The 'very strong' team at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP 'combines deep technical knowledge, strong negotiation skills and a commercial mindset' to ensure that transactions are completed in an efficacious way, irrespective to which side of the table they are on. The arrival in March 2023 of the 'exceptionally commercial and solutions-oriented' Chris Barron from Dickson Minto WS has galvanised the firm's borrower-side debt financing credentials, in light of his exclusively sponsor-focused workload, complementing a recently enhanced M&A offering. Neil Caddy additionally handles some sponsor work, although his workload is more eclectic and includes a considerable volume of mandates for private credit funds as lenders. Jons Lehmann is also adept at advising on sponsor-related work although much of that is focused on servicing lenders on the provision of fund financing. All of the aforementioned practitioners also benefit from access to the firm's strong US resources, ensuring that the team is well-positioned to advise on transatlantic deals and those tapping into a US investor base.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They have an in-depth understanding of shareholders and funding agreements in a private equity situation.'
- 'It is a very strong team that combines deep technical knowledge, strong negotiation skills and a commercial mindset to get deals done.'
- 'The team is truly exceptional. What sets them apart is the combination of knowing the market, having deep relationships with UK lenders and their counsel and their willingness to be flexible in the name of problem solving and getting us, their client, the best possible outcome.'
- 'Chris Barron is just absolutely first rate. His understanding of the market and ability to navigate through challenging transactions is phenomenal.'
- 'Chris Barron is exceptionally commercial and solutions-oriented and can be relied upon to find a way through even the most challenging situations.'
- 'Katie Sinclair – great knowledge and experience and available to work with the organisation even at short notice.'
- 'Devon Brewster is highly accomplished with a strong technical toolkit and is always available to provide value-added input in deal situations.'
Key clients
- Viavi Solutions Inc
- LumiraDx
Work highlights
- Advising Viavi Solutions Inc, a leading Nasdaq-listed US-headquartered global network test, monitoring and assurance technology company in relation to its proposed acquisition of Spirent Communications plc for in excess of £1bn.
- Advised LumiraDx in relation to its over $400m secured financing arrangements with Biopharma Credit plc.