Cravath’s London Office Moves to 100 Cheapside
Lawrence J. Verhelst focuses his practice on representing corporate and sovereign issuers and financial institutions in U.S. and international finance and capital markets transactions, including high‑yield and investment grade debt offerings, equity offerings and liability management. Mr. Verhelst also advises clients in cross‑border mergers and acquisitions, as well as public disclosure, corporate governance and other general corporate matters.
Mr. Verhelst’s corporate clients have included Ahold Delhaize, AngloGold Ashanti, Atalian, AXA, Casino Group, Compagnie de Saint‑Gobain, Drax, Electricité de France, HEMA, INEOS, RELX, Richemont, Rothschild & Co, Sappi, Shell and Zodiac Aerospace. He has also represented leading financial institutions as underwriters and initial purchasers in various offerings. In addition, he has extensive experience advising sovereigns, supranationals and agencies, such as the European Investment Bank, as well as mining companies, such as AngloGold Ashanti.
Mr. Verhelst’s notable capital markets transactions include:
- High-yield debt offerings for Afflelou, Arrow Global, Atalian, Casino Group, Drax, INEOS, Labco, Sappi, THOM Group and Verallia
- Investment grade debt offerings for AngloGold Ashanti, the European Investment Bank, JPMorgan Chase and Shell
- Equity offerings for Electricité de France, Iliad and Transition (including Transition’s recent €206.5 million SPAC IPO, the first French SPAC dedicated to the energy transition industry)
Mr. Verhelst’s notable M&A transactions include representing:
- Delhaize in its $29 billion merger of equals with Royal Ahold
- Luxottica in its $49 billion business combination with Essilor
- Zodiac Aerospace in its $8.2 billion sale to Safran
- Rothschild & Co and its largest shareholder, Concordia, in the take‑private transaction valuing Rothschild at approximately €3.7 billion
- AngloGold Ashanti in its $370 million acquisition of Corvus Gold and its $2.2 billion acquisition of Centamin
- Richemont in the sale of YOOX NET‑A‑PORTER to Mytheresa
Mr. Verhelst has been named a “Rising Star” by IFLR1000 and has been recognized for his work by The Legal 500 UK.
Mr. Verhelst is an Editorial Manager of European Securities Law, an Oxford University Press publication which serves as a comprehensive practical guide to the regulation and operation of the securities markets in Europe.
Mr. Verhelst comes from Bruges, Belgium. He received an LL.B. summa cum laude from the University of Namur in 2011 (in French), an LL.M. magna cum laude from the University of Leuven in 2013 (in Dutch) and an LL.M., as a Fulbright Scholar and B.A.E.F. Fellow, from Harvard Law School in 2014.
Mr. Verhelst joined Cravath in 2014 and was elected European counsel in 2021. He is fluent in English, French and Dutch.
Mr. Verhelst’s notable capital markets transactions include:
- High-yield debt offerings for Afflelou, Arrow Global, Atalian, Casino Group, Drax, INEOS, Labco, Sappi, THOM Group and Verallia
- Investment grade debt offerings for AngloGold Ashanti, the European Investment Bank, JPMorgan Chase and Shell
- Equity offerings for Electricité de France, Iliad and Transition (including Transition’s recent €206.5 million SPAC IPO, the first French SPAC dedicated to the energy transition industry)
Mr. Verhelst’s notable M&A transactions include representing:
- Delhaize in its $29 billion merger of equals with Royal Ahold
- Luxottica in its $49 billion business combination with Essilor
- Zodiac Aerospace in its $8.2 billion sale to Safran
- Rothschild & Co and its largest shareholder, Concordia, in the take‑private transaction valuing Rothschild at approximately €3.7 billion
- AngloGold Ashanti in its $370 million acquisition of Corvus Gold and its $2.2 billion acquisition of Centamin
- Richemont in the sale of YOOX NET‑A‑PORTER to Mytheresa
Mr. Verhelst has been named a “Rising Star” by IFLR1000 and has been recognized for his work by The Legal 500 UK.
Mr. Verhelst is an Editorial Manager of European Securities Law, an Oxford University Press publication which serves as a comprehensive practical guide to the regulation and operation of the securities markets in Europe.
Mr. Verhelst comes from Bruges, Belgium. He received an LL.B. summa cum laude from the University of Namur in 2011 (in French), an LL.M. magna cum laude from the University of Leuven in 2013 (in Dutch) and an LL.M., as a Fulbright Scholar and B.A.E.F. Fellow, from Harvard Law School in 2014.
Mr. Verhelst joined Cravath in 2014 and was elected European counsel in 2021. He is fluent in English, French and Dutch.
Education
-
LL.M., 2014, Harvard Law SchoolFulbright Scholar; BAEF Fellow
-
LL.M., 2013, University of Leuvenmagna cum laude
-
LL.B., 2011, University of Namursumma cum laude
Admitted In
- New York
- England & Wales
Rankings
IFLR1000
- Capital Markets: Debt (Including High-Yield) – UK (2024)
The Legal 500 UK
- Debt Capital Markets (2025, 2024, 2023)
- Equity Capital Markets (2025)
Deals & Cases
July 17, 2025
AngloGold Ashanti’s Acquisition of Augusta Gold
On July 16, 2025, AngloGold Ashanti plc (“AngloGold Ashanti”), an independent, global gold mining company, announced that certain of its subsidiaries have entered into a definitive agreement with Augusta Gold Corp. (“Augusta Gold”) to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Augusta Gold at a price of C$1.70 per share of common stock in cash. The price implies an enterprise value for Augusta Gold of approximately C$197 million (approximately $143 million). Cravath is representing AngloGold Ashanti as U.S. counsel in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
July 09, 2025
European Investment Bank’s $5 Billion SEC Registered Notes Offering
Cravath represented the European Investment Bank ("EIB") in connection with its $5 billion SEC registered notes offering. The purpose of the EIB is to contribute to the balanced and steady development of the internal market among Member States of the European Union. The notes were listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The transaction closed on June 25, 2025.
Deals & Cases
April 01, 2025
European Investment Bank’s $4 Billion SEC Registered Notes Offering
Cravath represented the European Investment Bank (“EIB”) in connection with its $4 billion SEC registered notes offering. The purpose of the EIB is to contribute to the balanced and steady development of the internal market among Member States of the European Union. The notes were listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The transaction closed on March 18, 2025.
Deals & Cases
February 26, 2025
European Investment Bank’s $3 Billion SEC Registered Notes Offering
Cravath represented the European Investment Bank (“EIB”) in connection with its $3 billion SEC registered notes offering. The purpose of the EIB is to contribute to the balanced and steady development of the internal market among Member States of the European Union. The notes were listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The transaction closed on February 12, 2025.
Deals & Cases
January 28, 2025
European Investment Bank’s $6 Billion SEC Registered Notes Offering
Cravath represented the European Investment Bank (“EIB”) in connection with its $6 billion SEC registered notes offering. The purpose of the EIB is to contribute to the balanced and steady development of the internal market among Member States of the European Union. The notes were listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The transaction closed on January 14, 2025.
Lawrence J. Verhelst focuses his practice on representing corporate and sovereign issuers and financial institutions in U.S. and international finance and capital markets transactions, including high‑yield and investment grade debt offerings, equity offerings and liability management. Mr. Verhelst also advises clients in cross‑border mergers and acquisitions, as well as public disclosure, corporate governance and other general corporate matters.
Mr. Verhelst’s corporate clients have included Ahold Delhaize, AngloGold Ashanti, Atalian, AXA, Casino Group, Compagnie de Saint‑Gobain, Drax, Electricité de France, HEMA, INEOS, RELX, Richemont, Rothschild & Co, Sappi, Shell and Zodiac Aerospace. He has also represented leading financial institutions as underwriters and initial purchasers in various offerings. In addition, he has extensive experience advising sovereigns, supranationals and agencies, such as the European Investment Bank, as well as mining companies, such as AngloGold Ashanti.
Mr. Verhelst’s notable capital markets transactions include:
- High-yield debt offerings for Afflelou, Arrow Global, Atalian, Casino Group, Drax, INEOS, Labco, Sappi, THOM Group and Verallia
- Investment grade debt offerings for AngloGold Ashanti, the European Investment Bank, JPMorgan Chase and Shell
- Equity offerings for Electricité de France, Iliad and Transition (including Transition’s recent €206.5 million SPAC IPO, the first French SPAC dedicated to the energy transition industry)
Mr. Verhelst’s notable M&A transactions include representing:
- Delhaize in its $29 billion merger of equals with Royal Ahold
- Luxottica in its $49 billion business combination with Essilor
- Zodiac Aerospace in its $8.2 billion sale to Safran
- Rothschild & Co and its largest shareholder, Concordia, in the take‑private transaction valuing Rothschild at approximately €3.7 billion
- AngloGold Ashanti in its $370 million acquisition of Corvus Gold and its $2.2 billion acquisition of Centamin
- Richemont in the sale of YOOX NET‑A‑PORTER to Mytheresa
Mr. Verhelst has been named a “Rising Star” by IFLR1000 and has been recognized for his work by The Legal 500 UK.
Mr. Verhelst is an Editorial Manager of European Securities Law, an Oxford University Press publication which serves as a comprehensive practical guide to the regulation and operation of the securities markets in Europe.
Mr. Verhelst comes from Bruges, Belgium. He received an LL.B. summa cum laude from the University of Namur in 2011 (in French), an LL.M. magna cum laude from the University of Leuven in 2013 (in Dutch) and an LL.M., as a Fulbright Scholar and B.A.E.F. Fellow, from Harvard Law School in 2014.
Mr. Verhelst joined Cravath in 2014 and was elected European counsel in 2021. He is fluent in English, French and Dutch.
Mr. Verhelst’s notable capital markets transactions include:
- High-yield debt offerings for Afflelou, Arrow Global, Atalian, Casino Group, Drax, INEOS, Labco, Sappi, THOM Group and Verallia
- Investment grade debt offerings for AngloGold Ashanti, the European Investment Bank, JPMorgan Chase and Shell
- Equity offerings for Electricité de France, Iliad and Transition (including Transition’s recent €206.5 million SPAC IPO, the first French SPAC dedicated to the energy transition industry)
Mr. Verhelst’s notable M&A transactions include representing:
- Delhaize in its $29 billion merger of equals with Royal Ahold
- Luxottica in its $49 billion business combination with Essilor
- Zodiac Aerospace in its $8.2 billion sale to Safran
- Rothschild & Co and its largest shareholder, Concordia, in the take‑private transaction valuing Rothschild at approximately €3.7 billion
- AngloGold Ashanti in its $370 million acquisition of Corvus Gold and its $2.2 billion acquisition of Centamin
- Richemont in the sale of YOOX NET‑A‑PORTER to Mytheresa
Mr. Verhelst has been named a “Rising Star” by IFLR1000 and has been recognized for his work by The Legal 500 UK.
Mr. Verhelst is an Editorial Manager of European Securities Law, an Oxford University Press publication which serves as a comprehensive practical guide to the regulation and operation of the securities markets in Europe.
Mr. Verhelst comes from Bruges, Belgium. He received an LL.B. summa cum laude from the University of Namur in 2011 (in French), an LL.M. magna cum laude from the University of Leuven in 2013 (in Dutch) and an LL.M., as a Fulbright Scholar and B.A.E.F. Fellow, from Harvard Law School in 2014.
Mr. Verhelst joined Cravath in 2014 and was elected European counsel in 2021. He is fluent in English, French and Dutch.
Education
-
LL.M., 2014, Harvard Law SchoolFulbright Scholar; BAEF Fellow
-
LL.M., 2013, University of Leuvenmagna cum laude
-
LL.B., 2011, University of Namursumma cum laude
Admitted In
- New York
- England & Wales
Rankings
IFLR1000
- Capital Markets: Debt (Including High-Yield) – UK (2024)
The Legal 500 UK
- Debt Capital Markets (2025, 2024, 2023)
- Equity Capital Markets (2025)
Deals & Cases
July 17, 2025
AngloGold Ashanti’s Acquisition of Augusta Gold
On July 16, 2025, AngloGold Ashanti plc (“AngloGold Ashanti”), an independent, global gold mining company, announced that certain of its subsidiaries have entered into a definitive agreement with Augusta Gold Corp. (“Augusta Gold”) to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Augusta Gold at a price of C$1.70 per share of common stock in cash. The price implies an enterprise value for Augusta Gold of approximately C$197 million (approximately $143 million). Cravath is representing AngloGold Ashanti as U.S. counsel in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
July 09, 2025
European Investment Bank’s $5 Billion SEC Registered Notes Offering
Cravath represented the European Investment Bank ("EIB") in connection with its $5 billion SEC registered notes offering. The purpose of the EIB is to contribute to the balanced and steady development of the internal market among Member States of the European Union. The notes were listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The transaction closed on June 25, 2025.
Deals & Cases
April 01, 2025
European Investment Bank’s $4 Billion SEC Registered Notes Offering
Cravath represented the European Investment Bank (“EIB”) in connection with its $4 billion SEC registered notes offering. The purpose of the EIB is to contribute to the balanced and steady development of the internal market among Member States of the European Union. The notes were listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The transaction closed on March 18, 2025.
Deals & Cases
February 26, 2025
European Investment Bank’s $3 Billion SEC Registered Notes Offering
Cravath represented the European Investment Bank (“EIB”) in connection with its $3 billion SEC registered notes offering. The purpose of the EIB is to contribute to the balanced and steady development of the internal market among Member States of the European Union. The notes were listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The transaction closed on February 12, 2025.
Deals & Cases
January 28, 2025
European Investment Bank’s $6 Billion SEC Registered Notes Offering
Cravath represented the European Investment Bank (“EIB”) in connection with its $6 billion SEC registered notes offering. The purpose of the EIB is to contribute to the balanced and steady development of the internal market among Member States of the European Union. The notes were listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The transaction closed on January 14, 2025.
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