Matthew Merkle > Kirkland & Ellis International LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP is ‘exceptionally good as far as bonds are concerned – efficient, responsive, professional and reliable‘, remarks one client, adding that ‘there are probably cheaper options out there but the firm is worth the money‘. Widely regarded as a leading sponsor-side firm, it is frequently involved on behalf of initial purchasers in high-value, cross-border deals. William Burke leads the practice and he has ‘the ability to seemingly be in five different places at once and always in a position to provide thoughtful feedback‘. Matthew Merkle consistently represents private equity sponsors and issuers in high-yield debt offerings in connection with leveraged buyouts, initial public offerings and other complex financings. Cedric Van den Borren ‘delivers best-in-class service‘. He advised Iliad Holding on a €3bn equivalent four-tranche issuance of US-dollar and Euro-denominated senior secured notes. Up-and-coming partners Morgan Hill and Tim Volkheimer (who is ‘a cut above the rest‘) also play pivotal roles in the practice.