Under the leadership of the 'outstanding' Paula Laird, Squire Patton Boggs provides 'clear advice' to funders (conventional banks, specialist lenders and alternative capital providers) and borrowers providing or seeking finance which uses the ABL product. Here, the firm is particularly adept at handling complex structured mandates, often involving different tranches of debt, a good number of which involve multi-jurisdictional considerations. Other key individuals include Tom Dell’Avvocato, who has 'exceptional negotiation and problem-solving skills', and Leeds-based Tom Telford, who 'combines high-quality advice with unique commercial attitude'.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'They are able to manage complex structures, including cross-border transactions, and provide clear advice to the client.'
  • 'They have a deep understanding of ABL issues for borrowers, sponsors and lenders.'
  • 'Paula Laird is outstanding when it comes to complex transactions.'
  • 'Tom Dell'Avvocato’s skills extend beyond those of a normal ABL lawyer and he has exceptional negotiation and problem-solving skills.'
  • 'Tom Telford combines high-quality advice with a unique commercial attitude.'

Key clients

  • Apollo Global Management
  • Alcentra
  • Alcuin Capital
  • Lloyds Banking Group
  • Essar Oil UK Limited
  • First Eagle Alternative Credit
  • The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
  • White Oak
  • Wells Fargo
  • Fosun group
  • HSBC
  • ABN AMRO
  • PNC Financial Services group
  • Gordon Brothers
  • Aurelius
  • Pretura Commercial Finance
  • Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited
  • BZ Commercial Finance
  • Endless LLP
  • FGI Worldwide LLC
  • Raiffeisen Bank International
  • Deutsche Bank AG
  • Callodine Commercial Finance
  • Leumi ABL

Work highlights

  • Advised New Look retail group on its high-profile refinancing through cross-border first and second lien ABL facilities, provided by Wells Fargo and Blazehill Capital.
  • Advised BZ Commercial Finance Designated Activity Company in relation to the provision of cross-border (England, Germany, Belgium, US, France) ABL facilities to the Cooper & Turner group, comprising receivables, inventory, P&M, cashflow, real property, capex and bridging facilities.
  • Advised First Eagle Alternative Credit in relation to cross-border second lien ABL facilities for Dorel Industries group, advising in respect to structuring and taking security in relation to receivables, inventory and intellectual property in the UK, France, Germany, Australia and Spain.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Paula Laird

Other key lawyers

Tom Dell’Avvocato, Alice Moserova, Tom Telford