Sought after by both creditors and debtors, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP stands out for its track record in advising ad hoc bondholder groups and steering committees on restructurings, including distressed securities trading, while also operating comfortably across pre-insolvency work-outs and insolvency proceedings such as safeguard, recovery or liquidation matters. A well-known expert for the full range of cross-border restructurings, litigation, and distressed M&A deals, the team is led by Lionel Spizzichino, who offers established experience in a variety of sectors, including aviation, media, chemical, and financial services. Batiste Saint-Guily demonstrates strength in high-yield debt restructurings and is a key contact for the firm’s bondholder clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Wilkie has a very high-end positioning. A leader in France in the restructuring sector.’
Key clients
- Steering Committee of bondholders of Atos
- Steering Committee of cross-holder of Atlice France
- Steering committee of HY Bondholders of Casino
- Steering Committee of unsecured creditors of Orpea
- Fidera
- JPMorgan Chase & Co – Global Special Situations
- Arrow Global
- CMA CGM
- BA&SH
Work highlights
Advised the steering committee of Crossholders Bondholders on Altice’s debt restructuring.
Advised Arrow Global as main bondholder (and former shareholder) of French debt collector Iqera.
Advised Verdoso on the acquisition of The Kooples Productions from MF Brands Group in the context of conciliation proceedings.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Lionel Spizzichino
Other key lawyers
Batiste Saint-Guily