Europe’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2011: Banking & Finance: Sponsors: United Kingdom

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

In Chambers' 2011 review of legal talent in the area of Banking & Finance: Sponsors, our Firm is listed among the best in Europe.

Chambers' comments:

Banking & Finance: Sponsors
United Kingdom Ranking: Tier 1

The Firm: Clients call on Kirkland & Ellis for its "partner-led focus" and impressive geographic coverage. "What is most useful for us is that it has offices across the world," said one source. It represents an impressive list of private equity firms, including Bain Capital and Apollo Management, on pan-European and international leveraged finance transactions. The firm has responded to difficult market conditions by advising sponsors on distressed investments and the restructuring of debt obligations.

Sources say: "The firm as a whole is very plugged-in. Its lawyers are able to think outside the box and be creative."

Key Individuals: John Markland is praised by clients for his accessibility: "He is very responsive to our requests, which sometimes can be quite urgent in nature." He has a broad skill set, acting for both lenders and sponsors in debt finance transactions. He represented Vestar Capital in its negotiations with BNP Paribas on the debt and equity restructuring of the Seves Group. Philip Crump is developing an excellent reputation for his work on multi-jurisdictional LBOs. Sources say he "has a great work ethic, is very motivated and gives sound commercial advice."

Reprinted with permission from Chambers Europe, Europe's Leading Lawyers for Business 2011 — www.chambersandpartners.com.