholders throughout the capital structure. As well as advising on cross-border insolvency matters, Kathleen Garrett provides a ‘very results driven’ service to funds, in particular, often working in a multi-disciplinary fashion alongside finance and M&A practitioners to maximise efficiencies. The arrival of Linton Bloomberg from Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP in February 2023 also enhances the firm’s cross-border credentials and he now co-heads the team alongside Garrett and Diane Roberts.

Practice head(s):

Kathleen Garret; Diane Roberts; Linton Bloomberg


Other key lawyers:

Colin Cochrane


Testimonials

Outstanding legal expertise in highly complex restructuring matters paired with timely communication.’

It is the excellent scope and breadth of the team which ensures that matters get done efficiently and on time especially when things are time critical and need the attention immediately.’

‘Kathleen Garrett stands out for her legal acumen and the ability to communicate complex legal options.’ 

Work highlights


Shearman & Sterling LLP

Now headed by Kevin Heverin, following the retirement from the partnership of  Alex Wood (he continues in a senior consultancy role), Shearman & Sterling LLP‘s small core restructuring team is best-suited to handling special situations/transactional distressed work, which lends itself to a more collaborative approach with the firm’s broader corporate and finance functions. In this capacity, the team is well-versed at handling Middle Eastern situations and is also able to leverage the firm’s US resources to good effect on transatlantic mandates. Sam Brodie returned to Akin in September 2022, while Helena Potts  joined Paul Hastings LLP in February 2023.

Practice head(s):

Kevin Heverin


Other key lawyers:

Tom McKay; Alex Wood; Kate O’Donoghue; Jamie Turley; Frederick Catterall


Key clients

Harewood Properties Limited (Borrower) as member of The Collective Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Global Loan Agency Services as Agent and Security Agent in the lender led realisation and enforcement disposal programme.

Alston & Bird LLP

Under the guidance of the ‘outstanding’ Phillip Taylor , who arrived at the end of 2020 from Sidley Austin LLP, Alston & Bird LLP has continued to develop its restructuring practice, acting on its own, as well as effectively leveraging the firm’s strong US credentials. Counsel Anna Nolan has ‘very strong technical knowledge’ which she imparts to good effect to an investor/creditor-focused client base that includes a number of funds.

Practice head(s):

Phillip Taylor


Other key lawyers:

Anna Nolan


Testimonials

‘It is a top practice for restructuring and insolvency.’

‘Phillip Taylor is great to work with. He’s incredibly creative in terms of finding solutions and always has an impressive grip on the detail.’

‘Philiip Taylor is an outstanding and very experienced partner, astute and able in relation to cross-border matters.’

‘Anna Nolan is exceptional and has very strong technical knowledge.

Key clients

Deutsche Bank


Work highlights


  • Advised Deutsche Bank in relation to the Lehman Brothers subordinated debt matter.
  • Advised a private capital fund in connection with a special situations acquisition of a Luxembourg vehicle holding claim against municipalities and European countries.
  • Advised an international financial institution with respect to enforcement and realisation of investments.

Ashfords LLP

Now headed from Bristol by David Pomeroy, following Alan Bennett‘s departure in December 2022 to Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, Ashfords LLP maintains a solid practice and in spite of its modest size ‘manages to punch way above its weight in insolvency litigation’. Crispin Jones , who was promoted to partner in September 2022, has developed strong ties with the London IP market and has ‘a particular specialism in insolvent law firms and insolvency fraud cases’. 

Practice head(s):

David Pomeroy


Other key lawyers:

Crispin Jones


Testimonials

‘The Ashfords insolvency team is relatively small yet somehow manages to punch way above its weight in insolvency litigation.’

‘The highly accessible team provides responsive and pragmatic advice on complex insolvency matters.’

‘Crispin Jones has deep links with the London insolvency practitioner market – he is universally well known and well liked by all the top officeholders and is rewarded with leading mandates accordingly.’

‘Crispin Jones has a detailed knowledge of all aspects of insolvency law and applies that knowledge in a clear and pragmatic way.

Key clients

Azets (formerly Wilkins Kennedy)


Begbies Traynor


Carter Clark


FRP Advisory


Grant Thornton


ManoletePartners Plc


Menzies


Moore Kingston Smith


Quantuma


Rollings Butt


Turpin Barker Armstrong


Work highlights


Druces LLP

The ‘personal, friendly and engaging’ team at Druces LLP has a good reputation directly from clients, as well as a substantial number of referring law firms, which are appreciative of its ability to provide an ‘efficient and nimble’ service, with an ability to ‘make complicated issues easy to understand’. ‘Responsive and helpful’ team head Caroline Cropley is ‘capable of handling a wide variety of insolvency work’, including directors' duties advice, IP-led instructions and distressed M&A mandates. Nigel Adams and Neil Hayter are the principal contacts for contentious insolvency matters.

Practice head(s):

Caroline Cropley


Other key lawyers:

Neil Hayter; Christopher Axford; Nigel Adams; Kajal Sachania


Testimonials

Always super responsive and provide sound advice.’

‘They are efficient, nimble and intelligent.’

The entire team are personal, friendly and engaging.’

Responsive, calm, challenging and most of all a true business partner.’ 

Caroline Cropley is capable of handling a wide variety of insolvency work.’

Caroline Cropley is responsive and helpful and takes the time to consider the issues and offer exactly the right amount of guidance that is needed in each case.’

Key clients

Rocket Software


Quantuma Advisory Limited


The Pickstock Group


Work highlights


Fladgate LLP

Led on the contentious front by Ben Drew and for non-contentious matters by the 'excellent' Jeremy Whiteson , the 'cost-effective and highly commercial' team at Fladgate LLP provides 'clear and concise advice' to administrators, lenders, debtors and high-net-worth individuals across a range of restructuring and insolvency work.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Whiteson; Ben Drew


Other key lawyers:

Mark Buckley; Joel Seager; Judith Davidge; Sophie Burke


Testimonials

‘They provide clear and concise advice with no flannel.’

They swiftly understand the crux of a matter and give an early honest appraisal.’

The team is cost-effective and highly commercial.’

Jeremy Whiteson is an excellent lawyer and always acts in a commercial manner.’

Key clients

Evios plc


Hirsch AG


Red Mango Enterprises/ Tap Holdco


Hawkwing plc


Work highlights


  • Acted for electric car charging point manufacturer Evios plc on the acquisition of the business of competitor Muller EV, trading as Anderson EV, which entered administration and ceased trading in October 2022.

Howard Kennedy LLP

‘A good and reliable team in the finance and insolvency sphere’, Howard Kennedy LLP combines ‘intellectual rigour and commercial practicality’ on behalf of office holders, directors, lenders and creditors engaged in contentious and non-contentious matters. Team head Vernon Dennismaintains an incredible focus on current and future issues’ and ‘delivers results’ for IPs, particularly on matters within the retail and real estate sectors. Tim Bignell is ‘a strategic thinker who has unrivalled experience in the insolvency field’, and alongside Dominic Offord excels at handling insolvency litigation.

Practice head(s):

Vernon Dennis


Other key lawyers:

Dominic Offord; Tim Bignell; Rachel Brown; Hannah Hooper


Testimonials

‘The team I have been working with most recently represents the best mix of terrifying intellectual rigour and commercial practicality that I have come across.’

A good and reliable team in the finance and insolvency sphere.’

‘Vernon Dennis is a very experienced litigator who is a safe pair of hands for insolvency practitioners to instruct – he delivers results.’

‘Vernon Dennis is one of the most forward thinking insolvency lawyers in the sector and maintains an incredible focus on current and future issues.’

‘Tim Bignell is a strategic thinker who has unrivalled experience in the insolvency field.’

Litigator Dominic Offord is among the best in the business when it comes to getting the very best results for the firm’s clients.’

‘Rachel Brown well is solid and will no doubt make partner at some point. Lovely to work with, gets good work/client’s and knows what she is talking about/doing.’

Key clients

WSL-Cyan Limited and Wilton Secured Lending Limited


Begbies Traynor


FRP


Moorfields


ECA Procurement Services Limited


Crowe


Evelyn Partners


MacIntyre Hudson


Work highlights


  • Acting for Begbies Traynor as the administrator in the pre-pack sale of the Ping Pong restaurants business, which included 7 central London leasehold sites and the transfer of all staff.
  • Acting for Milstead Langdon as liquidators of Onestopmoneymanager Ltd and Merchant Optimisation Services Ltd regarding the treatment of surplus monies that have proved incapable of being returned to the original merchants who used these payment service provider platforms.
  • Acting for Moorfields as the administrator of Select Fashion in effecting the management buy-out of the business and assets by means of a pre-pack sale, with the new company taking on a portfolio of 115 stores and the TUPE transfer of all staff at the stores and head office.

Isadore Goldman

Well connected in the industry and committed to clients’ interests’, boutique bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring firm Isadore Goldman provides an ‘extremely practical and commercial approach’ to a range of clients including accountants, lenders and referrers. Kevin Mitchell has an ‘encyclopedic knowledge and provides pragmatic advice’ to a loyal roster of IPs, including on complex insolvency disputes involving alleged fraudulent behaviour. Andy Taylor co-heads the team alongside Mitchell and is noted for his expertise advising company directors, including in how to deal with officeholder claims.

Practice head(s):

Kevin Mitchell; Andy Taylor


Other key lawyers:

Nick Oliver; Craig Parrett; Thomas Bond; Sian Leonard; Laura Hook


Testimonials

‘The firm has an extremely practical and commercial approach.’

‘A genuinely specialist insolvency firm which keeps right up-to-date and has a wealth of experience among its practitioners.’

‘Highly experienced partner led teams. Well connected in the industry. Committed to clients’ interests.’

‘Craig Parrett is highly responsive, reliable and gets straight to the point.’

‘Kevin Mitchell has an encyclopedic knowledge and provides pragmatic advice.’

‘Kevin Mitchell – Dedicated to his clients; always thinking one step ahead.’

 

Key clients

BDO


Menzies


Aviva Quantuma


Leonard Curtis


RSM


R2 Advisory


MFW Insolvency and Corporate Recovery


McTear Williams and Wood


SKSI


Begbies Traynor


Moorfields


Richard Long & Co


Compass Financial Recovery & Insolvency


Marshall Peters


Kreston Reeves


Path Business Recovery


Manolete Partners plc


Moore Kingston Smith Springfields


Opus


Augusta Kent


CMB Partners


Mazars


Larking Gowen


Ensors


CVR Global LLP


Investec Bank PLC/Investec Asset Finance PLC


Portland Business and Finance Solutions


Griffins


Grant Thornton


Interpath Advisory


Parker Andrews


Purnells


Hudson Weir


Hereford Capita


Work highlights


  • Acting for Marco Elser in his successful challenge to the approval of the Voluntary Arrangement of Rory McCarthy, the case giving rise to a number of novel issues and a judgment clarifying the law in relation to challenges of this kind.
  • Advising Opus LLP as administrators of Petropavlovsk Plc, a company affected by Russian sanctions.
  • Advised a group comprising the majority of investors in a failed development project known as Infinity Developments Liverpool.

LK Law LLP

'Hugely experienced in commercial fraud', commercial litigation boutique LK Law LLP regularly handles complex and high-profile disputes and investigations arising in the context of large-scale insolvencies. Caroline Phipps, who was promoted to partner in July 2022, has excellent legal and project management skills which she deploys to good effect alongside global advisers (including forensic accountants and international lawyers) in relation to fraud, asset tracing and enforcement issues. Andrew Ford heads the team.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Ford


Other key lawyers:

Caroline Phipps


Testimonials

‘Andrew Ford is one of the most impressive legal leaders in London operating in this area. He runs a happy and close-knit team, every member of which has clearly been hand-picked. Caroline Phipps is another stand-out.’

‘We worked with Caroline Phipps, who provided expertise in the preparation of documents for court. The firm’s attention to detail was exceptional.’

‘Hugely experienced in commercial fraud, which they handle with aplomb.’

‘Caroline Phipps is easy to deal with and produces great results.’

‘Andrew Ford is very experienced in cases with an international aspect; gives clear advice.’

‘Caroline Phipps has extensive experience in the art market and the nuances of that industry.’

Key clients

AHAB FRP


Eustella Fontaine, Fontaine & Associates


Work highlights


  • Advising Ahmad Hamad Algosaibi & Brothers Company on the first scheme of arrangement ever attempted in Saudi Arabia, concerning claims by over 100 international financial institutions running into the billions of dollars.
  • Advising Fontaine & Associates in relation to their clients’ appeal from the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

Osborne Clarke LLP

Led from London by 'restructuring industry leader' Will Gunston, the 'brilliant' team at Osborne Clarke LLP provides 'practical and workable solutions to complex situations' across the full range of stressed and distressed advisory work including advice on operational and financial restructuring and turnaround. As well as handling a considerable flow of work in the energy and retail sectors, the firm is also 'a clear leader in the financial and fintech sector' and has advised special administrators in several recent high-profile electronic money service providers. Along with Gunston, the 'deeply technical' Douglas Hawthorn  has been at the forefront of this work where he is noted for his 'ability to break down complex situations into more readily understandable and actionable solutions'. 

Practice head(s):

Will Gunston


Other key lawyers:

Douglas Hawthorn; Jonathan Hazlett; Mark Wesker; Tom Bussy; Nigel Boobier; Claire Bundy


Testimonials

‘Excellent strength in depth in the team and very client-friendly service delivery. One of the best restructuring teams to deal with in London in my view.’

‘Brilliant team that are always available to support with quality and practical advice.’

‘Offer practical and workable solutions to complex situations. Always bring a commercial angle to recommendations.’

‘The Osborne Clark restructuring team is a clear leader in the financial and fintech sector.’

Will Gunston is highly experienced and a restructuring industry leader. His gravitas and guidance to his team ensures that they can bring down rhinos!’

‘Douglas Hawthorn is an exceptional restructuring and insolvency lawyer. He is deeply technical whilst also very commercial and pragmatic, which is invaluable in this sector.’

‘Doug Hawthorn’s knowledge of stressed and distressed highly regulated financial services and fintech is second to none! His experience makes him a clear choice in this sector.’

Douglas Hawthorn has a strong ability to break down complex situations into more readily understandable and actionable solutions.’ 

Key clients

Wirecard Card Solutions Limited / Herron Fisher


Viola Money (Europe) Limited (in special administration) / Interpath


Xpress Money Services Limited (in special administration) / FRP Advisory


Avro Energy Limited (in liquidation) / Alvarez & Marsal


Hague and London Oil PLC / FRP Advisory


Our Power Energy Supply Limited (in administration)


In-Time Watch Services Limited (in administration) /FRP Advisory


PSL2021 Realisations Limited (in administration) (formerly, Peacocks Stores Limited, EM2020 Realisations Limited (formerly, The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Limited), and Jaeger Retail Limited (in administration) / FRP Advisory


Meika Limited (in administration) / FRP Advisory


The board of ProQuo AI Limited, and later for Grant Thornton as its administrators


Derek Richardson, as lender of Wasps Holdings Limited, and other group companies


Bisney Realisations Limited (formerly, Neyber Limited), and BDO as administrators of Bisney Realisations Limited (in administration)


Index Labs Limited, and subsequently BDO as administrators (and then liquidators) of Index Labs Limited (in liquidation)


Metrocentre Group


Ensign Communications Limited (in administration) / FRP Advisory


E Realisations 2020 Limited (formerly, Everest Limited), and subsequently FRP Advisory as administrators of E Realisations 2020 Limited (in administration)


Work highlights


  • Advised Wirecard Card Solutions on its solvent wind-down. This has involved working closely with various stakeholders, including the FCA, Mastercard, and Visa.
  • Advised the special administrators of electric money institution, VME, in the context of a precedent-setting administration as VME was the first company to use the new Payment and Electronic Money special administration regime.

RPC

Led by Finella Fogarty , RPC provides a ‘highly technical and cost-effective’ service to a range of stakeholders, including IPs, on domestic and multi-jurisdictional contentious and non-contentious corporate and personal insolvencies. Leveraging the firm’s overarching longstanding insurance credentials, the team is a natural choice for clients involved in insolvencies in this highly regulated sector. The retail sector is another area of strength, with Tim Moynihan, who is appreciated for his ability to provide ‘comprehensive and efficient advice’, regularly engaged from a distressed M&A and insolvency perspective.

Practice head(s):

Finella Fogarty


Other key lawyers:

Paul Bagon; Tim Moynihan; Danielle Bennett


Testimonials

They are highly technical and cost-effective.’

Tim Moynihan provides comprehensive and efficient advice, and is pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

The Joint Administrators of Vapourcore Retail Limited


Dr Vijay Mallya


LINK


The Joint Trustees of the insolvent estate of a deceased bankrupt


Thomas Miller Group


Frasers Group


Various


FRP


Work highlights


  • Advised Frasers Group on its highly publicised pre-pack acquisition of the business and assets of Arena Coventry Limited and all of its subsidiaries (all in administration).
  • Advising LINK on all aspects of its resolution planning obligations and arrangements, in conjunction with its regulator (the Bank of England).
  • Advising the FRP joint administrators on the pre-packaged administration sale of the business and assets of Mark Harris Furniture, an online furniture retailer and wholesaler.

Squire Patton Boggs

The arrival in September 2022 of the 'exceptional' Charlotte Moller  and Monika Lorenzo-Perez from Brown Rudnick LLP, has broadened the scope of Squire Patton Boggs' insolvency offering, extending it beyond its previous more regional purview to one which can go to toe-to-toe with many of the London-based heavy-hitters. Since her arrival, the 'pragmatic and helpful' Moller, who now heads the team, has leveraged the firm's existing global resources to good effect in relation to cross-border matters and has already picked some notable mandates for officeholders, directors and creditors across a range of insolvency/restructuring matters.

 

 

Practice head(s):

Charlotte Moller


Other key lawyers:

Monika Lorenzo-Perez; Helena Clarke; Sabina Khan; Rebecca Terrace


Testimonials

They are very adaptable, responsive and always have the client at the forefront of their minds.’

‘Charlotte Moller is a very personable lawyer with an very strong grasp of client service.’

Charlotte Moller is an exceptional partner. She is easy to work with, pragmatic and helpful, expert and goes above and beyond.’

 

Work highlights


Stewarts Law LLP

The 'highly-skilled and effective' team at London-based commercial litigation boutique Stewarts Law LLP leaves 'no stone unturned in seeking to formulate the strongest possible cases for their clients', which include officeholders, directors, investors and lenders. 'Intelligent and practical' team head Alex Jay is a 'well-respected presence on the international insolvency and asset tracing market' and brings 'a calm and methodical approach to complex issues'. 

Practice head(s):

Alex Jay


Other key lawyers:

Tim Symes; Elaina Bailes; Laura Jenkins; Sean Upson; Karen Hutchinson; Francesca Berry; Harry Spendlove; Natalie Osafo


Testimonials

‘This is a highly-skilled and effective team with an excellent combination of experienced, wise heads and up-and-coming more junior associates.’

‘Highly skilled litigators who know their stuff inside out. Tactically excellent. Very easy to deal with.’

‘They really think about their cases and do so in detail, leaving no stone unturned in seeking to formulate the strongest possible cases for their clients.’

‘The intelligent and practical Alex Jay brings a calm and methodical approach to complex issues.’

‘Alex Jay is excellent both in terms of law and client management. A well respected presence on the international insolvency and asset tracing market.’

‘Harry Spendlove is an absolute star, he is hardworking, meticulous and has a first-class legal brain.’

‘Tim Symes is a very capable and efficient lawyer.’

‘Tim Symes has a lot of insolvency experience.’

Key clients

David Standish of Interpath Advisory and Russell Crumpler of Teneo (joint liquidators of Exential Investments Inc)


Dr Frank Kebekus and Galapagos SA


The Chedington Court Estate Limited (Chedington)


Susquehanna International Group, LLP (‘SIG’)


Orb a.r.l.


Grant Thornton BVI – as liquidators of Stanford International Bank Ltd


The Chedington Court Estate Limited (Chedington)


Waterside Villages Bonds Ltd (London Capital & Finance)


Kijani Resources Limited (in liquidation)


Work highlights


Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Led from London by Jonathan Dunkley  and also able to draw upon significant regional coverage, which was enhanced by the arrival in December 2022 of Bristol-based partner Alan Bennett , Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP provides a strong service to funds, IPs, corporates and banks across a range of restructuring and insolvency matters. A significant amount of the workflow has a contentious angle, with the team regularly working to develop and litigate claims with the ultimate aim of recovering funds for the benefit of creditors. Dunkley has been at the forefront of the firm’s efforts within the energy sector, and has developed particular expertise advising on issues relating to the Supplier of Last Resort regime.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Dunkley


Other key lawyers:

Andy Stirk; Alan Bennett; Fintan Wolohan; Harry Rose; Omar Sammakia; Peter Maxwell


Testimonials

‘They have knowledge in energy and insolvency. That is why they instructed me in relation to the insolvent energy companies.’

Andy Stirk is hands-on and practical in providing advice in challenging situations.’

‘WBD knows their clients they know what we need from them. They run a tight ship, providing the experience and skills to efficiently run contentious insolvency cases. It is easy to work with them together as a team to investigate, develop claims and litigate claims with the ultimate aim of recovering funds for the benefit of creditors.’

Key clients

Santander UK plc


Lloyds Banking Group


Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP


Teneo Restructuring Limited


Interpath LLP


PwC LLP


RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP


FRP Advisory LLP


Grant Thornton (UK) LLP


Begbies Traynor


Evelyn Partners


The Insolvency Service, an executive agency of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy


Triple Point


OVO Energy Ltd


Enact Funds of Endless LLP (SPVs)


Aurelius


Knight Frank


Work highlights