Chambers Review
Linklaters is well respected for its services across the banking spectrum, advising lenders and borrowers on acquisitions, real estate, corporate restructurings and refinancings as well as bond financing matters. The law firm represents a portfolio of clients comprising leading banks, private equity houses and major corporates. Its lawyers offer capabilities in both French and English law and collaborate with the firm's network of international offices.
Work Highlights
- Linklaters advised Citibank and Société Générale as lead arrangers on a GBP4.1 billion acquisition bridge facility for Schneider Electric.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Linklaters team showed a strong ability to understand and address our needs, concerns and objectives, and defended the interests of the lenders while preserving the commercial relationship with the client. The advice was always helpful and relevant. The lawyers endeavoured to make the process as smooth as possible. We appreciated a lot working with this team and would be very keen to work again with them in the future."
"They were very responsive and result-oriented."
"The team are very well prepared to handle any situation that comes their way. By having offices all around Europe, it facilitates the service rendering and makes the whole operational side run more fluidly."
"They are very proactive and see problems before they happen. It is really a top firm."
"The Linklaters team showed a strong ability to understand and address our needs, concerns and objectives, and defended the interests of the lenders while preserving the commercial relationship with the client. The advice was always helpful and relevant. The lawyers endeavoured to make the process as smooth as possible. We appreciated a lot working with this team and would be very keen to work again with them in the future."
"They were very responsive and result-oriented."
"The team are very well prepared to handle any situation that comes their way. By having offices all around Europe, it facilitates the service rendering and makes the whole operational side run more fluidly."
"They are very proactive and see problems before they happen. It is really a top firm."
Notable Practitioners
Kathryn Merryfield is dual-qualified in France and the UK. She advises both lenders and borrowers on acquisition finance, loan facilities and bridge finance.
"We were very happy with her advice."
Cyril Abtan joins the rankings this year to recognise his activity advising major financial institutions and corporate borrowers on acquisition finance and refinancings.
"He is a commercial and sophisticated lawyer."
"He is great in several areas: he has a strategic vision, he really advises on market practices and on the risks that can be taken, he is proactive, he gets the deal done, and he is reliable and responsive."
Rhéa Christophilopoulos is recognised for providing assistance to major banks with acquisition financings, sustainability-linked loan facilities and refinancings.
"I choose to work with her because I never have to chase her and she is very business-oriented."
"She is very dedicated to the client and finds solutions in a very pragmatic way."