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Global Transportation Finance

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Clay Thomas assists lenders, borrowers, issuers, equipment manufacturers, and airlines in negotiating and executing a wide range of financings and acquisition/disposition transactions in the aviation, rail and maritime industries.

Recognized for his expertise in global transportation finance, Clay also advises sophisticated companies in the transportation sector on bankruptcy, insolvency issues, structuring matters and various secured and unsecured lending transactions.

Clay’s considerable experience in structuring finance transactions includes a variety of capital market issuances and bank syndicate revolving and term loan facilities. He represents clients in U.S. and cross-border sale, lease and financing deals, including aircraft, vessel and rolling stock portfolio acquisitions and related financings, sale-leaseback transactions, operating and leveraged leases, export credit agency financings, mortgage financings, pooled collateral/warehouse loan facilities, asset-backed securitizations, secured and unsecured bond issuances and enhanced equipment trust certificate transactions. His work also encompasses aircraft and railcar investment fund formations and joint ventures.

With a calm demeanor during difficult and high-pressure situations, Clay maintains a balanced perspective and a steady approach to his clients’ transactions. His background as a tax accountant at a public accounting firm focusing on corporate, partnership, and international taxation also gives him an advantage in understanding financial statements, accounting and tax issues that influence many of his clients’ transactions.

• University of Notre Dame Law School, J.D., 2009, cum laude

• University of Texas at Arlington, M.A., 2004

• Oklahoma State University, B.S., 2001