Although it handles some lender work, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP has gained most traction among borrowers which are appreciative of the firm’s deep knowledge of financing products as well as its ability to effectively collaborate with other complementary practice areas and international offices, particularly in the US. Solely focused on servicing financial sponsor clients, the ‘unflappable’ Chris Barron is very well-versed on current market trends, and is able to elicit often very favourable terms for funds unencumbered as he is by lender ties. Neil Caddy is also skilled at handling borrower work for funds and corporates, providing value on new money financings, repricings, as well as on hybrid capital mandates. Jons Lehmann heads the European finance team from London, and as part of his versatile offering handles some leveraged finance mandates, including public-to-private transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They combine great legal expertise with strong interpersonal skills, which makes collaboration easy and effective.'
- 'Deep knowledge of the debt market and ability to firmly negotiate favourable terms for clients.'
- 'The unflappable Chris Barron is a superb negotiator and has all the detail in mind.'
Key clients
- Viavi Solutions
- Pizza Hut
Work highlights
Acted as counsel to Nasdaq-listed Viavi in its c.$1.27bn bid for Spirent Communications plc, a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Advised the HWS Group which is the franchise holder of the well-known restaurant chain, Pizza Hut, together with the proposed administrators from Interpath Advisory on the restructuring and pre-packaged administration sale of the Pizza Hut business in the UK and Ireland to an affiliate of Directional Capital.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Jons Lehmann
Other key lawyers
Neil Caddy; Chris Barron; Graham Greenwood; Devon Brewster; Ross Cruickshanks; Katie Sinclair; Ryan Jenkinson