Matheson LLP is highly regarded for its advice on complex cross-border financing, leasing, commercial debt, and export credit agency-supported transactions. Practice co-head Rory McPhillips is noted for handling all Irish law aspects of multi-jurisdictional financing structures involving globally deployed aircraft and other assets. Fellow co-head Stuart Kennedy has significant experience in structuring aircraft sales, and representing lessors and airlines on leveraged, syndicated and export credit agency-backed facilities. Yvonne McWeeney is also a key contact, with broad experience in sales, financings and leasing structures, and acting for a wide range of lessors and financial institutions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The Matheson team's cohesive approach really sets them apart, and their partners and associates work seamlessly to provide a genuinely integrated service across disciplines and are equipped to handle vast complexities. I especially value their responsiveness, consistency of quality, and ability to anticipate issues before they arise.'
- 'The market-leading knowledge of the industry within the Matheson LLP Asset Finance team is a real standout for me. Each partner has experience dealing with unique and complex transactions and takes a hands-on approach to their transactions. The quality of service received is second to none from Associate up to Partner level. It is a pleasure to work with them.'
- 'Stuart Kennedy is my go-to person at Matheson; he and his team are always responsive.'
- 'Andrew Dixon is an exceptional asset finance lawyer whose command of the law translates into highly practical and strategic advice. He has a rare ability to tailor his counsel to our commercial priorities, communicating complex issues with clarity and care. Andrew is always available when needed and consistently provides an excellent standard of service.'
- 'Knowledge, responsiveness. Matheson has one of the best Asset Finance practices in Ireland.'
- 'They know the market and provide user-friendly advice.'
- 'Gerry Thornton - unbelievable scope of creativity and knowledge. He is at home both in simple and the most complex structures. Always has a solution on hand. Rory McPhillips - our go-to for any corporate question in Ireland. Always good, reliable and prompt advice to advance transactions.'
- 'The team are commercial, responsive and supportive. They are my 'go to' firm for aviation matters requiring Irish law support.'
- Rory McPhillips is an excellent lawyer. The same goes for Stuart Kennedy and Yvonne McWeeney, but they don't talk law all day and night like other firms; they get on with the deal while finding a way to do so within the legal constraints.
- Stuart Kennedy is knowledgeable and assured, and his team supports our transactions very well.
Key clients
- Azorra Aviation
- Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA
- CDB Aviation
- UK Export Finance (UKEF)
- CCB Aviation
- Aviation Capital Group
- AerCap
- Castlelake, L.P.
- Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE)
- Arctic Aviation Assets DAC
- Jackson Square Aviation
- Tokyo Century
- FTAI Aviation
- Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES)
- Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (BoComm Leasing)
- CMB Financial Leasing (CMB Aviation)
- Aergo Capital Limited
- VivaAerobus
Work highlights
Advised Azorra Aviation in connection with the Term Loan B financing involving (a) a $988m revolving credit facility, (b) a $550m unsecured note issuance, and (c) $464m term loan B facility.
Advised FTAI in connection with the establishment of Irish aircraft financing structures under FTAI’s new Strategic Capital initiative in collaboration with third-party institutional investors including its $2.5bn of asset-level debt financing led by global investment firm ATLAS SP Partners.
Advised Aquila in connection with the Wafra Inc‘s acquisition of Aquila Air Capital and the related debt financing.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Rory McPhillips; Stuart Kennedy
Other key lawyers
Yvonne McWeeney; Gerry Thornton; Andrew Dixon