Global law firm White & Case LLP has expanded its Global Banking Practice with the addition of Fergus Wheeler as a partner in London.
"Direct lending has become a critical financing alternative for companies since the financial crisis and the market for the product continues to grow in EMEA and globally," said White & Case partner Eric Leicht, head of the Firm's Global Banking Practice. "Fergus has built relationships with some of the largest credit funds operating in Europe and the US. His addition in London, together with the expansion of the direct lending team in New York in 2018, sends a strong signal to the market that we're deeply committed to this space."
Wheeler advises private credit funds and asset managers, including sovereign wealth funds, on all forms of debt finance across the capital structure, including senior secured unitranche, first lien financing, second lien and mezzanine investments, and deeply subordinated junior positions such as holdco PIK financings and preferred equity investments. He regularly advises blue-chip credit funds on event-driven financings such as acquisitions, dividend recapitalizations, capital restructurings, stressed and distressed capital solutions and rescue financings, and has experience across a broad range of sectors including hospitality, media, financial services, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, software, technology and manufacturing. Wheeler joins White & Case from King & Spalding, where he was a partner, and brings more than 15 years of experience.
"Fergus is a highly capable lawyer with a practice and client base that complements our market leading direct lending practice, led by partner Gareth Eagles," said White & Case partner David Plch, Regional Section Head, EMEA Banking. "Our ambition is to capitalize further on the global direct lending market's growth potential. Fergus extends our client base on both sides of the Atlantic and, alongside Gareth, will add materially to the support we offer existing clients."
Partner Oliver Brettle, London-based member of White & Case's global Executive Committee, said: "Continuing to build a strong banking practice in London aligns with our strategic growth ambitions, and the arrival of Fergus also supports our strategic focus on global growth in the financial institutions and private equity industries. He joins a strong London banking team that continued to expand during 2018 with the internal promotions to partner of Richard Lloyd and Shameer Shah, and the lateral additions of partners Shane McDonald and Sudhir Nair."
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