The ‘very capable and fast-acting’ practice at Squire Patton Boggs is known for assisting its client roster, which includes both major borrowers and lenders, with major private equity transactions, as well as leveraged and acquisition finance mandates. The team also handles significant real estate and corporate finance transactions, displaying strong experience in sustainability-linked and green loans in particular. Matthew Ingram oversees the Manchester team, the ’wonderfully experienced’ Claire Shepherd is an expert in commercial lending matters, and Michael Atherton is a key name for financial institutions and corporate borrowers. Andrew Kirkham was promoted to partner in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The banking teams at the large legal firms all tend to operate the same way, and to deliver the same type of service. Partners remain involved, fully up-to-date with the transaction and are able to apply their expertise and knowledge quickly and succinctly. The people and working practices at Squire Patton Boggs stand out for me.’
‘Claire Shepherd is wonderfully experienced, highly knowledgeable has business acumen.'
'Claire is smart, quick-thinking, experienced and leads from the front. Claire is excellent at negotiation and drilling down to key matters. She is a pleasure to work with and her involvement means that transactions run smoothly. Matt Ingram is a also a very pleasant and competent lawyer in the team.’
‘SPB are a very good regional law firm that offers good client services with competitive rates for our customers.’
‘Claire Shepherd provides a personal service and the advice given by her has been greatly appreciated. Claire has been able to help answer small queries to formal instructions and concluded matters despite challenges from the ultimate client.’
‘A very capable banking team; responsive and very keen to engage with new work.’
‘Michael Atherton is the main contact at SPB and a very astute, professional lawyer. His banking knowledge is second-to-none and he is always on-hand to support with advice and direction for more complex banking deals.’
Key clients
- DEA Aviation Limited
- Leisure Resorts Limited
- National Westminster Bank plc
- ECI Partners LLP
- SME Lending Limited
- Rothschild & Co Wealth Management UK Limited
- HSBC UK Bank plc
- Lloyds Bank plc
- Santander UK plc
- OakNorth Bank plc
- Handelsbanken plc
- Clydesdale Bank plc
- Virgin Money
- Yorkshire Bank
- Shawbrook Bank Limited
- Frontier Development Capital
- SME Capital Limited
- Assetz Capital
- Praetura Commercial Finance Limited
- Camira Fabrics Limited
- Chiltern Capital LLP
- Triple Point Investment Management LLP
- The Logically Limited
- LCR UDF Limited Partnership
- Chrysalis Limited Partnership
Work highlights
- Represented ECI Partners in connection with its €300m acquisition of Commify, the UK-headquartered European leader in business messaging solutions to Local Enterprises.
- Represented DEA Aviation, a company specialising in aerial data-capture, in connection with a £16.5m Credit Facility from Santander (UK) PLC supported by UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK’s export credit agency.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Matthew Ingram