Mayer Brown International LLP in London blends extensive US law capability with strong financial institution relationships and in-depth knowledge of key markets, notably Canada and Turkey, to deliver a broad-based and highly experienced debt capital markets practice. James Taylor 'can give insights to clients that go beyond the legal perspective'. He specialises in European debt and equity-linked capital markets, including convertible and exchangeable bonds. He worked closely with key partner Rob Flanigan to assist an Icelandic bank with the maintenance of its $2.5bn EMTN programme, and the issuance of green and social bonds under the banks' sustainable funding framework. The 'highly intelligent, motivated and personable' Peter Pears is a key adviser to issuers and underwriters on complex domestic and international DCM offerings, including ESG-related transactions. He frequently acts for investment banks across Europe and North America, and has a significant base of issuer clients in Canada, the US, Turkey and Chile. Bernd Bohr moved to Norton Rose Fulbright in 2024.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This team has a wealth of capability in areas that are interesting to us, and a strong knowledge of the evolving regulatory environment.’
‘Peter Pears is a highly intelligent, motivated and personable lawyer who is rapidly ascending to a position of confidence in the DCM market. Peter is knowledgeable about a range of products across the credit and geographic spectrum and is one of the first people I call when I need to brainstorm about a new opportunity or special situation. Rob Flanigan and James Taylor round out a very capable team that we will look to instruct more often in the coming years across different types of DCM work.’
‘James Taylor provides in-depth and tailored advice. He has great knowledge of market practices and can give insights to clients that go beyond the legal perspective. He provides practical solutions and is always available.’
‘A small but very effective team based in London. Very responsive and knowledgeable about our circumstances. Consistently sound advice from Mayer Brown, delivered quickly.’
‘Growing strength in the London team with the hire of Peter Pears. Good international practice within DCM with clear expertise but historically less frequently used than the magic circle firms.’
‘Peter Pears is the standout leader within the London practice. Great commercial focus, diligent, strong product expertise and broad practice. Excellent client engagement and a delight to work with.’
‘Very responsive and cohesive team, able to advise on cross-border transactions and in particular aspects of UK/EU and US securities law.’
‘Peter Pears is technically strong and very responsive and friendly. He is also happy to talk through concepts and be on-hand to check legal aspects of a deal structure. He is always top of mind when looking to engage a new firm on an inaugural transaction.’
Key clients
- Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
- Barclays Bank
- Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec
- OMERS
- Islandsbanki
- Raffinerie Heide GmbH
- Klesch Group
- Preem AB (publ) and Preem Holding AB (publ)
- United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
- Bank Julius Baer
- Credit Agricole
- National Bank of Canada
- Halo Investing Inc.
- CDPQ
- JP Morgan
- HSBC
- Citi
- ING
- Coopeuch
- Progroup AG
- Wepa Hygieneprodukte GmbH
- TEB
- TurkEximBank
- BMO Capital Markets
- RBC Capital Markets
- Vakifbank
- Ziraat Bank
- QNB Finansbank
- Desjardins Group
- Bank of Nova Scotia
- Fincantieri
- IFC
- AIIB
- Cummins Inc.
- Wells Fargo
- Cemex
- Banco Santander
- Elis, S.A.
Work highlights
- Acted as lead counsel to Islandsbanki on the maintenance of its U.S.$2.5billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme and €2.5billion Covered Bond Programme including the |issue thereunder of green and social bonds under the Bank's new Sustainable Funding Framework and significant liability management transactions, including the bank's cash tender for its €300 million 0.750 per cent. Senior Preferred Stability Notes due 25 March 2025 and concurrent new issue of €300 million 4.625 per cent. Senior Preferred Notes due 27 March 2028
- Represented National Bank of Canada on the establishment of its European Structured Notes Programme and 10+ issuances thereunder. This marked the debut of NBC issuing structured notes in Europe. The programme is listed on the regulated market and EuroMTF of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and permits issuance of a range of equity, fund, commodity and currency linked notes to institutional and retail investors across Europe.
- Represented Vakifbank on its issue of US$750,000,000 9.000% Sustainability Notes due 2028, advising the client on its Use of Proceeds (UoP) disclosure for its prospectus and marketing materials, ESG-related investor due diligence, ESG related representations and warranties for the subscription agreement and listing on Euronext Dublin’s Green Bond Segment. |The net proceeds of the issue of the Sustainability Notes are to be applied by Vakifbank for green and / or social projects, including women in business loans, loans to young enterprises, loans to enterprises in less developed regions, green mortgage loans, environmental friendly auto loans, renewable energy and energy efficiency loans and earthquake support loans.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
James Taylor, Rob Flanigan, Peter Pears