Banking & Finance: Sponsors
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 1
Contact number
(020) 7710 1000Chambers Review
Latham & Watkins is a highly sophisticated banking practice that is considered a first port of call by leading institutional lenders and sponsors for multi-jurisdictional transactions requiring the implementation of cutting-edge financial products. The team continues to represent debt funds on deals in the European leveraged finance market and is well equipped to advise on margin loan financings, bespoke finance solutions such as PIK loans, term loan B facilities and hybrid investments. The team also has notable expertise handling public-to-private deals.
Work Highlights
- Latham advised Permira and Blackstone on the EUR14 billion public-to-private acquisition of Adevinta, a deal financed by private credit.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are highly attentive and very rapid to respond."
"What makes Latham unique is the breadth and depth of the firm's capabilities and expertise, and how efficiently they bring these capabilities to bear for a transaction."
"The team are technically excellent and their advice is tailored for our business. At partner and associate level, I've never worried about the quality of work or service being provided."
"Latham has a very experienced team that is comfortable dealing with complex financing structures."
"They are highly attentive and very rapid to respond."
"What makes Latham unique is the breadth and depth of the firm's capabilities and expertise, and how efficiently they bring these capabilities to bear for a transaction."
"The team are technically excellent and their advice is tailored for our business. At partner and associate level, I've never worried about the quality of work or service being provided."
"Latham has a very experienced team that is comfortable dealing with complex financing structures."
Notable Practitioners
Stephen Kensell is the managing partner of the firm’s London office. He remains a go-to for major banks and financial institutions on complex financings.
"He knows the market inside-out is a very authoritative voice."
Dominic Newcomb is regarded as a premier choice for prominent sponsor clients. His practice regularly involves acting on a number of high-value domestic and international debt financings.
"Dom is top-notch - he's very responsive, particularly via e-mail and phone."
"Dominic is super detailed; he really knows his stuff."
Jonathan Brownson is held in high regard for his expertise in leveraged finance. He has a wealth of experience, with a particular focus acting for lenders on both domestic and international mandates.
"Jonathan Brownson is a very good loan lawyer."
Fergus Wheeler has substantial expertise in direct lending matters. He acts across the capital structure, counting a number of private credit funds and alternative capital providers among his client base.
"Fergus has very strong legal foundation, and he's able to deal with complex structures. On top of this, he is very commercially-aware and able to focus on the key concerns for his clients."
Ross Pooley regularly advises on leveraged and acquisition finance with expertise in cross-border matters. He is well-versed advising banks on high-value bilateral loans, with additional experience acting for private lenders.
Daniel Maze is particularly adept at acting for direct lenders on leveraged finance transactions and emerging markets financings. He is experienced in advising on large-cap mandates involving a range of sectors, including TMT and technology.
"Dan Maze is excellent, he has seen it all. He's consistently commercial with his approach."
Joydeep Choudhuri is noted for his leveraged finance expertise, which spans both domestic and European markets. He has particular experience in matters in the direct lending space.
"He is very good at what he does; he works hard, he knows what's important and you can trust him."
Prue Criddle is a strong up-and-comer in the London market noted for her leveraged finance expertise.
"She's super user-friendly and provides really solid legal advice."
Ranked Lawyers at
Latham & Watkins LLP
London (Firms)