Back to rankings
King & Spalding

King & Spalding

More information

United States • Finance

6

Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate

The team at King & Spalding assists distressed debtors and asset buyers with Chapter 11 bankruptcies, distressed M&A transactions, including cross-border agreements, insolvency-related litigation and other distressed arrangements. Highly experienced bankruptcy specialist Austin Jowers sits in the firm’s Atlanta office with Jeff Dutson, who handles Chapter 11 bankruptcies and distressed M&A involving companies in various sectors from real estate and healthcare to energy and aviation. Also in Atlanta, Thad Wilson acts for financial institutions, companies and directors and officers in litigation related to bankruptcy and insolvency, which is another key workstream for the practice. In New York, Michael Handler focuses on advising lenders, bondholders and companies on workouts, restructurings and special situation financings, as well as private credit restructurings, and broker-dealer and investment manager liquidations. New York-based Eric Wise, who joined from Alston & Bird LLP in February 2025, is a key contact for liability management transactions, recapitalizations and more.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘I think King & Spalding's strength is the collaboration among the different practice groups to solve client problems. In a particular matter, K&S seamlessly provided solutions from their regulatory practice, bankruptcy practice, tax practice and litigation practice.’

  • ‘Thad Wilson was the point partner on my case. He was a strong advocate of our position and marshalled the resources of the firm to support our position in the matter. His management of the firm's resources to drive a seamless solution was impressive.’

  • 'Each member of the King & Spalding team treats you as if you are their most important client. I know they have my best interests in mind, and they are always available when needed. Matthew Kelsey and Eric Wise are standouts in the restructuring practice, providing invaluable advice and creative solutions to our legal issues.'

  • 'The King & Spalding team has been a true partner of ours in addressing our legal needs. They are incredibly intelligent people that work harder than any others in the industry. I value their input and trust in their judgement.'

Key clients

  • Accuride Canada Inc.
  • Ad Hoc Group of minority term lenders to American Tire Distributors
  • Archegos Capital Management
  • Lamar Frady & Turjo Wadud
  • Northeast Recovery
  • On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
  • Paceline Equity Partners
  • Primex Farms, LLC
  • Red Lobster
  • Ripple Labs Inc.
  • Steward Health Care System LLC
  • Sound Point Capital Management

Work highlights

Advised and achieved a victory for an ad hoc group of minority term lenders in American Tire Distributors’ Chapter 11 case, successfully removing a non‑ratable 3:1 roll‑up from American Tire Distributors’ $1.12 billion DIP financing.
Represented Capital One, as lender and co‑collateral agent, in New Rite Aid LLC’s $1.9 billion DIP financing in the District of New Jersey, enabling a liquidation of approximately 1,200 pharmacy locations.
Represented Red Lobster and its affiliates in their Middle District of Florida Chapter 11, securing a $100 million DIP facility, a $275 million stalking‑horse credit bid from existing term lenders for a going‑concern sale, and a global resolution with the Creditors’ Committee and lenders culminating in a consensual plan.
Practice head

Todd Holleman; Carolyn Alford

Other key lawyers

Austin Jowers; Jeff Dutson; Thad Wilson; Michael Handler; Matthew Kelsey; Eric Wise; Sarah Primrose