The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2010: Banking & Finance

On an annual basis, Chambers & Partners conducts extensive research and thorough data analysis in compiling its objective list of talent available at the highest level of international legal practice. Its research methodology has been independently audited and confirmed to be thorough, robust and complete.

In Chambers' 2010 review of international legal talent in the area of Banking & Finance, our Firm is listed among the best in the world.

Chambers' comments:

Banking & Finance: Sponsor-side Specialists
UK Ranking: Tier 1

The Firm: This experienced, reliable and creative firm is best known for advising private equity houses on debt investments and remains active at the top of the LBO market. It advised Apax Partners, Barclays Capital and The Tchenguiz Group on the disposal of Somerfield to the Co-operative Group for GBP1.57 billion. The firm also works on capital markets transactions and debt buy-backs, usually for its private equity clients.

Key Individuals: Stephen Gillespie brings "an in-depth knowledge of the market and clients' businesses" to the table. John Markland is another "sensible, pragmatic lawyer." Philip Crump possesses "great poise and tremendous knowledge."

USA Ranking: Tier 4

This well-established firm has healthy finance practices, particularly in Chicago and New York, and continues to provide an impressive service to its predominantly private equity client base. The firm covers a broad range of finance matters, including leveraged and restructuring work, and has represented a number of large companies in their bankruptcy and financings. Clients laud the "extremely intelligent team, which is not afraid to dig in and take action." Andrew Kaufman focuses on structured financings and secured transactions, and represented Calpine in securing USD7.3 billion in exit financing from a group of lenders.

Reprinted with permission from Chambers Global, The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2010 — www.chambersandpartners.com.