Asset finance: foreign firms

Stephenson Harwood LLP

Client Satisfaction

Well-regarded for its ability to find ‘pragmatic solutions to difficult matters and achieving results that work for all parties’, the team at Stephenson Harwood LLP specialises in structured and aviation finance as well as shipping and offshore finance. Counting major financial institutions, banks, lessors, and lessees among its key roster of clients, the team’s expertise covers both contentious and non-contentious issues, with extensive experience in handling restructurings and refinancing, as well as lease transactions, sales, purchases, and portfolio management within the aviation sector. Co-head Gregg Johnston is involved in loan portfolio transfers related to international bank mergers and group reorganisations. Fellow co-head Saugata Mukherjee stands out for his expertise in derivatives and structured products. Huay Yee Kwan continues to assist on high-profile matters, focusing on PRC leasing, and Pedram Norton advises on all aspects of ship finance, workouts, debt structuring and financing. Other notable individuals include: Jeffrey Tanner, who is noted for his strong sector focus on maritime and offshore energy; Gregory Xu, who is recommended for his experience advising on complex financing; and Clement Leung, who regularly advises on the hedging aspects of aviation finance transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'This team consistently and efficiently delivers the best quality legal work and works around the clock to ensure that our interests are well protected even when the closing timeline is very tight and the transaction is very complex. We also greatly appreciate the partner's heavy involvement and the team's responsiveness throughout the entire documentation process.’
‘Exceptional knowledge in the industry with diverse deal experience.'
‘Strong international finance experience with particular expertise in the maritime, logistics and offshore energy sectors.'
‘Gregory Xu has substantial experience and expertise in cross-border asset finance transactions and a constructive approach to all transactions.'
‘Commitment to legal excellence, combined with exceptional commercial insight makes this our go-to firm for all our legal requirements. The team, led by Saugata Mukherjee, has a proactive and solution-focused mindset.'
'They are adept at finding pragmatic solutions to difficult matters and achieving results that work for all parties. They are commercial and responsive and efficient and very knowledgeable. Excellent client communication and management and holistic assistance, and a determination to do the best.'

Key clients

Cebu Pacific
Cebu Air, Inc.
Transportation Partners
ABN AMRO Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
ING Bank
Bank of Communications Financial Leasing
ANZ Bank
BNP Paribas
Huaxia Financial Leasing Co. Ltd.
Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
Straitsman Limited
CPF Dubai
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
E.SUN Bank
Cetus Maritime

Work highlights

Advised Cebu Pacific on a series of leasing transactions and a $123 million Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO) financing.
Advised Transportation Partners with respect to extension and restructuring of financing relating to thirteen B737-900ER aircraft.
Advised Huaxia Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. on its sale and leaseback financing arrangements with Cool Company Ltd. for two new-build MEGA LNG carrier vessels, the Kool Tiger and Kool Panther. Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries.

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