The Firm has worked closely with investment bankers and issuers in developing new products and in structuring complex transactions, pioneering many of the approaches now widely used to structure asset-backed securities issuances, including the first structure for securitization of revolving credit assets, the first securitization vehicle that permitted the issuance of both term debt and commercial paper and the first conduit program for credit cards. The depth of our experience with various assets and our representation of varying participants in the securitization market provides us with a broad understanding of the issues that arise in securitizations, the manner in which participants are affected by those issues and the techniques that have been used to address them.

Cravath completed the first sales of securities backed by credit card receivables, boat loans, time-share mortgages and aircraft operating leases. Offerings have involved both customary structured finance financings, such as securities backed by automobile loans, student loans and trade receivables, and more innovative financings, including securities backed by stranded costs, computer leases, revenues from the broadcast of professional sports events, pharmaceutical royalties and government contracts.

The Firm acts as counsel for issuers and underwriters in connection with the securitization efforts of major participants in the structured finance market. In addition, Cravath has acted as counsel for numerous corporate issuers and investment funds in connection with a variety of structured finance transactions, including receivables financings, equipment financing, CLOs and CDOs. The Firm has also acted as counsel for purchasers and sellers of financial assets.