Walkers takes instructions from both lenders and borrowers looking to structure financing arrangements for real estate and corporate acquisitions, as well as providing assistance on the refinancing of existing loan facilities. Practice head Nigel Weston acts for both banks and investment managers, advising on a range of loan facilities. Jon Le Rossignol specialises in the financing of real estate and private equity holding vehicles, while Julia Keppe is noted for her expertise on debt facilities. Elaine Kelly is also well versed in structuring real estate financing, with additional experience in mezzanine facilities. Christine Fox‘s broad practice covers issues ranging from Islamic finance to development financing and security enforcement procedures, with Melissa Hellio focusing on fund and real estate finance. James Lydeard joined the practice in September 2024.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Jon le Rossignol and team are great to work with on finance matters - responsive, available and clear direction, with regular updates provided. ’
‘Excellently balanced team providing service of a very high standard.’
‘Melissa Hellio is an exceptional lawyer who provides commercially astute legal advice within tight timelines. Melissa manages her transactions very well, providing efficient and clear communication. One for the future!’
‘Julia Keppe is a stellar lawyer. She is hands-on, commercial and pragmatic. She is extremely responsive and takes on responsibility in a way that isn't typical with local counsel.’
‘Julia Keppe is really knowledgeable and pragmatic. She is not afraid to deal with complex issues head on, and I trust her judgment. Melissa Hellio is as sharp as a razor and very user-friendly. She is one to watch.’
‘Walkers have always been extremely professional, proactive and approachable. Their turnaround is second to none, and we are grateful for their approach to working together.’
‘Elaine Kelly is great - she is completely on top of things, you know you are in safe hands with her.’
'James Lydeard is excellent.'
Key clients
- Eagle Street
- Baupost Group and Goldfinch Partners
- Cineworld Group plc
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- SigmaRoc Group
- Citigroup Global Markets Limited
- AlloyMTD (Jersey) Limited
- FirstRand Bank Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Cineworld on gaining commitments from existing lenders for a debtor-in-possession financing facility in connection with its restructuring.
- Advised the SigmaRoc Group in relation to its c.€1bn cross-border debt financing with Banco Santander and BNP Paribas to fund its acquisition of CRH plc’s European lime and limestone quarry businesses.
- Advised the lender Citigroup Global Markets Limited in connection with a $130m sustainable securitisation of Kenyan off-grid solar assets with Sun King Financing Limited.
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.
Elaine Kelly
James Lydeard
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Christine Fox
Melissa Hellio
Practice head
Nigel Weston
Other key lawyers
Jon Le Rossignol; Julia Keppe; Kevin McQuillan; Elaine Kelly; Christine Fox; Louise Hamilton; Melissa Hellio; James Lydeard