Handling numerous private equity acquisition finance transactions, navigating fund finance and assisting large-scale corporate borrowers, the ‘very responsible’ team at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is familiar with negotiating the terms of debt financing arrangements involving banks, private credit providers and other alternative lenders. Highly experienced leveraged and high-yield bonds lawyer Meme Peponis co-heads the team alongside Duane McLaughlin, a key name in major M&A financing and syndicated lending. Other figures central to the operation include Amy Shapiro, who works with private equity firms and portfolio companies, handles management company financings, bridge loans and more. Matthew Mao advises portfolio companies and PE sponsors, as well as public and private companies, and Anna Kogan is a key name for fund finance. Victor Chiu comes recommended for various debt finance matters, including bridge loans, refinancings, and debtor-in-possession loans. Nicholas Pokas and Ani Sivaram are additional names to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘One of the most unique and valuable qualities of this group is that they have a very good ability to take the business challenges into consideration when counseling us on legal issues. Many lawyers have challenges viewing the whole picture, but Cleary always recognizes that we are working with non-legal folks that need to get business done and help us navigate that while also providing us sound legal advice.’
‘We have historically worked with Meme Peponis and Nicholas Pokas. Besides being good and interesting people, they are extremely responsive and mindful of our role of working with internal non-legal folks that need to get business done and help us navigate that while also providing us sound legal advice.’
‘Very responsive and knowledgeable of debt capital markets. ’
‘Amy Shapiro and Ani Sivaram are excellent to work with. Very accessible, they know our account well and we have built a level of report that makes our deals very successful. ’
Key clients
- Baker Hughes Company
- HCA Inc.
- Honeywell International Inc.
- The Hartford Financial Services Group
- Somnigroup International Inc.
- Sotera Health Company
- Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua
- Alkermes
- Starbucks Corporation
- McCormick & Company, Inc.
- Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc.
- Western Digital Corporation
Work highlights
Advising Baker Hughes Company in $14.9 billion in credit facilities in connection with Baker Hughes’ agreement to acquire Chart Industries Inc.
Advised HCA Healthcare, Inc. in obtaining (through its wholly owned subsidiary HCA Inc.) a new $8 billion unsecured investment grade revolving credit facility from a syndicate of lending institutions.
Advised Honeywell International Inc. in connection with various credit facilities and significant transactions this past year totalling $13.25 billion.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Duane McLaughlin; Meme Peponis
Other key lawyers
Amy Shapiro; Matthew Mao; Anna Kogan; Victor Chiu; Nicholas Pokas; Ani Sivaram