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Sullivan Advises EBRD on Two Innovative Supply Chain Finance Transactions

Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) has recently advised the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in relation to two innovative supply chain finance (SCF) transactions. In the first transaction, Sullivan advised EBRD in its unfunded risk participation in Türkiye’s Akbank SCF program in favour of Sok, a leading retailer in Türkiye. The programme makes it possible for over 100 suppliers – primarily small and medium-sized businesses that are mostly based in cities struck by the 2023 earthquakes that claimed over 55 thousand lives – to benefit from the SCF program for the first time, providing them with access to affordable working capital solutions. The deal is supported by the European Commission’s IPA II Fund. The EBRD signing ceremony in Ankara for the launch of the Akbank deal was held in November 2024, attended by counsel Daniela Barrdear. It was also attended by Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski, President of the EBRD, Odile Renaud-Basso, Türkiye’s Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır and Akbank CEO, Kaan Gür. In the second transaction, working together with Kinstellar, Sullivan advised EBRD, which partnered with Banca Transilvania, to enhance the SCF programme for Profi Rom Food, a leading retail chain operating in Romania. The EBRD’s unfunded risk participation will help grow Profi’s existing SCF program for the benefit of its suppliers and marks the EBRD’s first SCF initiative in Romania aimed at strengthening a domestic value chain. The Sullivan team advising EBRD is led by counsel Daniela Barrdear, with London partner Geoffrey Wynne. For more information about the Akbank SCF program in favour of Sok, here, and for the Profi Rom Food SCF programme, please click here.

Sullivan & Worcester Promotes Daniela Barrdear to Partner in London

London – Monday, 02 June 2025  International law firm Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is pleased to announce the promotion of Daniela Barrdear to partner in its award-winning Trade & Export Finance practice in London.  Since joining Sullivan as Counsel in 2023, Daniela has brought extensive experience advising on trade and commodity finance structures for banks, non-bank financial institutions, development finance institutions (DFIs) and multilateral organisations. Her strong expertise in supply chain finance, blended finance and export finance, particularly across emerging markets, has further enhanced the firm’s global financing capabilities.  Geoffrey Wynne, head of Sullivan's Trade & Export Finance Group and the firm's London office, said: “Daniela has made a tremendous impact since joining the firm. Her technical expertise, commercial insight and deep understanding of DFI mandates and supply chain finance in developing markets has been invaluable to our clients. She’s a key member of the team and I’m delighted to welcome her to the partnership.”  Daniela Barrdear added: “I’m delighted to join the partnership at Sullivan. I’m proud to be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of trade and export finance, particularly in emerging markets and in light of ongoing digitalisation and legal developments. With my focus on DFIs and innovation in supply chain finance, I look forward to continuing to help clients navigate the changing landscape.”  This promotion underscores Sullivan’s commitment to excellence in trade and export finance and its focus on supporting clients across complex cross-border financing with an emphasis on sustainability and development.  About Daniela Barrdear   Daniela advises on trade and commodity finance structures, acting for banks and non-bank financial institutions, development finance institutions and multilateral organisations as well as borrowers. She has deep knowledge of supply chain finance techniques, blended finance and export financing across the globe with a focus on emerging markets.   In 2024, she was recognised as one of the outstanding women in the trade, treasury and payments industry by Trade Finance Global (TFG) in its annual Women in Trade, Treasury & Payments 2024 awards and is a member of the British Exporters’ Association’s governing Council.  Daniela leads the firm’s work with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) having recently worked closely with the client to develop template documentation for EBRD’s SCF programme.  – ENDS –  About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester is a global law firm with approximately 200 attorneys in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to bestinclass client service.  For further information please visit the firm’s website and LinkedIn.  Contacts:  Geoffrey Wynne Partner, Sullivan & Worcester [email protected] +44 (0)20 7448 1001  Daniela Barrdear Partner, Sullivan & Worcester [email protected] +44 (0)20 7448 1012  Will Hulbert PR, Hulbert & Co. [email protected] +44 (0)7774 108 699   

Sullivan Welcomes Trade Finance Partner Matthew Cox to its London Office

London, UK, August 27, 2025 - International law firm Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is pleased to announce that Matthew Cox has joined the firm as a Partner in its London office, further strengthening its market-leading trade and export finance practice and enhancing its capabilities in relation to the digitalisation of trade and trade finance. Matthew joins the firm from Holman Fenwick Willan. His arrival follows the promotion of Daniela Barrdear to partner in June 2025, reflecting Sullivan’s continued investment in its leading trade finance team. Matthew advises banks, funds, traders and producers in relation to structured trade and commodity finance, with particular expertise in pre-export and advance payment structures, borrowing bases, receivables, warehouse financing, commodity repos and ECA-backed financings. He also has considerable experience acting for fintechs, platform providers and non-bank capital providers, helping clients navigate the digitalisation of trade finance in jurisdictions including London, Dubai, Tokyo and Singapore. Geoffrey Wynne, head of Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance Group and managing partner of the London office, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Matthew to Sullivan. He is highly respected in the trade and commodity finance sector and brings significant expertise that complements our existing strengths. His arrival enhances our ability to support clients across the full range of traditional and digital trade finance solutions, particularly as the market continues to evolve with new technologies and funding models.” Matthew Cox added: “This is an exciting time to be joining Sullivan. The market continues to evolve rapidly, with new sources of capital, an increasing role of non-bank lenders and the digitalisation of trade instruments all reshaping how transactions are structured. I am pleased to have joined the London team and look forward to helping clients navigate these changes, drawing on my experience across multiple jurisdictions and sectors.” – ENDS – About Matthew Cox Matthew received his LPC from The College of Law (now The University of Law) in 1998 and was admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2001. With more than 20 years’ experience in commodities and trade finance, he focuses on structured trade and commodity finance, advising lenders and borrowers in financing the production, refining and transportation of commodities and structuring deals and complex cross-border financing arrangements for banks, traders, exporters and other participants in the global trade finance market. Matthew spent a number of years living and working in Dubai, Tokyo and Singapore and he is a member of the Law Society of England and Wales. About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester is a global law firm with approximately 200 attorneys in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best‑in‑class client service. For further information please visit the firm’s website and LinkedIn. Contacts: Geoffrey Wynne Partner, Sullivan & Worcester [email protected] +44 (0)20 7448 1001 Matthew Cox Partner, Sullivan & Worcester [email protected] +44 (0)20 7448 1009 Will Hulbert PR, Hulbert & Co. [email protected] +44 (0)7774 108 699

Sullivan Appoints Partner Robert Parson to its Expanding Trade Finance and Emerging Markets Practice in London

With seven full-time trade and export finance partners in London alone, along with a team of associates, Sullivan’s is among the largest dedicated trade finance legal teams London, September 22, 2025 – International law firm Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Parson as a Partner in its London office, further strengthening its expanding and market-leading trade and export finance practice and enhancing its capabilities in relation to the digitalisation of trade and aspects of trade finance, as well as disputes. Robert joins the firm from Squire Patton Boggs. His arrival follows that of Matthew Cox who joined the firm from Holman Fenwick Willan in August 2025 and the promotion of Daniela Barrdear to partner in June 2025, reflecting Sullivan’s continued investment in its leading trade finance team and bringing the trade and export finance team in London to seven partners and a team of associates. Robert Parson brings over 30 years’ experience advising banks, non-bank investors, fintechs, credit insurers and traders on complex cross-border financing arrangements. He is recognised for his work in structured trade, inventory finance and the digitalisation of trade documents, as well as his deep knowledge of advisory work in this area and trade-related disputes, including high-profile letters-of-credit litigation. “Robert’s arrival cements our team as among the largest dedicated trade finance practices,” said Geoffrey Wynne, head of Sullivan's Trade & Export Finance Group and the firm's London office. “His reputation in commodity and trade finance, including the digitalisation of trade and trade finance, as well as disputes, together with his industry advisory expertise, makes him an excellent fit for our practice. He brings extensive experience advising clients across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, bringing insight that will be invaluable to our clients and add real depth to our team. Our expanded practice in London supports clients internationally across the full range of traditional and digital trade finance solutions, advising them as the market continues to evolve with new technologies and funding models. I am pleased to welcome Robert to Sullivan following the arrival of Matthew Cox, who joined us last month.” Robert Parson added: “Sullivan’s trade and export finance reputation is well-established and highly respected. I’m excited to join the firm at such a pivotal time for the commodities and trade finance sectors. As global markets evolve and digital trade and related activities continue to grow, I look forward to helping further strengthen the practice, supporting clients as they navigate increasingly complex challenges.” – ENDS – About Robert Parson Robert received his LLB from the University of Sheffield in 1982 and his LPC from The College of Law, Chester in 1983. He was admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 1986. With more than 30 years’ experience in commodities and trade finance law, his practice focuses on structuring deals and complex cross-border financing arrangements for banks, traders, exporters and other participants in the global trade market. Robert is included in the UK Legal 500, 2025’s ‘Hall of Fame’ for Trade Finance and Chambers UK, 2025’s list of Band 2-ranked individuals for Commodities: Trade Finance (UK-wide). He is a member of the Law Society of England and Wales and the ICC Banking Commission Legal Committee. About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester is a global law firm with approximately 200 attorneys in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best-in-class client service. For further information please visit the firm’s website and LinkedIn.

Sullivan & Worcester Continues Expansion of London Platform with Arrival of 10-Attorney Award-Winning Emerging Companies and Venture Capital Team

June 25, 2026 – International law firm Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) today announced the arrival of one of the UK’s leading Emerging Companies and Venture Capital teams, significantly enhancing the firm's transatlantic capabilities and accelerating its strategic growth in London. The team, which was recently recognized as Growth Capital Team of the Year at the 2026 The Lawyer Awards in London, is led by partners James Shaw, Iain Cockburn and Ben Williams, who are joined by counsels Mary Harley, Tina Baker and Andrew Gay, and associates Yeji Lee, Francesca Salisbury, Fai Tai, and Alexandra Woodcock-West, and two dedicated business support professionals. Their arrival establishes a premier Emerging Companies and Venture Capital practice in London, further advancing Sullivan’s strategy of building a fully integrated international platform serving innovative, high-growth businesses and the investors that back them. The team advises venture-backed companies, founders, and investors across the full business lifecycle, including venture financings, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property strategy, and complex strategic advisory matters. “This is a transformational addition to our already strong London office and a major milestone in the continued expansion of our international platform,” said David Nagle, Sullivan’s Managing Partner. “James, Iain, Ben, and their team are widely recognized as leaders in the emerging companies and venture capital market, with deep relationships across the innovation economy and a proven track record advising businesses from formation through to successful exits and access to U.S. capital markets. Their arrival significantly enhances our ability to serve founders, investors, and growth companies on both sides of the Atlantic. We are delighted to welcome them to the firm.” The group has developed a market-leading reputation across some of the world’s most dynamic sectors, including life sciences, climate technology, fintech, deeptech, and artificial intelligence. Shaw, who leads the team joining Sullivan, said, “We are excited to join a firm with such a powerful U.S. platform and deep international finance capabilities. As innovation-driven companies increasingly operate across borders and look to access U.S. markets and capital, the opportunity to combine our practice with Sullivan’s global reach creates a compelling proposition for founders, investors, and emerging businesses. We look forward to collaborating with our new colleagues and continuing to support clients through every stage of growth.” The team joins Sullivan’s highly regarded London office, which has experienced significant momentum in recent years. The firm's market-leading trade and export finance practice, led by Geoffrey Wynne, was further strengthened in 2025 with the additions of partners Robert Parson and Matthew Cox, enhancing Sullivan’s position as a leading advisor on complex cross-border transactions and financing matters. PARTNER BIOS James Shaw – James advises entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies and investors across all stages of the corporate lifecycle. With more than 20 years of experience, he is trusted counsel to founders and investors, and frequently serves as outside general counsel to science-based and innovative companies. Highly regarded for his work in the European life science and fintech sectors, he has extensive experience representing companies on complex corporate transactions, venture capital financings, strategic investments, acquisitions, and divestitures. Iain Cockburn – Iain advises founder and management-led high-growth companies, as well as venture capital funds and institutional investors, on significant venture and growth transactions. His work includes later-stage financings, pre-exit rounds, lead investor mandates, consortium investments, secondary transactions and cross-border matters. Iain also advises on the broader corporate issues that arise as companies scale and institutionalize, including governance arrangements, investor rights, founder and management equity structures, shareholder arrangements, strategic corporate matters, as well as issues relating to the UK’s National Security and Investment Act 2021. Ben Williams – Ben is a leading commercial technology lawyer advising innovative growth companies (including unicorns and decacorns) and their investors. He supports high-growth businesses and investors in developing, deploying and scaling technology products globally, leading complex cross-border commercial negotiations. With strong transatlantic expertise, he aligns technology, regulatory and tax frameworks across jurisdictions. Ben also advises on AI, data, national security and emerging regulation, delivering pragmatic, commercially focused solutions that enable innovation while managing risk. About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is a premier, AmLaw 200 international law firm with lawyers in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, real estate companies, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best-in-class client service. For further information please visit the firm’s website and LinkedIn. Contacts: Lucinda Ellison newPRos [email protected] +1 610-574-9035 Will Hulbert Hulbert & Co. [email protected] +44 (0)7774 108 699
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