Deena Smith is a debt finance associate in the London office of Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. Deena represents financial sponsors and their portfolio companies on a wide range of complex financings at all levels of the capital structure with a focus on multijurisdictional leveraged and acquisition financings.
Experience
Representative Matters
Since joining Kirkland, Deena has worked on the following matters, advising:
KKR in connection with the financing for its investment in Immedica Pharma
K1 Investment Management on strategic growth investment in Board Intelligence
Prior to joining Kirkland, Deena worked on the following matters, advising:
The senior lender on the financing of Hg’s majority investment in Nomadia
The senior lender on the financing of PSG Equity’s acquisition of Rapid Data
The underwriters on the senior refinancing of the Portman Dental Group owned by Core Equity Holdings
The senior lenders on the financing of Accel-KKR’s acquisition of Glantus Holdings PLC
The senior lenders on the financing of Accel-KKR’s acquisition of Basware
The mandated lead arrangers on the financing of Investindustrial’s acquisition of La Doria Group
The arrangers on the financing for Inspired Education Group
The arrangers on the financing of Ardian’s acquisition of Biofarma Group
The lead arrangers on the multibillion-dollar financing of Ali Group S.r.l.’s acquisition of Welbilt, Inc.
888 Holdings plc on the financing of its acquisition of William Hill’s international business
BestSecret GmbH, a Permira portfolio company on its refinancing
Prior Experience
Associate, Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP, 2022–2023
Associate, Latham & Watkins LLP, 2021–2022
Trainee Solicitor, Reed Smith LLP, 2019–2021
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Credentials
Admissions & Qualifications
2021, Admitted to practice as a Solicitor of England and Wales
Languages
English
French
Education
BPP Law School, LondonLL.M.; Legal Practice Course2019