Paul Mullen > Hogan Lovells International LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Hogan Lovells International LLP
ATLANTIC HOUSE
HOLBORN VIADUCT
LONDON
EC1A 2FG
England

Work Department

Banking & Finance (London)

Position

Partner

Career

As well as leading the firm’s Global Banking practice, Paul Mullen acts for both lenders and borrowers at the top end of mid-market sponsor-backed financings, Paul has been particularly involved with the development of the direct lending market in Europe, advising lenders on unitranche and other types of direct lending products (including first loss/second loss, second lien, and PIK) as well as banks providing working capital and other facilities alongside the funds.

Paul’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the market means that clients often call on him when they need advice on developing new and innovative products. As the head of our market-leading direct lending practice, he has built strong relationships with a range of major global debt funds including Ares, Barings, Permira Debt Managers, CVC Credit, EQT, Five Arrows, and Hayfin as well as banks and sponsors.

Languages

English - Spoken Native, Written Native

Education

The College of Law, Guildford 1994; University of Glasgow

LL.B., (Hons First Class) 1992; Trained Hogan Lovells; qualified 1997

Lawyer Rankings

London > Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans

While it has been somewhat eclipsed by its market-leading mid-market credit fund-focused leveraged finance offering, the ‘solutions-oriented’ team at Hogan Lovells International LLP still maintains strong core commercial bank relationships which inform a good deal of syndicated corporate lending work. In addition, the firm also handles some work for large corporates on their debt finance transactions, with vastly experienced finance practitioner Matthew Cottis  still a popular choice on both sides of the table, as a result of his vast knowledge of LMA structures. The firm is also well-versed in advising on the financing of regulated insurance companies, an area that Penny Angell is particularly adept. Paul Mullen  heads up the global loan and finance group, although his primary focus remains on mid-market sponsor-backed leveraged financings.

London > Finance > Acquisition finance

(Leading individuals)

Paul MullenHogan Lovells International LLP

The ‘extremely approachable and knowledgeable’ team at Hogan Lovells International LLP provides ‘exceptional client service’ to a creditor-focused client base that includes a high proportion of credit funds engaged in lending within the mid to-upper-mid market. Team head Paul Mullen  has been instrumental to the firm’s growth in this area, and his broad transactional nous, that includes expertise across a range of direct lending products, means the firm is also regularly instructed to advise clients on developing new and innovative products in the market. Jo Robinson  also has significant experience in the space, particularly in relation to the unitranche product, as does the ‘very user friendly’ Francis Booth. The firm also continues to handle work for conventional banks, with vastly experienced practitioners Penny Angell  , who also serves as UK managing partner, and Matthew Cottis  particularly skilled in relation to the financing of regulated insurance companies.