Capital Markets: Structured Finance - Germany
What the team is known for
Ashurst is recognised for its capabilities in a variety of structured finance matters. The department evidences particular prowess in handling securitisations of auto loan receivables, acting for trading platforms as well as national and international financial institutions. The team also advises on the issuance of secured bearer bonds and on regulatory issues pertaining to base prospectuses under EU regulation. Ashurst's established ECM practice is particularly sought after for mid-cap transactions and offers experience in IPOs, share placements and capital increases. Banks as well as corporate clients benefit from the law firm's global network across key jurisdictions, particularly in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Strengths
"Ashurst offers good delivery to budget, easy access to cross-border advice, fair fees, a high level of service and a very good understanding of banks' needs."
"The entrepreneurial penetration of issues and the related commercial advice is certainly one of the strengths of this law firm."
"They know their job and thus have an excellent ability to budget a transaction and stay within such budget - Ashurst provides the perfect package for small or mid-cap transactions."
"Ashurst's service couldn't be better: they offer client orientation at the highest level."
Work highlights
Ashurst advised Vulcan Energy Resources on a EUR50 million capital increase and equity investment by Stellantis.
Notable practitioners
With his work at the intersection of structured finance, derivatives and DCM, Tobias Krug is well placed to assist with a variety of mandates, including large-scale European issuance and offering programmes as well as bundled rolling stock financing and secured bearer bonds. "I particularly appreciate Tobias Krug's negotiation skills, also in difficult situations. He really stands out for approaching negotiations with a lot of experience as well as a very pleasant style, solving the topics, finding solutions and getting very good results for us." "Tobias Krug is very strong all round, including in his service levels and commercial awareness."
Martin Kaiser is appreciated for his expertise in structured finance mandates, including auto and consumer loan receivables securitisations and the update of conduit programmes. "I found Martin Kaiser really good: he delivered spot-on work on a complex international deal."
Matthias von Oppen is an experienced practitioner who regularly advises on a broad range of ECM mandates, from capital increases and share placements to IPOs. He often assists prominent underwriters and deal agents. "Matthias von Oppen is very calm and diligent, a very approachable and reachable lawyer and a good team player." "He is always approachable for sound advice and very good commercial judgement." "Matthias von Oppen provides competent and cost-effective advice at the highest level." "He is very helpful, solution-oriented, patient, pushing where he needs to but also doing extra rounds if needed."