Banking & Finance: UK

This firm's banking practice continues to make strides with its excellent lender-focused mid-market practice. Leveraged finance and acquisition finance are both strong points of the firm, and its workload also encompasses some private equity sponsor and borrower mandates. In this field it recently advised HSBC as mandated lead arranger on the Electra Partners-sponsored acquisition of Sentinel Performance Solutions. Other key clients include Santander and Barclays. John Cutler is a key contact at the firm.

"All-round talent" Simon Roberts is known for his extensive knowledge of bank-related work. Clients emphasise that "he knows the banks and knows what the points of the debate will be. You get clear and succinct advice."

Global banking chairman Michael Duncan is a highly regarded name in the field, with a depth of experience handling all types of lending transactions. Sources recognise him to be "one of the big names" in the market and he is described as "sensible and good to work with."

Stephen Kensell is unanimously acclaimed as a fantastic lawyer who is "one of the age-old names in the field." He recently advised Deutsche Bank and HSBC on the financing of CVC's public-to-private acquisition of Delachaux.

Timothy Polglase has a "strong grip on debt work" and impresses sources with his "dedication to the cause: he gets in the trenches and fights on our behalf."

George Link's practical advice and long-standing banking law experience mean he can "explain why things are going a certain way. When we needed to find the middle ground he was great."

Robin Harvey handles a range of work in the leveraged finance area, such as PAI partners' acquisition of Swissport, financed through senior secured notes and super senior revolving credit facilities. Peers recognise him as a "very strong" name in the market.

Clients appreciate Trevor Borthwick's ability to "not only understand what the client wants, but also to balance out what is sensible and realistic." His practice incorporates a wide range of transactions, including securitisation, derivatives and leveraged finance. He recently advised Marks & Spencer on a GBP1.325 billion revolving credit facility.

David Murray acts on both domestic and international transactions, impressing with his recent raft of Nordic work.

Fluent German speaker Cathy Bell-Walker is noted for her ability on banking and finance matters relating to Germany, including asset, acquisition, leveraged and real estate finance.

Yannis Manuelides is widely regarded as an expert on banking and finance matters concerning the Greek market.

Sanjeev Dhuna advises on syndicated loans, and leveraged and investment-grade acquisition financings. He regularly advises on India-related transactions, and often works with Indian firm Trilegal to advise clients on a range of financings.

Paul Flanagan was formerly managing partner of Allen & Overy's Italian offices. His banking expertise covers corporate lending, restructuring,asset and leveraged finance, and real estate finance. Recent work highlights include advising the mandated lead arrangers, Crédit Agricole, Commerzbank, Mediobanca and UniCredit, on the extension of a EUR300 million revolving credit facility to Buzzi Unicem to refinance an existing facility.

Amsterdam-based partner Ben Fox earns praise for his thorough knowledge of both the Dutch and UK markets: "He has extensive experience in the UK and the Netherlands, and is extremely well connected. He's a strong communicator and very flexible."

In the firm's Paris office, England and Wales-qualified partner Adrian Mellor is well placed to advise on banking and finance matters with a UK aspect, including acquisition finance and asset finance. 

Also in the Paris office, Roderic Cork is similarly experienced in UK-related matters, especially acquisition finance, corporate finance and restructurings. He is qualified in France and in England and Wales.

Andrew Thomas combines his role as managing partner of the Amsterdam office with a busy financial practice. His previous experience in the UK and Australia is highly valued by clients.

Nicholas Clark recently moved from London to the firm's Milan office. He has considerable knowledge of the UK market, and sources anticipate his arrival will greatly enhance the firm's profile. He has advised on a number of high-profile debt restructurings in the UK, Greece and the Middle East of late.

Since publication, David Murray has retired from this practice.

Mark Vickers is unanimously acknowledged as one of the leading authorities in leveraged finance.

Head of international finance Nigel Ward is widely admired for his transactional expertise in major LBOs and cross-border transactions. In 2011 he advised a group of banks on the CHF2 billion club loan to the Renova Group.

Helen Burton's leveraged and acquisition finance practice continues to impress observers. She led the team that advised on Gala Coral Group's refinancing and on assisting Intermediate Capital Group with its bilateral facilities.

Mats Rooth heads the banking department at Ashurst's Stockholm offering, Ashurst Advokatbyrå AB. He regularly acts on English law-governed transactions, advising Altor Fund III on the financing of its acquisition of Orchid.  

Since publication, Mats Rooth has joined BAUMGARTEN, BYSTRÖM, ROOTH & TALLAVAARA

Frances Okosi recently advised HSBC on a USD194 million export credit agency-supported facility for Transporte Masivo de Panamá, one of several multi-jurisdictional matters she has recently handled. Clients describe her as "very on the ball, and she looks at how things can best be resolved."

Practice head Bernard Sharp is rated for his "excellent knowledge of the current market atmosphere, coupled with in-depth understanding of lending practices." His recent work encompasses a range of cross-border transactions, with several LBOs in the Nordic health sector.

Andrew Bamber advises on a range of mandates, including sponsor-led transactions as well as acquisition financing and some restructuring matters. Peers see him as a sensible and skilled lawyer. In October 2011 he acted for Rontec Investments on the acquisition of Total's downstream and marketing operations.

Marc Palley is a well-established lawyer in the corporate finance field, with experience covering any issue in this sphere. He advises long-standing client Tesco and also recently assisted Thames Water with its loan facilities.

Tom Budgett previously headed the asset finance team in the firm's Singapore office. He now splits his time between London and Singapore, with his primary base in the UK. Recent highlights include advising Investec Bank on the financing and delivery of a superyacht.

Andrew Shutter is "incredibly knowledgeable about the market and credit agreements, and knows realistically what you can get and he knows what is important." Shutter is known for his expertise on international debt matters, and was part of the Cleary team appointed by the Greek state as its counsel on debt matters.

Glen Scarcliffe led the London team that assisted ArcelorMittal with the extension of its USD4 billion revolving credit facility. He is "impressive, pragmatic and technical but down-to-earth," according to a source. He is qualified in New York and in England and Wales and is noted for his handling of US-related finance matters.

Michael Bates "will tell you what is important and what isn't and he has the ability to cut to the chase and push things along," clients say. He is one of the firm's most visible lawyers, and has a sterling track record in handling cross-border and structured finance deals. He recently acted for Commerzbank as the mandated lead arranger on the EUR1.2 billion revolving loan facility to Vestas Wind Systems.

Global head of finance Mark Campbell is commended as a "technically extremely able" practitioner, and as someone who "knows the loan market inside out." He advises on leveraged finance and syndicated lending issues.

Charles Cochrane has a "massive intellectual capability, and the uncanny ability to think one step ahead," earning him the moniker "two-brains" from one admiring client. Sources highlight him as a go-to person for highly complex and demanding situations that require a creative solution.

Well known for his "top-notch" expertise in private equity sponsor work, Alan Inglis recently acted for EQT on several issues including the fund's acquisition of Dometic Group, involving SEK6.6 billion of senior facilities and a EUR200 million PIK bond.

Peers regard James Johnson as a standout name in the field who "more than anything else is pragmatic and knows how to get a deal done."

Jim MacHale assisted the mandated lead arrangers on a USD280 million loan to OMERS Private Equity for the acquisition of the V Group. Peers say he is "impressive, very pragmatic and well respected by his clients."

Peers emphasise Nicola Wherity as someone who is great to work across from, with one source noting: "She always wows me. She is a complete standout for me; the overall package is great."

Roderick McGillivray acts for several private equity clients including CVC, which he represented in the EUR300 million acquisition financing of RAET.

Senior partner Malcolm Sweeting remains one of the best-known names in the market, with an incredible depth of experience in financing issues.

Ranbir Hunjan is noted for his handling of India-related banking and finance matters. His recent highlights include assisting John Deere India on the external commercial borrowing (ECB) financing of its India business, and advising Investec Bank on a corporate jet financing for Religare.

Alistair McGillivray is recommended for his expertise in acquisition finance and debt restructuring. He has significant experience in CEE and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and has recently been involved in a number of eye-catching Russian restructurings.

Charles Adams is managing partner of the firm's Milan office. He "is simply outstanding, almost of another world. He has strong commercial and managerial skills," say clients. He is a noted name in project finance and earns plaudits for his international experience, being qualified in both the UK and Italy.

UK-qualified Mark Huddlestone heads the firm's Netherlands banking practice and attracts fantastic praise across the board: "He's very proactive and knows what we require. A great guy to work with." He was recently involved in the team's work for Rabobank on a financing package for 3i's acquisition of Action.

In the firm's Amsterdam office, UK-qualified Jackie Jones works for a range of international banks, and has been particularly active of late in bank lending, refinancing and acquisition finance. She recently acted for ING on the new USD700 million borrowing base facility for Mercuria.

Also based in Amsterdam, clients describe UK-qualified Angela McEwan as "dedicated and savvy – she can find practical solutions for complex issues." Her recent highlights include advising ABN AMRO, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse, HSBC, ING, Rabobank and RBS on a series of bilateral, multicurrency revolving facilities totalling EUR775 million for Fugro Finance.

Still very much a focal point for the firm's Moscow office, Logan Wright remains a dominant force in this practice area. He is lauded for his negotiation skills, and is unanimously regarded as “one of the top lawyers in the market.”

Rafal Zakrzewski leads the English law team in Warsaw and is well versed in corporate finance related-matters.

James Butters is a key partner in the firm's Paris office. He is qualified in England and Wales and regularly handles finance matters concerning the UK market. 

John Naccarato is a key figure in the practice, and leads on a range of finance issues for both lenders and borrowers. His experience and technical expertise are seen as a real asset in transactions. He recently led a team advising the arrangers of a six-bank club on a GBP230 million financing for the Chemring defence group.

Peter Crichton recently joined the firm from DLA Piper. He brings considerable expertise in leveraged and restructuring transactions.

Isaac Felberbaum is highlighted for his strong client service skills and experience in this area. He recently advised on several Turkish issues, including two facilities for Garanti Bank of USD234 million and EUR576 million.

Jonathan Solomon is widely recognised for his expertise in Ukraine-related matters. Recent highlights include advising UniCredit on the provision of a USD420 million pre-export finance facility to two companies within the Ferrexpo Group, the Ukrainian iron ore producer. He is also considered to be an expert in transactions concerning Mongolia, having handled several such deals in recent years.

Practice head Philip Butler has an incredible depth of experience in the area.

David Miles is equally well regarded for his expertise in this field. He frequently acts for lenders in the leveraged finance area.

UK and Italian-qualified Martin Pugsley is based in the firm's Milan office. He has a strong global client base, including household names such as GE Capital Interbanca, HSBC and UBS. His practice covers project, asset and real estate finance.  

Vienna based Attila Csongrady is an English law expert with experience in several CEE and SEE jurisdictions as well as Russia and Ukraine. Clients like his down-to-earth communication style and productive approach to negotiations.

Sean Pierce is a "mainstay of the field" on sponsor-led work, according to peers. His work also encompasses general lending, restructuring and acquisition finance. He handles various matters for Cinven.

Attila Csongrady is the Vienna office's English law expert with experience in several CEE and SEE jurisdictions as well as Russia and Ukraine. Clients like his down-to-earth communication style and productive approach to negotiations.

Moscow-based counsel Robert Lang-Anderson wins widespread praise for his commercial sense: “Rather than simply quoting law, he was able to think through the issues and propose a reasonable direction.”

Since publication, Attila K Csongrady has joined DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach

Finance practice head Malcolm Hitching retains his position as one of the best-regarded finance practitioners in the area. He represents both borrowers and lenders in corporate and acquisition financings, including LBOs.

John Balsdon is noted for his expertise in handling project and energy finance work, with particular experience in Russia-related matters. Recent highlights include advising Severneftgazprom on the EUR1.1 billion project financing of the Yuzhno-Russkoye gas field in western Siberia.

Clive Barnard is a key figure in the firm's India practice. He has recently assisted Indian financial sector giant IDBI Bank with an acquisition financing for an Indian company based in Norway and Belgium. He has also acted for Standard Chartered Bank and BNP Paribas on the provision of a USD250 million term loan facility to IDBI Bank.

Matthew Job is widely considered to be an expert on finance matters concerning the UAE. He advised the arrangers on the Salik Toll Collection System financing for the Roads & Transport Authority of Dubai and the Department of Finance of Dubai; he worked alongside lawyers in the firm's Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh offices on this transaction.

“Clients love working with him,” say interviewees of Moscow-based partner Edward Baring. He is also valued for his practical service and thorough knowledge, combined with top-quality negotiation skills.

Practice head Matthew Cottis is an immensely experienced lawyer, whose technical know-how and gravitas in acting for lenders are widely acknowledged.

Penny Angell led on one of the team's most significant recent transactions, the acquisition financing of SABMiller's bid for Fosters. She also advises on a range of lender matters, including a recent GBP275 million facility provided by Lloyds TSB for acquisition financing.

Stuart Brinkworth acts for both domestic and international lenders and sponsors on leveraged finance deals, including private equity-backed LBOs.

Paul Mullen often handles leveraged finance assignments, with particular expertise in real estate finance. He recently acted for Ares Capital Europe as one of several lenders on the refinancing of Bright House.

Colin Craik represents lenders and borrowers in cross-border financings, with Saudi Arabia-based Kingdom Holding being a prominent client.

Andrew Gamble regularly handles Russia-related finance matters. For example, he recently advised Russian bank Sberbank as the arranger of a USD2 billion term loan facility for FTSE 100 company Eurasian Natural Resources.

Seen as one of the leaders in the field, Stephen Gillespie is "arguably the best finance lawyer for LBO financing in London: he is technically superb, commercially astute and he inspires confidence in everyone. His reputation in the marketplace makes people accept when he is hammering home a point," a clearly satisfied client says.

"Detail-oriented, flexible and always reachable," is how sources describe John Markland. He advised Apax Partners, Madison Dearborn Partners and TA Associates on the highly visible VimpelCom merger, where he led the team that negotiated the USD1.8 billion loan note secured on VimpelCom public stock.

Market observers consider Philip Crump an "extremely talented" lawyer whose "tremendous attention to detail" and "completely unassuming" nature make him stand out from the pack. He was instrumental in getting the firm added to the Montagu Private Equity panel.

Neel Sachdev led the team assisting Bain Capital and Hellman & Friedman on the EUR1.6 billion financing for the acquisition of Securitas. He wins praise for "always looking for innovative solutions and aiming for market-leading terms."

Christopher Kandel is in "a different class" and is recommended for highly complex mixed bank and bond assignments. His practice is focused on cross-border leveraged transactions, including recent advice to Deutsche Bank as a co-ordinator on one of the largest LBOs of recent years, the EUR3.6 billion acquisition of Polkomtel by Spartan Capital Holdings.

James Chesterman is "great in the leveraged space" according to various sources, who also commend him for his expertise in asset-backed lending and restructurings.

Widely seen as a "talented lawyer," Dominic Newcomb advises on issues ranging from domestic and international leveraged finance to mezzanine and bridge debt financings. He represented Nomura and Deutsche Bank in the provision of USD3.4 billion senior secured credit facilities to a global pharmaceuticals company.

Jayanthi Sadanandan's star is in the ascendancy at the firm, with peers seeing her as an incredibly promising lawyer: "She is not only technically amazing, but also a great person to work with. If I was in-house I would always use her."

Craig Nethercott is widely regarded as a leading figure on finance matters concerning Saudi Arabia. Recent highlights include advising Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) on its syndicated Islamic finance deal, involving an unsecured airtime sale and murabaha facilities. He worked with the firm's Riyadh and Dubai offices on this transaction.

Christopher Langdon is also noted for his expertise in Saudi Arabia-related work. He handles a range of matters, encompassing project finance, restructuring and Islamic finance.

The firm's Paris office houses a strong team of lawyers qualified in England and Wales. Qualified in France and England and Wales, Etienne Gentil is a key contact for UK-related finance work in the firm's French offices.

Basil Zotiades studied and qualified in the UK before relocating to France. Clients with issues involving the UK benefit from his experience of structured finance.

Head of banking Gideon Moore has extensive experience in leveraged finance and corporate lending transactions. Described as "a class act on the lending side" and as "commercial and logical," he is widely seen as a standout name in the field.

Nick Syson co-heads the leveraged practice and is widely considered a top name for private equity sponsors. Peers respect him as a "very bright lawyer" who is "pragmatic and knows how to get a deal done." He acted for the lenders on the CHF2.2 billion acquisition of Orange Switzerland by Apax Partners-advised funds.

Adam Freeman is praised for his excellent client service, his flexible and in-depth advice, and for having a "fantastic balance of commercial knowledge and legal guidance." LBOs and restructurings form the backbone of his practice.

Brian Gray covers a broad mix of mandates, with restructuring and leveraged finance files featuring prominently. He was promoted to co-head of leveraged finance as of January 2012.

David Ereira is well regarded for his skills in handling consensual restructurings and leveraged finance transactions for both sponsors and lenders. He assisted PwC as administrators with the Lehman Brothers insolvency.

Philip Spittal's work encompasses a range of mainstream banking instructions, including syndicated lending, acquisition and leveraged finance, and property and development finance for both lenders and borrowers.

Jeremy Stokeld acts on mainstream transactions, including domestic and cross-border syndicated lending, secured and structured financing. Peers describe him as "a very good lawyer" and "a good chap to work with."

Stuart Thomas co-heads the mainstream banking practice and is admired for his strengths in investment grade lending.

Chris Howard is a key figure in the Linklaters team, known for his strategic and considered approach. He is best known for leveraged finance and restructuring work, recently acting on The Carlyle Group's acquisition of RAC. Sources say he is "appreciative of the broader picture and very commercial." He is qualified in both England and Wales and New York, and is noted for his particular experience in US-related matters.

Mirthe van Kesteren co-heads Linklaters' Kazakhstan and Ukraine desks and is also noted for her expertise in Russia-related matters. Recent work highlights include advising Kazakhmys on a USD1.5 billion loan facility for its Aktogay copper project, and representing Barclays Capital in the provision of a USD2 billion facility for Sberbank of Russia. 

Moscow-based partner Michael Bott is a “brilliant lawyer who deserves his place at the top,” say interviewees. His experience and dedication mark him out as one of the “best English lawyers on the ground.”

Lisbon-based Francisco Ferraz de Carvalho is qualified to practise in Portugal and the UK. He advises sponsors, lenders and public authorities on project finance and structured products.

In the firm's Warsaw office, Adrian Horne continues to advise on a raft of deals, including acting for Bank Millennium on the restructuring and refinancing of CELSA Huta Ostrowiec.

Tessa Lee heads the firm's energy and project finance group in Italy and impresses sources with her expertise in energy and infrastructure projects. She was notably involved in the EUR2.1 billion multi-borrower financing for the acquisition of G6 Rete Gas by AXA and F2i.

Milan-based lawyer Davide Mencacci is Italian and UK-qualified. He has substantial experience in leveraged finance transactions, and is involved in high-profile acquisitions in both the domestic and international markets.

Kathryn Merryfield is a key contact for banking and finance work in the firm's Paris office. She is qualified in England and Wales and is regularly called on to advise upon matters with a UK aspect.

The "excellent" Julian Howard is commended for his expertise in the sponsor area, although his practice covers a wide range of mandates. He recently acted for UBS on a multibillion-dollar syndicate facility.

Bronwen Jones is a "commercial and astute lawyer" and heads the firm's investment fund practice. She advises on a range of issues, especially acquisition finance transactions, investment fund facilities and workouts and restructurings.

Rachel Kelly is noted for her expertise in France-related finance matters. She spent several years working in the Paris office of a major law firm and is qualified as an avocat à la cour in Paris.

Suhrud Mehta leads on the majority of the firm's major transactions, including its representation of Barclays Capital as sole underwriter in the public-to-private acquisition of Autonomy by Hewlett-Packard. Sources say his "technical knowledge on senior, mezzanine and intercreditor was perfect, he knew it inside out."

Timothy Peterson joined the team in 2011 and covers mezzanine and borrower-side instructions as well as a range of cross-border deals. An interviewee commented: "His commercial acumen is outstanding."

UK-qualified Anthony Morton is recognised for building the English law practice in the firm's Frankfurt office. He advises both borrowers and lenders on several German, European and other cross-border leveraged transactions.  

Michael Ings has a depth of expertise in telecoms financing and restructuring matters, and is commended for his experience in cross-border transactions, especially those involving African jurisdictions. He recently advised Standard Chartered on two debt facilities provided to Helios Towers Tanzania.

Asset finance practitioner Duncan Batchelor is now based in London having spent five years in the firm's Munich office. He has strong knowledge of both ship and aircraft finance, as well as transactions in structured finance.

Banking and finance specialist Tomas Gärdfors is qualified in both Sweden and England and Wales. He also heads the firm's wider Nordic group.

Maurice Allen is a legendary name in the City, and brings a wealth of both experience and expertise in cross-border transactions and restructurings. He is frequently praised for his communication skills and "the ability to speak in plain language whilst going through the detail."

Co-managing partner Michael Goetz "sees transactions from the top and really directs the flow," observers state. His specialisation lies in high-yield bonds and leveraged finance, and he is particularly expert in matters concerning the USA.

Anthony Ward is "absolutely exceptional. He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced," an interviewee states. He is widely seen as a leader in leveraged and acquisition finance and restructuring.

Clifford Atkins leads the finance group and specialises in structured finance and restructuring. Clients describe him as "incredibly accessible" and he is commended for his strong client service. He has led on the majority of the deals, including advising on the EUR770 million senior bank financing for Advent's acquisition of Oberthur Technologies.

Simmons & Simmons has established a strong group of Turkey specialists based in its London and Dubai offices. The firm regularly advises clients on finance transactions involving Turkish companies or the Turkish government.  

Simon Middleton regularly acts for Nordic financial institutions, including Swedish banks including SEB. He has recently advised on the provision of facilities to Swedish companies such as Trelleborg, Volvo and Bonnier.

Nicholas Shaw is "one of the acknowledged experts in high-yield bond issues," and is both "technically very good" and "great at moving things forward," various sources note.

Stephen Short advises on significant European acquisition finance and other leveraged finance transactions. Clients appreciate his "hands-on" approach and his depth of sector knowledge.

Described by peers as a "fantastic lawyer," Euan Gorrie led the team that represented The Blackstone Group and N+1 Private Equity on the acquisition of Mivisa Envases.

Ian Barratt is widely seen as one of the rising stars in the sponsor area, and receives unanimous praise as a "phenomenally hard worker." One satisfied client describes him as "the best single lawyer in London in this area for his age." He frequently acts for KKR and Apax Partners on leveraged transactions.  

Sources say that Clive Wells provides "top-quality advice in a range of financial deals," and that he brings a real focus to transactions. He concentrates on complex UK and international acquisition financings.

Pete Coulton advised Doughty Hanson on a range of issues including the EUR690 million acquisition financing of the Equity Trust Group, as well as its subsequent merger with TMF Group. His practice covers leveraged finance and restructuring matters.

Banking group co-head Mark Darley specialises in leveraged finance, restructuring and project finance transactions, and has recently represented J.C. Flowers in the financing of its EUR832 million acquisition of CEP from PAI partners.

Philip Snell is recommended for his exceptional understanding of the field, and his ability to provide succinct advice: "He understands the market very well, and understands our position as a borrower of choice." 

Jeremy Walsh is a "sensible and good sponsor-side lawyer who is there to get deals done," peers say. His practice is concerned with sponsor-led leveraged and acquisition work.

Stephen Lucas is a "class act" admired for his commerciality, technical skills and instinctive understanding of business requirements. A raft of highly satisfied clients comment: "He is a brilliant lawyer; he understands the technical legal aspects better than anyone."

Richard Ginsburg is based in the firm's New York office. He occupies a rare niche in that he is admitted to practice in both the USA and the UK. He was also head of the firm's London private equity practice group for some eight years. As such, he comes highly recommended for his international finance and private equity expertise involving both US and UK jurisdictions.

Bank finance and capital markets group head Magdalene Bayim-Adomako focuses on acquisition finance, structured receivables and trade and commodity finance. 

Jacqueline Evans handles big-ticket LBOs, where she has acted for both borrowers and lenders. Clients say that "she is incredibly thorough; I feel I am in safe hands when she is drafting." Her move from Mayer Brown has "changed the standing of the practice in terms of heavy hitters," peers note.

Sources say that Christopher Czarnocki "is obviously a port of call for any financing issues," and appreciate his flexibility in terms of accommodating client expectations. He is also the lawyer of choice for many clients seeking advice on finance matters involving CEE. He recently led a team of lawyers advising Deutsche Bank as arranger on the USD1 billion pre-export financing for Ukrainian mining and steel company MetInvest.

Bibiana Jaimes is highly regarded for Latin-American banking and finance work. Sources praise her for being “tireless, always striving for quality and perfection.”

Singapore-based banking specialist Kate Allchurch is considered to be an expert on UK matters, having qualified in England and Wales and previously worked in the London offices of a major law firm.

UK and Italian-qualified Nicholas Lasagna is based in the firm's Milan office. He wins rave reviews from clients, who say: "He is very forward-thinking, commercial and technically prepared." He recently advised Piaggio on a revolving credit facility arranged by BNP Paribas, HSBC and Merrill Lynch.

Paris-based partner Louise Mor specialises in asset finance work. Qualified in France and in England and Wales she is well placed to handle cross-border matters.