Emma Folds > Clifford Chance LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Led from London by David Robson and Taner Hassan and able to lean into the firm’s vast international resources, should the need arise, Clifford Chance LLP deploys ‘strong co-ordination skills to manage transactions’ for a compelling mix of high-profile banks and investment grade grade corporates. As well as advising on fairly commoditised investment grade syndicated lending provisions for large listed companies (where the firm is able to provide a cost-effective service by virtue of its mass ranks of associates), the firm is also highly accomplished at structuring more complex deals for cross-over credits, as well as on corporate event-driven financings. Emma Folds has excellent credibility among lenders across a range of new money and refinancing transactions, including on large-scale cross-border jumbo finance facilities. Nicholas Kinnersley has a good appreciation of finance products throughout the capital structure and is a popular choice among large multinational corporates on their financing needs, from both corporate lending and event-driven perspectives. Matt Dunn, who rejoined the firm in September 2023 from Arthur Cox, is now the key relationship partner for the Loan Market Association (LMA) following the recent retirement of Nicola Wherity.

Drawing on ‘huge market knowledge’ and extensive international resources, Clifford Chance LLP remains a compelling proposition for creditors and debtors on big-ticket and complex leveraged and event-driven deals.  Although the firm has gained market traction among credit funds, its strong and longstanding commercial/investment bank relationships continue to inform much of the deal flow, both in the leveraged market, as well as on corporate-led M&A deals. Emma Folds is one of many experienced partners in the team who is conversant with debt structures throughout the capital structure, deploying this knowledge to good effect across a range of transactions, running the gamut from sponsor-driven leveraged deals, through to restructurings and corporate lending mandates. In addition, along with Michael Bates and Julia House, she is also well-versed at handling infrastructure finance transactions. Dual UK and Sweden-qualified partner Peter Dahlen has strong knowledge of leveraged finance transactions, utilising both bank and credit fund-sourced debt, and has a particular niche advising on Nordic deals. While lender work remains the lifeblood of the practice, under the guidance of Taner Hassan, the firm also continues to handle a considerable volume of significant private equity-led cross-border leveraged finance matters. Hassan co-heads the overarching banking and finance team alongside David Robson, whose lender-focused practice includes both leveraged and M&A financings.