Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP‘s ’thoughtful and proactive’ lender-focused practice has continued to consolidate and grow its credit fund client base. As well as a steady stream of mid-market matters, the team, which is co-headed by the ‘approachable and highly responsive’ Matthew Smith and Smridhi Gulati, has gained some traction in the larger-cap space, adding value drawing upon additional leveraged finance strength from the US on transatlantic deals. Both Smith and Gulati are skilled at structuring transactions utilising debt throughout the capital structure, and as well as handling new money deals have both been busy of late advising on refinancings/repricings of leveraged assets. Bevis Metcalfe is the other main contact within the team and is particularly adept at implementing private credit solutions on hybrid capital deals.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘It is a very thoughtful and proactive team. Responsive and easy to deal with and don't take a cookie-cutter approach.'
- 'They know the mid-market direct lending landscape very well; provide advice and argue points for lenders; balance commerciality well.'
- ‘The team brings a combination of technical strength, commerciality, and responsiveness. They understand our risk appetite and consistently deliver clear, practical advice. Their collaborative mindset and ability to anticipate issues make them a trusted, go-to partner.’
‘Smridhi Gulati is really smart, thoughtful and a pleasure to work with. She gets what we need and adapts her approach to fit the deal. Always on top of all aspects of a transaction.'
'Smridhi Gulati is exceptional - extremely efficient, she is commercial but also pushes to protect the interest of her clients.'
‘Smridhi Gulati and Matthew Smith bring exceptional attention to detail and a strong ability to simplify complex legal issues. Their practical mindset and dedication to understanding our business' challenges set them apart. They are approachable and highly responsive.’
Key clients
- Ares Management Limited
- Apera Asset Management LLP
- AshGrove Capital
- Barings European Private Debt
- BlackRock European Private Debt
- Bridgepoint Credit
- Kartesia
- Macquarie Principal Finance
- Permira Credit
- Tikehau Capital
- EMK Capital LLP
- Hanover Investors
Work highlights
Advised Macquarie Principal Finance PTY and other lenders on the unitranche and super senior financing for the refinancing and dividend recapitalisation of Moneypenny, a portfolio company of ECI Partners LLP.
Advised AshGrove Capital on a debt refinancing package for Amplience Limited.
Advised a syndicate of approximately 10 unitranche lenders, including Macquarie Principal Finance PTY, on the refinancing and repricing of senior secured facilities for Dukes Education Group.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Matthew Smith; Smridhi Gulati
Other key lawyers
Bevis Metcalfe