Saugata Mukherjee > Stephenson Harwood LLP > Singapore, Singapore > Lawyer Profile

With a broad client base that includes banks, financial institutions, and private equity funds, Stephenson Harwood LLP has a strong track record within the Philippine market for handling foreign investment and asset financing, particularly in the aviation sector. Jointly leading the practice is Tom Platts who advises international businesses on market entry and M&A, Saugata Mukherjee who is experienced in handling capital markets transactions, and Gregory Xu who is well-regarded for advising financial institutions on corporate finance matters.

Stephenson Harwood LLP has a strength in asset financing, especially relating to Indonesian aviation and shipping sectors. The team advises clients such as financial institutions, offshore companies, airlines, and sponsors. Further to this, the team also regularly acts for private equity and private credit funds on acquisitions and restructurings. The practice is co-headed by Saugata Mukherjee, Gregory Xu, and Tom Platts.

Well-regarded for its ability to find ‘pragmatic solutions to difficult matters and achieving results that work for all parties’, the team at Stephenson Harwood LLP specialises in structured and aviation finance as well as shipping and offshore finance. Counting major financial institutions, banks, lessors, and lessees among its key roster of clients, the team’s expertise covers both contentious and non-contentious issues, with extensive experience in handling restructurings and refinancing, as well as lease transactions, sales, purchases, and portfolio management within the aviation sector. Co-head Gregg Johnston is involved in loan portfolio transfers related to international bank mergers and group reorganisations. Fellow co-head Saugata Mukherjee stands out for his expertise in derivatives and structured products. Huay Yee Kwan continues to assist on high-profile matters, focusing on PRC leasing, and Pedram Norton advises on all aspects of ship finance, workouts, debt structuring and financing. Other notable individuals include: Jeffrey Tanner, who is noted for his strong sector focus on maritime and offshore energy; Gregory Xu, who is recommended for his experience advising on complex financing; and Clement Leung, who regularly advises on the hedging aspects of aviation finance transactions.

Having recently acquired Jonathan Goacher from Hill Dickinson LLP, the growing practice at Stephenson Harwood LLP is noted for its expertise across the aviation, consumer goods, and energy and natural resources sectors. Leading the practice is Tom Platts, who advises on cross-border M&A and capital markets transactions, while Saugata Mukherjee acts for banks, lessors, and funds on lending structures and portfolio acquisitions. Also leading the practice, Simon Wong specialises in aircraft financing, leasing, and trading, and Gregory Xu has experience in handling banking and finance mandates, including documentation, restructuring, and enforcement of transactions.