Linklaters LLP acts for a blue-chip client base on the full range of matters. The team is led by Alexander Naidenov, Giacomo Reali, and Christianne Williams. Sponsor-driven financings are a key area for Naidenov, who represents underwriters, issuers, and bridge lenders. Reali, a US-qualified partner, focuses on high-yield bonds and leveraged finance transactions across Europe, while Williams places particular emphasis on high-yield debt offerings, debt liability management transactions, and restructurings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- We work mainly with Giacomo Reali. For us, he is the go-to partner on high yield bonds. He is highly commercial. When the standard approach does not work, he finds practical solutions. He gets into the details but always with a view on what makes sense commercially. He is very responsive and easy to reach, even outside of transactions. He explains complex points in a clear way. For us, he is a real trusted adviser. We rank him highly and consider him one of the leaders in the European high yield bonds.
- Dami Banire is an associate; great availability and know-how; presents the problem with the solution.
- Unparalleled expertise, attention, and dedication to their clients, great know-how and training offered.
- Giacomo Reali is pure excellence. As an in-house lawyer working on a huge number of HY bonds, having Giacomo and his team on my side means peace of mind, the ability to focus on key issues, and making informed decisions under his experienced guidance, gaining efficiency. He takes time to explain in a clear and simple manner even the most complex legal and technical issues. He is an excellent negotiator and always offers innovative solutions and ideas to address the inevitable challenges of complex transactions. I can’t recommend him enough! Special mention also goes to Filippo Turci, who is hardworking, extremely talented, and exceptional at running the project while never losing sight of the minor details.
- Great team who does things properly; experienced partners, quality associates, and always a pleasure to work with.
- Giacomo Reali is a high-quality, practical, and responsive partner.
Key clients
- alstria
- ams-OSRAM
- Celsa Steel
- Cirsa
- Deep Ocean
- doValue
- Endeavour Mining
- Global Trade Centre
- Gruppo San Donato
- Harbour Energy
- Lottomatica
- Maxam
- Nexture
- Ontex
- OVHcloud
- Paragon
- SierraCol Energy
- Standard Profil
- TAP Air Portugal
- Tereos
Work highlights
Advised the joint bookrunners on FiberCop’s inaugural €2.8 billion senior secured notes offering, with proceeds used for general corporate purposes, including capex, potential refinancing and transaction‑related expenses.
Advised the arrangers and underwriters on OVHcloud’s landmark €1.15 billion financing package supporting its public share buyback.
Advised Celsa Steel, Europe’s leading producer of circular and low‑emission steel, on its €1.2 billion debut high‑yield notes issuance.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Alexander Naidenov; Giacomo Reali; Christianne Williams