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.
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Work Department
Partner in Asset Finance Group
Position
Stuart is a partner in the Finance and Capital Markets Department and advises on all aspects of aviation, shipping, rail and other asset financing, trading and leasing matters on a daily basis. Stuart has gained considerable experience in advising on the structuring of aircraft purchase, sale, financing and leasing transactions and acts for a number of aircraft lessors, financiers and airlines in leveraged, syndicated and export credit agency backed financing facilities. Stuart also has considerable experience in advising on structured finance, ABS (asset-backed securities) and repackaging transactions relating to all such asset classes including the establishment of special purpose companies funded by public and private issuances.
Stuart also regularly advises Irish airlines and leasing companies on airline licencing and registration issues with the Irish Aviation Authority and Commission for Aviation Regulation in addition to all aspects of the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol.
Stuart regularly presents to aircraft and aircraft engine lessors on all aspects of the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol and to company directors on their duties and responsibilities under Irish law.
Stuart is also a lecturer and tutor on the Law Society of Ireland’s Diploma in Aviation Leasing and Finance.
Education
University of Limerick, Bachelor of Arts in Law and Accounting
Solicitor, Ireland
Solicitor, England and Wales (not practising)
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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.'
- 'Knowledge, responsiveness. Matheson has one of the best Asset Finance practices in Ireland.'
Key clients
- Azorra Aviation
- Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA
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.