The capital markets group at Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP includes a small but dedicated high yield group in London, led by New York-qualified Jennifer Tait. She focuses on high yield bond issuance, including private placements, as well as restructurings and distressed situations. She also supports the firm's highly active private equity group, which acts for more than 300 sponsors. Newly promoted partner David Griffiths also plays a key role in the practice, particularly for issuer and sponsor clients. The two partners recently worked with the New York team on bond-related matters, including major refinancings and restructurings.
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Key clients
- Calderys
- GLAS
- Platinum Equity
- Sitios
- Solenis
Work highlights
- Advice to a private equity sponsor Platinum Equity and its portfolio company Solenis on a high yield financing in connection with the acquisition of Diversey; the deal consisted of the issuance of $1.7bn 9.750% senior notes, and €630m 9.625% senior notes.
- An issuer-side mandate for a Peruvian company Sites del Perú which launched its first high yield bond issue (the first bond issuance by Sites as an independent company, after it was spun off from América Móvil) – an offering of $235m equivalent 9.125% senior notes due 2033.
- Advised a group of bondholders to represent its interests in connection with the financial restructuring of AFE, a specialist European non-performing loan and real estate investment firm affiliated with Veld Capital (formerly AnaCap Credit).
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jennifer Tait