Latham & Watkins (London) LLP 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: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Jenn Engelhardt and Matt Schneider are both excellent.’
- ‘Francesco Lione stands out as one of the best partners in the high-yield market. Combines a deep subject matter expertise with a commercial mindset. Very thorough in his analysis of every situation and impeccable judgement supported by a wealth of experience.'
- ‘Matt Schneider - impeccable judgment - highly personable. Recommend.’
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.
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Practice head
Brett Cassidy
Other key lawyers
Matthew Schneider; Francesco Lione; Jennifer M. Engelhardt; Roberto Reyes Gaskin; Shawn Anderson