Kirkland & Ellis International LLP maintains a market-leading reputation in high-yield bond transactions, fielding a deep bench of specialists who frequently advise on complex, cross-border deals. The practice has been particularly active in the leveraged finance space, acting on innovative deal structures and supporting sponsors across the full transaction cycle. Joint practice heads Cedric Van den Borren and Marwa Elborai are both recognised for their extensive experience advising sponsors, corporates, and credit funds on a wide range of high-yield mandates. Tim Volkheimer remains active on leveraged and high-yield financings, restructurings and liability management transactions, while Antoine Lebienvenu continues to grow his profile with a broad practice covering debt and equity capital markets. AJ Brown, Serguei Chevtchenko and Rohan Sahai were all promoted to the partnership in October 2024. William Burke has retired.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Exceptional breadth of experience across the spectrum of high yield with a depth of experience in stressed/restructuring situations which makes them really stand out.'
- 'Ability to work seamlessly with other market-leading practices within the firm makes these guys first choice every time.’
‘Tim Volkheimer is a superb operator who is able to distil complex points into plain English. His depth of experience and ability to explain/rationalise positions gives a real sense of reassurance whenever negotiating covenants, and his ability to explain both sides of the story (given experience across debtor/creditor sides) and understand other perspectives cuts through otherwise protracted processes.'
- 'AJ Brown is a great communicator.’
‘Competent, available, strong client-service, solution-focused.’
‘Available, responsive, pragmatic.’
Key clients
- Brookfield Asset Management – Befimmo Group
- KKR – ContourGlobal Power Holdings
- GIC – TPG Rise Climate LP- Techem
- Grupo Antolin – Irausa
- Advent – Irca
- Apollo – Wagamama
- Universal Music Group
- Iliad Holding
- Partners Group- Techem
- Bain and Cinven – Stada (Nidda Healthcare)
- AGG Capital / Arrow Global
- Strategic Value Partners – APCOA Group GmbH
Work highlights
Representing Brookfield and Befimmo Group on the issuance by Alexandrite Monnet UK Holdco plc of €350 million 10.5% senior secured notes due in 2029.
Advising Advent International and Irca in connection with the issuance of €1,115 million Senior Secured Notes.
Advising Wagamama (part of The Restaurant Group), a portfolio company of Apollo, on its £330 million senior secured notes offering.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Cedric Van den Borren; Marwa Elborai
Other key lawyers
Tim Volkheimer; Antoine Lebienvenu; AJ Brown; Serguei Chevtchenko; Rohan Sahai