The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2009: Banking & Finance

On an annual basis, Chambers & Partners conducts extensive research and thorough data analysis in compiling its objective list of talent available at the highest level of international legal practice. Its research methodology has been independently audited and confirmed to be thorough, robust and complete.

In Chambers' 2009 review of international legal talent in the area of Banking & Finance, our Firm is listed among the best in the world.

Chambers' comments:

Banking & Finance: Acquisition Finance (Borrowers)
UK Ranking: Tier 1

Seen as a leader in private equity sponsor and fund formation-focused work, much of this firm's business is sourced from its enviable US client base and it is said to "always find the right people to staff deals" around the globe. The firm includes in its ranks the high-profile Allen & Overy alumnus Stephen Gillespie, who has proved himself "an emergent market leader" with a string of high-profile pan-European and global acquisition financings for private equity sponsors under his belt. Reflecting the firm's strength in international sponsor side work, he recently assisted key client Bain Capital on the financing of its USD3.5 billion acquisition of South African clothing chain Edgars Consolidated Stores, the largest LBO ever conducted in Africa. Clients praise Gillespie for his close teamwork with colleagues, including John Markland, who wins plaudits for his "constructive, sensible, fast and efficient" work. Like the rest of the team, international sponsor-side work comprises the bulk of his practice. Despite the cooling of the private equity-driven M&A market, Markland and his team remain busy with deals in emerging markets and are active adjusting transactions arranged prior to the credit crunch. Exemplifying the firm's strength in emerging markets, Markland recently advised Mid Europa Partners on its first Serbian LBO.

USA Ranking: Tier 4

Renowned for its stellar relationships with private equity sponsors, this finance team continues to impress with its pragmatic, commercially focused approach and exemplary legal skills. Andrew Kaufman is one of the most prominent members of the team; highly personable and intellectual, he is considered one of the best financing attorneys in Chicago and is a "treat to deal with."

Reprinted with permission from Chambers Global, The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2009 - www.chambersandpartners.com.