Latham & Watkins maintains its status as a dominant player in the European high yield market, handling complex, high-value transactions, including cross-border private placements and multi-currency issuances. Brett Cassidy heads up the London-based team, which includes experienced figures such as Matthew Schneider, noted for his work on large-scale, dual-currency deals, and Francesco Lione, who has a strong reputation across acquisition finance and high yield work. The group also benefits from the expertise of Jennifer M. Engelhardt, a key contact for transactions in the energy space and for multinational corporates and private equity funds, while Shawn Anderson is also highlighted. The team expanded in 2024 with the arrival of Roberto Reyes Gaskin from the Paris office, while Scott Colwell and Patrick Kwak both left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Latham & Watkins has an exceptional team with a very strong reputation in the market. They bring credibility and great support when working with them.'
- ‘Excellent and extremely knowledgeable team who are able to talk through complicated aspects of any transaction.’
- ‘Market-leading practice in high yield, with a high-quality talent bench across markets. Go-to firm for complicated projects and trusted advice.’
- ‘The Latham & Watkins team provides us a unique combination of high-yield market capabilities, very deep US and European market presence, expertise advising both issuers and underwriters as well as relationships with most of the major institutional buyers. They have been a key partner in negotiating our covenant package.’
- 'Matthew Schneider is an exceptional partner. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable in his area of expertise (high yield, leveraged finance), but he also has a rare ability to handle and resolve very complex situations and bring to a conclusion to the satisfaction of both parties. All this through a combination of exceptional interpersonal skills and commitment to his client, and years of relevant experience.'
‘Jenn Engelhardt and Matt Schneider are both excellent.’
Work highlights
Advised Belron in connection with its debut bond issuance of €850 million 4.625% senior secured notes due 2029 and $1.115 billion 5.75% senior secured notes due 2029.
Advised the arrangers and underwriters on the approximately £1.7 billion total financing for Apollo’s acquisition of Evri which comprised a bridge financing to fund the acquisition alongside a syndicated TLB, followed by the issuance of £725,000,000 8.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2031.
Advised the initial purchasers in relation to: (i) INEOS Quattro’s €675,000,000 6¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2030, (ii) the new $575.0 million and €435.0 million Term Loan B Facilities due 2031 and (iii) the related tender offers by INEOS Quattro Group.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Brett Cassidy
Other key lawyers
Matthew Schneider; Francesco Lione; Jennifer M. Engelhardt; Roberto Reyes Gaskin; Shawn Anderson