Acting on its own as well as synergistically alongside the firm’s M&A, acquisition finance and capital markets teams, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advises a fairly balanced mix of debtors, investors and creditors on domestic and cross-border restructurings, involving often highly complex capital structures and a myriad stakeholders with competing interests. On the debtor front, the ‘technically robust’ team, which is headed by the well-respected Adam Gallagher, picks up a number of mandates for distressed portfolio companies of the firm’s private equity sponsor roster. The team also excels in handling ad-hoc committee work for banks and funds, as well as advising credit funds providing private capital in stressed situations. James Watson is highly skilled in overseeing both transactional – including special situation mandates – and formal insolvency matters, offering tailored solutions to a broad spectrum of creditor and debtor clients. Marc Hecht is also recommended and is gaining increased market visibility as a result of some recent high-profile mandates for debtors and bondholders.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team provides technically robust, pragmatically tailored and commercial advice on the most complex and pressured situations.’
‘Toby Smyth's client service, pragmatic and thoughtful solutions, and the deal leadership was exceptional.'
'They have in my view the best team in the market and would be my go-to firm in any situation. The quality of advice is first-rate, the depth of team is good and availability and accessibility of key personnel throughout is excellent.'
'Adam Gallagher is the lead partner whom I have worked with over the years. He is always available, gives clear and categorical advice and is excellent to have by my side in the trenches through complex and difficult situations.'
'Simpson Thacher’s team provides technically robust, pragmatically tailored and commercial advice on the most complex and pressured situations.'
'A pleasure to deal with. Technically excellent, but able to explain effectively.'
Key clients
- Apax Partners
- Bank of America
- Barings
- BC Partners
- Blackstone Credit
- Blantyre Capital
- Centerbridge Partners
- DE Shaw & Co
- Farallon Capital Management
- Goldman Sachs
- J.P. Morgan
- Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Work highlights
Advising KKR on all aspects of its investment in the Accell Group, involving debt of €1.3bn.
Advised the ad hoc group of lenders under Cineworld’s $1.6bn term loan on the group’s restructuring.
Advising an ad hoc group of bondholders on the restructuring of Idorsia’s CHF1.3bn debt and new money need.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
James Watson
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Marc Hecht
Practice head
Adam Gallagher
Other key lawyers
James Watson; Marc Hecht; Toby Smyth