Cravath Publishes Summer 2026 Issue of Alumni Journal
Stephen M. Kessing is Co-Head of the Banking and Credit Practice. He advises financial institutions, corporate borrowers and private equity sponsors on a broad range of finance transactions, including complex syndicated loan and direct lending transactions, capital markets transactions, restructurings and debtor‑in‑possession financing, as well as mergers and acquisitions.
Mr. Kessing has extensive experience representing U.S. and international companies across such diverse industries as aerospace (AerCap, Alliant Techsystems, Atlas Air, SMBC Aviation Capital, Tenax Aerospace), consumer (Anheuser‑Busch InBev, ASOS, British American Tobacco, Unilever, Vista Outdoor, Worldstrides), financial services (Element Financial, Lazard, White Mountains), healthcare (Akorn, AmerisourceBergen, HLS Therapeutics, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis), hospitality and leisure (Starwood Hotels, Universal Orlando), industrials (AdvanSix, Honeywell, J.M. Huber, Martin Marietta, Minerals Technologies, Olin, Stanley, Synthomer), information technology (Conduent, Genpact, Xerox), media and entertainment (Cox Enterprises, Graham Holdings, Hasbro, Reservoir Media Management, Univision), technology (D+H, FactSet, IBM, JD Power, Orbotech, Zotec Partners), telecommunications (altafiber, CyrusOne, Frontier) and utilities (PG&E).
Mr. Kessing has also represented J.P. Morgan, Citibank, Bank of America, Jefferies, Wells Fargo, Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs in syndicated loan, equity, high‑yield bond and leveraged acquisition transactions. The Legal 500 US reports Mr. Kessing is “a key name for sports financing” and he has advised on financings involving teams in each of the major sporting leagues.
Mr. Kessing has been repeatedly recognized as a leading lawyer in banking and finance by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000, Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Clients describe him as “a valued partner for [their] business” and “an amazing partner to work with,” whose “commercial awareness, broad experience and practical support make him a trusted advisor in this space.” Mr. Kessing is a repeat author on market trends in leveraged finance published by Lexis Practice Advisor and he serves as the Board Secretary of NACME. Mr. Kessing also serves on the Board of Trustees of Canterbury School and the Board of Visitors of Duke Law School.
Mr. Kessing was born in Akron, Ohio. He received a B.S. from Miami University in 1995 and an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California in 2001. Mr. Kessing received a J.D. magna cum laude from Duke University School of Law in 2005, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He was also awarded the Faculty Award for Outstanding Achievement in Commercial Transactions and Bankruptcy.
Mr. Kessing joined Cravath in 2005 and was elected a partner in 2012.
Mr. Kessing has extensive experience representing U.S. and international companies across such diverse industries as aerospace (AerCap, Alliant Techsystems, Atlas Air, SMBC Aviation Capital, Tenax Aerospace), consumer (Anheuser‑Busch InBev, ASOS, British American Tobacco, Unilever, Vista Outdoor, Worldstrides), financial services (Element Financial, Lazard, White Mountains), healthcare (Akorn, AmerisourceBergen, HLS Therapeutics, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis), hospitality and leisure (Starwood Hotels, Universal Orlando), industrials (AdvanSix, Honeywell, J.M. Huber, Martin Marietta, Minerals Technologies, Olin, Stanley, Synthomer), information technology (Conduent, Genpact, Xerox), media and entertainment (Cox Enterprises, Graham Holdings, Hasbro, Reservoir Media Management, Univision), technology (D+H, FactSet, IBM, JD Power, Orbotech, Zotec Partners), telecommunications (altafiber, CyrusOne, Frontier) and utilities (PG&E).
Mr. Kessing has also represented J.P. Morgan, Citibank, Bank of America, Jefferies, Wells Fargo, Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs in syndicated loan, equity, high‑yield bond and leveraged acquisition transactions. The Legal 500 US reports Mr. Kessing is “a key name for sports financing” and he has advised on financings involving teams in each of the major sporting leagues.
Mr. Kessing has been repeatedly recognized as a leading lawyer in banking and finance by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000, Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Clients describe him as “a valued partner for [their] business” and “an amazing partner to work with,” whose “commercial awareness, broad experience and practical support make him a trusted advisor in this space.” Mr. Kessing is a repeat author on market trends in leveraged finance published by Lexis Practice Advisor and he serves as the Board Secretary of NACME. Mr. Kessing also serves on the Board of Trustees of Canterbury School and the Board of Visitors of Duke Law School.
Mr. Kessing was born in Akron, Ohio. He received a B.S. from Miami University in 1995 and an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California in 2001. Mr. Kessing received a J.D. magna cum laude from Duke University School of Law in 2005, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He was also awarded the Faculty Award for Outstanding Achievement in Commercial Transactions and Bankruptcy.
Mr. Kessing joined Cravath in 2005 and was elected a partner in 2012.
Education
-
J.D., 2005, Duke Law SchoolOrder of the Coif, magna cum laude
-
M.B.A., 2001, University of Southern California
-
B.S., 1995, Miami University of Ohio
Admitted In
- New York
Professional Affiliations
International Bar Association
- Banking Law Committee
New York City Bar Association
- Banking Law Committee
Organizations
Canterbury School
- Board of Trustees
Duke Law School
- Board of Visitors
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering
- Board Secretary
Rankings
Chambers Global
- Banking & Finance - USA (2025-2022)
Chambers USA
- Banking & Finance – New York (2026-2018)
IFLR1000
- Banking - US (2025‑2014)
Lawdragon
- 500 Leading Dealmakers in America (2025-2021)
The Legal 500 US
- Commercial Lending: Advice to Bank Lenders (2026, 2025)
- Commercial Lending: Advice to Borrowers (2026‑2015)
Super Lawyers - New York
- Banking (2016, 2015, 2014)
Deals & Cases
August 31, 2026
AdvanSix Inc.’s Credit Facilities
Cravath represented AdvanSix Inc. in connection with $425 million of credit facilities. AdvanSix Inc. is a leading integrated chemistry company that produces essential materials for diverse end markets. The facilities consisted of a $275 million revolving credit facility and a $150 million term loan facility. The transaction closed on August 14, 2026.
Deals & Cases
July 13, 2026
Boluda Towage’s €2.45 Billion Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facilities
Cravath represented the agent, mandated lead arrangers and lenders in connection with Boluda Towage’s €2.15 billion (equivalent) term loan facility and €300 million multi‑currency revolving credit facility. The proceeds will be used towards refinancing certain existing credit facilities and for general corporate purposes. Boluda Towage is a leading maritime services operator. The transaction closed on June 30, 2026.
Deals & Cases
June 29, 2026
Martin Marietta’s $13.5 Billion Combination with Lhoist North America
On June 29, 2026, Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (“Martin Marietta”), a leading supplier of aggregates and other building materials, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to combine with Lhoist North America, Inc. (“Lhoist North America”), a leading producer of hi‑calcium lime, dolomitic lime and industrial mineral products and a subsidiary of Lhoist Group, for $13.5 billion in cash and shares of Martin Marietta common stock. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Cravath is representing Martin Marietta in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
February 17, 2026
Kennedy Wilson’s Acquisition by Consortium Led by William McMorrow and Fairfax
On February 17, 2026, Kennedy‑Wilson Holdings, Inc. (“Kennedy Wilson”) and Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (“Fairfax”) jointly announced that Kennedy Wilson has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired, in an all cash‑transaction, by an entity affiliated with a consortium led by William McMorrow, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kennedy Wilson, and certain other senior executives of Kennedy Wilson (collectively, the “KW Management Group”), together with Fairfax (collectively, the “Consortium”).
Deals & Cases
August 29, 2025
Marcura’s Senior Credit Facilities in Connection with its Acquisition of Brightwell Navigator
Cravath represented Marcura Equities Ltd (“Marcura”), a leading maritime technology provider, in connection with the amendment and restatement of its senior credit facilities. The proceeds were used to finance Marcura’s acquisition of Brightwell Payments, Inc. (“Brightwell Navigator”), the maritime crew payroll and payment services division of Brightwell, an Atlanta-based financial technology company. Marlin Equity Partners is a shareholder of Marcura. The transaction closed on August 1, 2025.
Stephen M. Kessing is Co-Head of the Banking and Credit Practice. He advises financial institutions, corporate borrowers and private equity sponsors on a broad range of finance transactions, including complex syndicated loan and direct lending transactions, capital markets transactions, restructurings and debtor‑in‑possession financing, as well as mergers and acquisitions.
Mr. Kessing has extensive experience representing U.S. and international companies across such diverse industries as aerospace (AerCap, Alliant Techsystems, Atlas Air, SMBC Aviation Capital, Tenax Aerospace), consumer (Anheuser‑Busch InBev, ASOS, British American Tobacco, Unilever, Vista Outdoor, Worldstrides), financial services (Element Financial, Lazard, White Mountains), healthcare (Akorn, AmerisourceBergen, HLS Therapeutics, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis), hospitality and leisure (Starwood Hotels, Universal Orlando), industrials (AdvanSix, Honeywell, J.M. Huber, Martin Marietta, Minerals Technologies, Olin, Stanley, Synthomer), information technology (Conduent, Genpact, Xerox), media and entertainment (Cox Enterprises, Graham Holdings, Hasbro, Reservoir Media Management, Univision), technology (D+H, FactSet, IBM, JD Power, Orbotech, Zotec Partners), telecommunications (altafiber, CyrusOne, Frontier) and utilities (PG&E).
Mr. Kessing has also represented J.P. Morgan, Citibank, Bank of America, Jefferies, Wells Fargo, Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs in syndicated loan, equity, high‑yield bond and leveraged acquisition transactions. The Legal 500 US reports Mr. Kessing is “a key name for sports financing” and he has advised on financings involving teams in each of the major sporting leagues.
Mr. Kessing has been repeatedly recognized as a leading lawyer in banking and finance by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000, Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Clients describe him as “a valued partner for [their] business” and “an amazing partner to work with,” whose “commercial awareness, broad experience and practical support make him a trusted advisor in this space.” Mr. Kessing is a repeat author on market trends in leveraged finance published by Lexis Practice Advisor and he serves as the Board Secretary of NACME. Mr. Kessing also serves on the Board of Trustees of Canterbury School and the Board of Visitors of Duke Law School.
Mr. Kessing was born in Akron, Ohio. He received a B.S. from Miami University in 1995 and an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California in 2001. Mr. Kessing received a J.D. magna cum laude from Duke University School of Law in 2005, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He was also awarded the Faculty Award for Outstanding Achievement in Commercial Transactions and Bankruptcy.
Mr. Kessing joined Cravath in 2005 and was elected a partner in 2012.
Mr. Kessing has extensive experience representing U.S. and international companies across such diverse industries as aerospace (AerCap, Alliant Techsystems, Atlas Air, SMBC Aviation Capital, Tenax Aerospace), consumer (Anheuser‑Busch InBev, ASOS, British American Tobacco, Unilever, Vista Outdoor, Worldstrides), financial services (Element Financial, Lazard, White Mountains), healthcare (Akorn, AmerisourceBergen, HLS Therapeutics, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis), hospitality and leisure (Starwood Hotels, Universal Orlando), industrials (AdvanSix, Honeywell, J.M. Huber, Martin Marietta, Minerals Technologies, Olin, Stanley, Synthomer), information technology (Conduent, Genpact, Xerox), media and entertainment (Cox Enterprises, Graham Holdings, Hasbro, Reservoir Media Management, Univision), technology (D+H, FactSet, IBM, JD Power, Orbotech, Zotec Partners), telecommunications (altafiber, CyrusOne, Frontier) and utilities (PG&E).
Mr. Kessing has also represented J.P. Morgan, Citibank, Bank of America, Jefferies, Wells Fargo, Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs in syndicated loan, equity, high‑yield bond and leveraged acquisition transactions. The Legal 500 US reports Mr. Kessing is “a key name for sports financing” and he has advised on financings involving teams in each of the major sporting leagues.
Mr. Kessing has been repeatedly recognized as a leading lawyer in banking and finance by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000, Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Clients describe him as “a valued partner for [their] business” and “an amazing partner to work with,” whose “commercial awareness, broad experience and practical support make him a trusted advisor in this space.” Mr. Kessing is a repeat author on market trends in leveraged finance published by Lexis Practice Advisor and he serves as the Board Secretary of NACME. Mr. Kessing also serves on the Board of Trustees of Canterbury School and the Board of Visitors of Duke Law School.
Mr. Kessing was born in Akron, Ohio. He received a B.S. from Miami University in 1995 and an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California in 2001. Mr. Kessing received a J.D. magna cum laude from Duke University School of Law in 2005, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He was also awarded the Faculty Award for Outstanding Achievement in Commercial Transactions and Bankruptcy.
Mr. Kessing joined Cravath in 2005 and was elected a partner in 2012.
Education
-
J.D., 2005, Duke Law SchoolOrder of the Coif, magna cum laude
-
M.B.A., 2001, University of Southern California
-
B.S., 1995, Miami University of Ohio
Admitted In
- New York
Professional Affiliations
International Bar Association
- Banking Law Committee
New York City Bar Association
- Banking Law Committee
Organizations
Canterbury School
- Board of Trustees
Duke Law School
- Board of Visitors
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering
- Board Secretary
Rankings
Chambers Global
- Banking & Finance - USA (2025-2022)
Chambers USA
- Banking & Finance – New York (2026-2018)
IFLR1000
- Banking - US (2025‑2014)
Lawdragon
- 500 Leading Dealmakers in America (2025-2021)
The Legal 500 US
- Commercial Lending: Advice to Bank Lenders (2026, 2025)
- Commercial Lending: Advice to Borrowers (2026‑2015)
Super Lawyers - New York
- Banking (2016, 2015, 2014)
Deals & Cases
August 31, 2026
AdvanSix Inc.’s Credit Facilities
Cravath represented AdvanSix Inc. in connection with $425 million of credit facilities. AdvanSix Inc. is a leading integrated chemistry company that produces essential materials for diverse end markets. The facilities consisted of a $275 million revolving credit facility and a $150 million term loan facility. The transaction closed on August 14, 2026.
Deals & Cases
July 13, 2026
Boluda Towage’s €2.45 Billion Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facilities
Cravath represented the agent, mandated lead arrangers and lenders in connection with Boluda Towage’s €2.15 billion (equivalent) term loan facility and €300 million multi‑currency revolving credit facility. The proceeds will be used towards refinancing certain existing credit facilities and for general corporate purposes. Boluda Towage is a leading maritime services operator. The transaction closed on June 30, 2026.
Deals & Cases
June 29, 2026
Martin Marietta’s $13.5 Billion Combination with Lhoist North America
On June 29, 2026, Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (“Martin Marietta”), a leading supplier of aggregates and other building materials, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to combine with Lhoist North America, Inc. (“Lhoist North America”), a leading producer of hi‑calcium lime, dolomitic lime and industrial mineral products and a subsidiary of Lhoist Group, for $13.5 billion in cash and shares of Martin Marietta common stock. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Cravath is representing Martin Marietta in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
February 17, 2026
Kennedy Wilson’s Acquisition by Consortium Led by William McMorrow and Fairfax
On February 17, 2026, Kennedy‑Wilson Holdings, Inc. (“Kennedy Wilson”) and Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (“Fairfax”) jointly announced that Kennedy Wilson has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired, in an all cash‑transaction, by an entity affiliated with a consortium led by William McMorrow, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kennedy Wilson, and certain other senior executives of Kennedy Wilson (collectively, the “KW Management Group”), together with Fairfax (collectively, the “Consortium”).
Deals & Cases
August 29, 2025
Marcura’s Senior Credit Facilities in Connection with its Acquisition of Brightwell Navigator
Cravath represented Marcura Equities Ltd (“Marcura”), a leading maritime technology provider, in connection with the amendment and restatement of its senior credit facilities. The proceeds were used to finance Marcura’s acquisition of Brightwell Payments, Inc. (“Brightwell Navigator”), the maritime crew payroll and payment services division of Brightwell, an Atlanta-based financial technology company. Marlin Equity Partners is a shareholder of Marcura. The transaction closed on August 1, 2025.
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