The 'very experienced' team at Dechert LLP provides 'commercial' advice to a fund-focused client base acting both as lenders and borrowers. Consequently, in spite of relatively challenging M&A conditions in 2023, the firm has been relatively well hedged, able as it has been to handle a considerable amount of portfolio work, including in the context of consensual reorganisations. Philip Butler 'has real presence in the market', particularly among credit funds providing the financing to sponsors to facilitate M&A in the mid-market. David Miles is also well regarded for his utilisation of alternative debt products including his work at the forefront of the unitranche product. Drawing upon his 'very technical' knowledge, Bishoy Eskander is also well-liked by credit funds, who appreciate his 'deep market insight and how to avoid terms creep to protect the lender's position'.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They are very commercial and instinctively understand how to reach a position that works for all parties.'
- 'We highly rate Philip Butler and Bishoy Eskander on their approach to documents from a lender perspective – commercial where they need to be and know where to push back.'
- 'Philip Butler has real presence in the market to get things done.'
- 'The very technical Bishoy Eskander has deep market insight and knows how to avoid terms creep to protect the lender.'
Key clients
- Alcentra
- Apollo Asset Management
- Ares Management Limited
- Baring Asset Management
- BlackRock
- Blackstone Credit
- Cordet Capital
- CVC Credit Partners
- Kartesia Management
- LGT Private Debt (UK) Limited
- Metric Capital
- Permira Credit
- Tikehau
Work highlights
- Acted for funds advised by Ares Management in connection with the provision of additional senior acquisition financing and the related provision of super senior term debt by a syndicate of banks to the MyDentist Group.
- Acted for funds advised by Ares Management in connection with the injection of shareholder funding by third-party shareholders and the provision of additional senior acquisition financing to the Ocorian Group, which is a global leader in fund administration, capital markets and corporate and fiduciary services around the world.
- Advised Kartesia on debt commitment documents in support of MidEuropa Partners’ competitive bid for the Optegra group and subsequently led on negotiating the credit facility documentation required for the acquisition.
