Thomas Smith > Debevoise & Plimpton LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Delivering ‘quality work in an efficient manner,’ the ‘extremely strong’ and ‘great fund finance team’ at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is reputed for its expertise in relation to borrower-side fund finance. Also well-versed in private equity work, the team has its hand in a variety of fund strategies including real estate, credit, healthcare, Africa-focused and venture funds. The practice is co-headed by a trio of lawyers including: corporate partner Alan Davies who focuses on asset and structured financing and acquisitions; dual qualified in English and New York law, Pierre Maugüé, who is well-versed in leveraged buyout and structured financings, offers experience in the United States, Asian and European markets, and was noted by one client as an ‘excellent’ lawyer; and the ‘brilliant’ and ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Thomas Smith, who acts for funds, borrowers, sponsors and financial institutions and has significant experience in ESG-linked fund finance transactions and NAV financings. Also recommended is the ‘detail-oriented’ Daniel Hoborough, the ‘very strong associate’ Almas Daud and the ‘key’ player Andrea Thomas.

Drawing on ‘a deep understanding about the needs of private equity firms and their portfolio companies’, the ‘brilliant’ team at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a popular choice among borrowers by virtue of its ‘incredible knowledgeable of both bespoke finance arrangements and also the industry’. This manifests itself in the context of the team’s ability to provide a holistic offering to clients, drawing not only from core leveraged finance strength (including on New York and London-law governed products) but also its strong capability handling fund level financings. Alan Davies  and Pierre Maugüé  both regularly handle work for marquee client, Clayton Dubilier & Rice, and co-head the team alongside fund finance expert Thomas Smith .