Nikita Kumar
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Client SatisfactionVery effectively leveraging the firm's stellar private equity sponsor client base and also picking up an increasing volume of standalone restructuring mandates throughout Europe, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's 'very commercial' team continues to gain market share since the establishment of the practice in May 2021. As well as defensive debtor-side work for sponsor portfolio clients, the team, under the 'outstanding' leadership of Adam Gallagher, has also developed strong ties with credit funds providing private capital in stressed situations. The 'highly commercial and creative' James Watson is adept at handling both transactional and formal insolvency matters for a varied creditor and debtor client base and 'knows how to get deals done'. Marc Hecht is 'extremely responsive, commercial and thoughtful', including for matters relating to offshore insolvency and restructuring regimes, and is a key member of the team, as is 'rising star' Nikita Kumar, who 'has an ability to understand complex issues first time and at speed'.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They have a very collaborative approach across various areas of the firm, which helps them deliver a great quality of service to clients.'
- 'The team is very commercial, and delivers succinct, yet detail-oriented advice.'
- 'Always available 24/7. Strength and depth in expertise and the ability to convey complex matters in a way that’s understandable to all levels of management.'
- 'Adam Gallagher leads from the front driving a culture of world-class client service. His engaging style is a real asset to complement his legal acumen.'
- 'James Watson is highly commercial and creative; he knows how to get deals done.'
- 'Marc Hecht is extremely responsive, commercial and thoughtful.'
- 'Nikita Kumar has an ability to understand complex issues first time and at speed. She has a clear understanding of numbers in the context of transactions and ability to make practical proposals.'
Key clients
- Ad hoc group of holders of the EUR 800m 5.875% notes due 15 Jan 2024 issued by Quatrim S.A.S.
- Blackstone Real Estate / Sponda Oy (Pool C)
- BC Partners / Keter Group
- Esken Limited
- BC Partners / Dümmen Orange Group
- KKR (Food Delivery Brands / Telepizza)
- Goldman Sachs Capital Partners as sponsor of the Flint Group (re-named ColourOz)
- Apax Partners and MatchesFashion
- Ad hoc group of lenders of the EUR 400m senior facility borrowed by the Praesidiad Group
- KKR Credit as second lien lender to the Wittur Group
- Apax Partners and Takko Fashion GmbH
- Hurtigruten Group AS
Work highlights
- Advising Goldman Sachs on the restructuring of Flint/ColourOz (London and Germany)'s c.€1.3bn debt.
- Advising KKR Credit on the restructuring of Wittur (London and Germany)'s c.€880m debt.
- Advising the ad hoc group of senior noteholders on the restructuring of Casino (London and France)'s c.€11bn debt.
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.
Adam Gallagher
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
James Watson
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Adam Gallagher