Vinson & Elkins LLP

Restructuring & Reorganization

Partner

Steven Abramowitz’s practice focuses on restructuring, bankruptcy and transactions involving leveraged or financially distressed companies. He draws from his more than 25 years of experience to help businesses, creditors, investors and other clients navigate the opportunities and risks of pursuing acquisitions, divestitures, financings and other deals with companies that have either entered formal bankruptcy proceedings or face other challenging circumstances.

Steven works with clients from a variety of industries, including financial services, transportation, restaurants, and energy. In one major case, Steven helped two investment funds purchase the troubled casual dining chain Cosi, which had lost its leadership during the bankruptcy process. Steven obtained court permission for his clients to operate the chain while the deal was still pending, ensuring the chain could stay in business during the acquisition. In another milestone case, Steven was part of the V&E team advising private equity sponsor Riverstone on the restructuring of its portfolio company, Fieldwood Energy, helping Riverstone invest substantial new capital on a transformative transaction while avoiding litigation claims from creditors.

Steven also represents both troubled and financially healthy companies in reorganizations, divestitures, and restructurings, as well as in complex secured loan facilities, Rule 144A debt offerings, private placements, and other financings. In addition, he advises parent companies and private equity funds in connection with liability management and ring fencing of troubled portfolio companies and investments.