Overview
Christopher Kandel focuses his practice on leveraged, special situations and acquisition finance and restructuring matters under English and US law. He is considered one of the leading acquisition finance lawyers in London, with decades of experience in the London market.
Chris has advised on a variety of landmark and notably innovative matters, including numerous European acquisition financings, a large number of take privates and bridge loans, the first super-senior revolver in Europe, the first pari passu secured bank/bond issue in Europe, the largest ever margin loan on unlisted shares, what was the largest (now second largest) LBO financing in Asia and the first Western-sponsor-style leveraged buyout financing in Russia. He was also singled out in the Financial Times 2016 European Innovative Lawyers report for his innovative work on the Pirelli take-private financing.
Chris is often turned to because of his detailed knowledge of the differences between the mid market and large cap debt products and terms, as well as the changes required when European borrowers/transactions turn to the US leveraged finance market for liquidity.
Chris has been recognized by global legal directories as a leader in his field. He is highlighted in Chambers Global “as a go-to player in the London banking and finance markets. His expertise includes complex and high-value cross-border leveraged fand corporate finance matters.”
Results
- Advised on take private certain funds financings including for multiple targets listed in the UK, and other targets listed in Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland. These include for Ladbrokes Coral plc (UK: purchased by Entain Group plc); Lavendon plc (UK: purchased by Loxam S.A.); Morrisons Groceries plc (UK: unsuccessful bid by a consortium led by Fortress); Misys plc (UK: purchased by Vista Private Equity); TUI plc (UK: purchased by TUI AG); Nets A/S (Denmark: purchased by Hellman & Friedman); Scout24 AG (Germany: unsuccessful bid led by Blackstone and Hellman & Friedman); Merus Pharma (Canada: purchased by Norgine B.V.); Pirelli SpA (Italy: purchased by Chem China and Camfin)*
- • Advised on numerous covenant lite term loan Bs for global companies in a range of sectors including retail, alcohol, automotive, shipping and entertainment. These include Averys, B&M, Entain Group PLC,, Scenic Tours and others*
- Advised on numerous mid-market unitranche or other midmarket loan financings*
*Matter handled prior to joining McDermott
Recognitions
- Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom, Banking and Finance Law, 2024-2025
- Chambers Global, 2024 (Band 2, UK Banking & Finance; USA Expertise Based Abroad)
- Chambers UK, 2024 (Band 2: Banking and Finance: Big Ticket)
- Chambers Europe, 2024 (Band 2: Banking and Finance, Big Ticket)
- Legal 500 UK, 2024 (Acquisition Finance, Hall of Fame)
- IFLR 1000, UK: Market Leader
Credentials
Education
Yale University, BA magna cum laude with distinction
Cornell Law School, JD cum laude
Admissions
England and Wales
California
District of Columbia
Maryland
