Latham & Watkins is a global transactional powerhouse and one of the largest US firms in London, forming a core hub of the firm’s international platform. The London finance practice is led by senior figures including Dan Maze (sponsor-side banking) and Brent Cassidy (high yield), supported by a deep bench across leveraged finance, capital markets, restructuring and M&A. The firm is particularly dominant in private equity finance, high yield and complex cross-border restructurings, advising sponsors, banks and credit funds on the market’s most innovative and high-value transactions.

Key clients
Ares Management, Astorg Partners, Azule Energy, Bain Capital, Bank of America, Barclays, BC Partners, Biffa, Blackstone, BNP Paribas, Bridgepoint, Bridgepoint Credit, Carlyle, Citi, Citigroup, CityFibre, Colisée Group, CVC, CVC Credit, DAZN, DeepOcean, Deutsche Bank, DoorDash, Energy Capital Partners, EQT, EQT Group, evoke, Gigaclear, Goldman Sachs, Hellman & Friedman, HPS Investment Partners, IK Investment Partners, Ingenico, Intermediate Capital Group, International Capital Group, Invesco, Ivanhoe Mines, Ithaca Energy, Jersey Telecom, JP Morgan, Kem One, Kingsway Capital, KKR Credit, KKR Credit Advisors, Lloyds Bank, Onex, Park Square Capital, Permira Advisors, Platinum Equity, Schleich, TA Associates, The Carlyle Group, TPG Capital, Tullow Oil, Victoria

Highlights
Latham & Watkins, led by banking & private credit partners, Dan Maze and Hendrik Smit, advised the institutional lenders and arrangers on the senior secured loan and bond financing for Clayton, Dubilier and Rice’s (CD&R) bid to acquire a 50% controlling stake in Opella, the consumer healthcare business of Sanofi. This transaction was recognised as “Private Equity Deal of the Year” at the IFLR Europe Awards 2026.

The sponsor-side banking team advised EQT Group on the financing of its landmark take-private of Fortnox AB, a transaction valued at approximately US$5.5 billion, a deal which stands out as one of the most consequential Nordic technology transactions in recent years and one of the largest take-private transactions of 2025.

Francesco Lione leading the high yield team advised Deutsche Bank as the initial purchasers in SoftBank Group's US$4.2 billion multi-tranche senior notes issuance. The transaction represents the largest high yield offering outside of North America in 2025 to date.

Testimonials
“Excellent expertise on the product as well as on the specificities of the industrial sector relevant to the transaction.” – Banking and finance

“Top-tier expertise, seamless execution, high standards and a strong level of engagement with the business.” – Capital markets

“Hugh O'Sullivan has developed some of the market's leading precedents over recent years and knows the documentation inside out. He can be trusted to deliver top-of-the-market terms while maintaining strong relationships through his friendly, pragmatic and collaborative approach.” – Capital markets

“Alex Despotovic is highly knowledgeable, calm under pressure and consistently responsive.” – Capital markets

“Eyad Latif provides strategic advice, focuses on the issues that matter most and has a strong ability to simplify complex legal concepts.” – Capital markets

“Comprehensive service offering, strong technical expertise and an excellent team.” – M&A