Transportation: Rail & Aviation Asset Finance | Europe

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer houses one of Germany's leading asset finance practice groups, particularly on the aviation side. Prominent airlines, banks, leasing companies and asset managers mandate the team for its strength in aircraft financing and refinancing, portfolio acquisitions and sale-and-leaseback transactions. The law firm is also particularly recognised for matters involving complex lease arrangements and insolvencies as well as large restructurings. The rail sector constitutes a further area of its expertise, with the team assisting with rail lease transactions and infrastructure investments. With its strength in disputes, the firm complements its excellent offering. Its global office network renders Freshfields a strong candidate for cross-border work.

K&L Gates remains a leading adviser to public transport companies and banks due to its excellent position in the asset finance world. The law firm enjoys an enviable market share in prominent rail sector mandates ranging from rolling stock financings and vehicle financings to acquisitions and lease transactions. Another area of expertise of the firm lies in aviation transactions. Besides its incredible strength in advisory work, K&L Gates also represents clients in disputes. Furthermore, in conjunction with its public law department, the team regularly assists with public tender procedures, especially those concerning new mobility concepts and rail and bus transport procurements.

Norton Rose Fulbright houses a leading asset finance team in Germany with particular expertise in the aviation and rail sectors. The law firm is especially active in aviation matters, including lease agreements, large M&A transactions, aircraft acquisition financing and fleet transfers as well as restructurings. Furthermore, the department advises on rolling stock acquisition financing and lease agreements in the rail sector. Mandates concerning shipping finance transactions are also handled by the firm, with its expertise spanning international cruise ship financings, emergency financings and bond issuances. Clients equally benefit from its prowess in handling vessel acquisitions. Norton Rose Fulbright is particularly renowned among prominent national and international lenders.

The firm often assists investment funds, banks, lessors, airlines and transport companies with a variety of financing and refinancing matters. The law firm's mandates range from syndicated loans to debt and equity financings as well as lease transactions and loan portfolio deals. In conjunction with its regulatory and public law department, it handles tender review proceedings and other administrative mandates. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

The law firm Bird & Bird is appreciated for its strength in asset finance mandates. Its team has a particular focus on acquisition finance and leasing transactions in the rail sector as well as significant experience in aviation mandates. Its clientele mainly consists of infrastructure funds and asset managers while also including rolling stock leasing companies, airlines and aircraft lessors. Aided by its international network, Bird & Bird is well placed to handle cross-border mandates.

Clifford Chance is recognised for its strength in asset finance transactions, especially those concerning the railway and aviation sectors. Its team represents rolling stock leasing companies and banks in rail financings, leasings and restructurings as well as refinancing transactions. The law firm is also well placed to assist investors with the sale and acquisition of rail companies and assets. Due to its expansive global office network, Clifford Chance is in a prime position to support cross-border projects.

CMS offers expertise across the full spectrum of shipping law. Its team represents shipping companies, investment funds and banks. The law firm evidences a solid track record in complex shipping litigation, concerning issues such as collision or delivery failure as well as contract disputes. In addition, the firm advises on a range of shipping transactions, covering tender procedures as well as emergency financings. Its strength in asset financings in the rail sector further boosts the firm's offerings. With its international office network, CMS is also well placed to assist with cross-border work.