Displaying ‘a very collaborative approach’ which draws from the expertise of complementary practice groups, as well as international offices, Akin provides ’strategic guidance’ on complex cross-border matters and is ‘very strong at managing creditor group dynamics’. Although the firm continues to pick up some debtor mandates, including several involving complex Russian sanctions-related issues, the team remains best-known for its bondholder work, both in the context of primary and secondary credit investors. ’Class act’ Emma Simmonds offers ‘sensible and commercial advice’ to bondholders, including pension funds, CLOs and hedge funds, on both stressed and distressed situations and excel in maximising returns for stakeholders in challenging circumstances. James Terry is ’very strategic in his approach to delivering client solutions’ and is noted for his expertise in the oil and gas/offshore market. Jacquie Ingram ‘is very technical and always on top of the detail’, and her arrival in January 2024 from Milbank further enhances the firm’s creditor-side credentials, in light of her strong traction among par and secondary investors and her expertise at delivering solutions in complex cross-border mandates. Tom Bannister and Sam Brodie are also key members of the team, handling work for institutional and distressed investors. The vastly experienced Barry Russell co-heads the team alongside Terry.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Akin is the total package for restructuring counsel for institutional investors.'
- 'Very strong reputation in the market for the large complex cross-border restructurings, particularly for the bondholder roles.'
- 'Displaying a very collaborative approach, the team provides strategic guidance with an eye on seeking a deal while at the same time preparing for court along with high-touch client interaction. They are very strong at managing creditor group dynamics.'
- 'Emma Simmonds is a class act; extremely hardworking, offers sensible and commercial advice and a team player – also extremely nice to work with under stressful circumstances.'
- 'James Terry is the person to go to for bondholders particularly in the offshore/oil and gas market.'
- 'James Terry is very strategic in his approach to delivering client solutions.'
- 'Jacquie Ingram is very technical and always on top of the detail.'
Work highlights
- Advised an ad hoc group of 2029 noteholders in connection with the €6bn restructuring of Adler Group SA, a German real estate business. Advised on the successful Court of Appeal process to set aside the UK restructuring plan proposed by the company.
- Counsel to an ad hoc group of secured lenders in the Chapter 11 cases of Cineworld and its affiliates, the world’s second-largest movie chain, involving $4bn in liabilities.
- Counsel to Fortenova Group, a food producer and retailer in Croatia and the surrounding region, on issues arising from the existence of sanctioned Russian debt and equity holders in its capital structure.
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Practice head
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Barry Russell, James Terry