A&O Shearman has ‘deep knowledge of the law and a problem-solving approach to complex legal matters’. Particularly strong in structured and debt finance, project development, sovereign debt, and restructuring, the firm also handles arbitrations, regulatory, and M&A matters in frontier markets. Trade, commodities and export finance specialist Greg Brown oversees the ‘positive, proactive, efficient and organised’ emerging markets group in London, while the head of the export credit agency practice Lorraine Bayliss takes the lead on many complex multi-jurisdictional matters. US corporate finance partner Sachin Davé handles equity and debt offerings, including Rule 144A, Regulation S and other private placement transactions, and emerging talents Oleg Khomenko and Catherine Lang-Anderson are standout practitioners for complex cross-border financing transactions and trade finance respectively. In the junior ranks, Milan Sýkora is a key adviser to lenders and borrowers in Africa, the Middle East, and CEE. Finance and restructuring partner Kathleen Wong left the firm in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A&O has deep knowledge and experience in the emerging markets (including Nigeria). The team combines global reach with a detailed knowledge of the situation on the ground. A&O is well-equipped to assist in the most challenging jurisdictions in the world – irrespective of the place, they keep a steady course and drive the deal towards completion.'
'A&O is pragmatic and collaborative in negotiations. A&O takes technical excellence seriously – they know the law and documents inside-out. A&O is joined-up across jurisdictions – they work seamlessly with our colleagues in other jurisdictions and we have a great network of local law firms working with us across the globe.’
‘Milan Sýkora has been fantastic to us. He made us feel incredibly supported on a challenging transaction. Interested in forming a personal connection and making himself available as long-term trusted adviser.’
'An unwavering commitment to (i) meet deadlines and ensure that you can deliver to your clients (ii) ensure that all stakeholders are managed to ensure that transactions close in a timely way.'
‘The team is very pragmatic and has an ability to hone in on the key issues and suggest pragmatic workable solutions that ensure that the key financing objectives are met and the various finance parties are satisfied. They have consistently demonstrated a deep knowledge of the law and a problem-solving approach.’
‘Strong team with international focus and industry knowledge.’
‘Allen & Overy demonstrate a depth of knowledge and breadth of experience in the emerging markets (including Nigeria). They are able to leverage the diverse backgrounds of the various legal counsels to implement practical solutions to complex business legal issues.’
‘A notable law practice with a strong name in the loan market.’
Work highlights
Advised the finance parties on the design, procurement, development, financing, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of a greenfield “on purpose” polypropylene production facility in the Province of Adana, Republic of Turkey.
Advised ABSA Bank as Documentation and Facility Agent, and a syndicate of international lenders as MLAs in respect of USD 695m revolving credit and term loan facilities made available to Puma International Financing S.A. and guaranteed by Puma Energy Holdings Pte. Ltd.
Advised the lenders, IFC, EBRD, AIIB, DEG and PROPARCO on the development, construction and financing of the second container terminal at the Port of Damietta in Egypt.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Greg Brown
Sachin Davé
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Oleg Khomenko
Catherine Lang-Anderson
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Milan Sýkora
Practice head
Greg Brown
Other key lawyers
Milan Sýkora; Lorraine Bayliss; Sachin Davé; Oleg Khomenko; Catherine Lang-Anderson