Four Decades for Justice
Clients rely on Cravath’s London office for our unparalleled reputation for excellence in legal services and the depth of our U.S. bench, which is one of the largest in London. Our London‑based lawyers include UK-qualified attorneys who advise clients across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia on both the bank and bond aspects of European and cross‑border financings. Our diversified corporate practice encompasses the full spectrum of U.S. and cross‑border bank and bond financings; mergers and acquisitions; regulatory and SEC compliance matters; restructurings; investigations; and general corporate matters.
Our capital markets practice is distinctive for its balanced representation of both corporate issuers and investment banks in connection with high‑yield and investment grade bond offerings, IPOs and other equity offerings, both on an SEC‑registered basis as well as pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S. We also represent financial institutions and alternative lenders, corporate borrowers and private equity sponsors in a wide range of bank and credit transactions, including leveraged and investment grade bridge and acquisition financings, direct lending transactions and distressed financings.
Cravath is ranked among the leading law firms in London by Chambers UK, The Legal 500 UK and IFLR1000 UK. Our London‑based partners are widely recognized for their expertise and the quality of their counsel, and regularly receive individual honors. Our work with large multinational and international companies, many of whom have retained us from their inception, has enabled us to develop a uniquely broad-based practice.
Our London office regularly handles the type of complex, novel and high-profile transactions that form the core of Cravath’s specialty and strength. We have led many of the largest high‑yield bond financings in Europe and the first buyouts in France and Italy financed primarily with high-yield bonds in addition to introducing “pay-in-kind” (PIK) instruments in Europe and advising on the first out-of-court restructuring of high‑yield bonds issued by a European company. Cravath’s London lawyers have also advised on many significant recent acquisition financings and cross‑border deals, creating new global leaders and transforming industries. We are also among a select group of legal advisors internationally, leading IPOs of companies based in Belgium, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, among others.
Many of our London-based attorneys have multiple language fluencies to better assist international clients and foreign counsel in our global practice. In addition, we work closely with the leading law firms in other jurisdictions, enhancing our global reach to address our clients’ needs wherever they may arise.
Cravath has a rich, century-long legacy of commitment to Europe and has maintained a dedicated London office and team since 1973, after opening an office in Paris first in 1927. Paul D. Cravath was made an Honorary Bencher of Gray’s Inn, one of the four Inns of Court, and the Firm acted as U.S. legal advisor in the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the precursor to the European Union.
Our capital markets practice is distinctive for its balanced representation of both corporate issuers and investment banks in connection with high‑yield and investment grade bond offerings, IPOs and other equity offerings, both on an SEC‑registered basis as well as pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S. We also represent financial institutions and alternative lenders, corporate borrowers and private equity sponsors in a wide range of bank and credit transactions, including leveraged and investment grade bridge and acquisition financings, direct lending transactions and distressed financings.
Cravath is ranked among the leading law firms in London by Chambers UK, The Legal 500 UK and IFLR1000 UK. Our London‑based partners are widely recognized for their expertise and the quality of their counsel, and regularly receive individual honors. Our work with large multinational and international companies, many of whom have retained us from their inception, has enabled us to develop a uniquely broad-based practice.
Our London office regularly handles the type of complex, novel and high-profile transactions that form the core of Cravath’s specialty and strength. We have led many of the largest high‑yield bond financings in Europe and the first buyouts in France and Italy financed primarily with high-yield bonds in addition to introducing “pay-in-kind” (PIK) instruments in Europe and advising on the first out-of-court restructuring of high‑yield bonds issued by a European company. Cravath’s London lawyers have also advised on many significant recent acquisition financings and cross‑border deals, creating new global leaders and transforming industries. We are also among a select group of legal advisors internationally, leading IPOs of companies based in Belgium, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, among others.
Many of our London-based attorneys have multiple language fluencies to better assist international clients and foreign counsel in our global practice. In addition, we work closely with the leading law firms in other jurisdictions, enhancing our global reach to address our clients’ needs wherever they may arise.
Cravath has a rich, century-long legacy of commitment to Europe and has maintained a dedicated London office and team since 1973, after opening an office in Paris first in 1927. Paul D. Cravath was made an Honorary Bencher of Gray’s Inn, one of the four Inns of Court, and the Firm acted as U.S. legal advisor in the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the precursor to the European Union.
Deals & Cases
May 15, 2023
On May 12, 2023, AngloGold Ashanti, an independent, global gold mining company, announced that it has undertaken a comprehensive review of its domicile and listing structure and concluded that the most appropriate structure for AngloGold Ashanti Group is a UK corporate domicile with a U.S. primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and secondary listings on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (“JSE”) and A2X Markets (“A2X”) in South Africa and on the Ghana Stock Exchange (“GhSE”) in Ghana. Cravath is representing AngloGold Ashanti as U.S. counsel in connection with this matter.
Deals & Cases
May 15, 2023
On May 15, 2023, Newcrest Mining Limited (“Newcrest”) announced it has entered into a binding scheme implementation deed with Newmont Corporation (“Newmont”), in relation to a proposal for Newmont to acquire 100% of the issued shares in Newcrest by way of a scheme of arrangement. Under the terms of the agreement, Newcrest shareholders will be entitled to receive 0.400 Newmont shares for each Newcrest share held (“Scheme Consideration”). In addition, Newcrest will be permitted to pay a franked special dividend of up to $1.10 per share on or around the implementation of the scheme of arrangement. The Scheme Consideration which would be received by Newcrest shareholders under the proposed transaction, when aggregated with the franked special dividend, represents an implied equity value of A$26.2 billion and enterprise value for Newcrest of A$28.8 billion. Cravath is representing Newcrest as U.S. counsel in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
May 09, 2023
Cravath represented the European Investment Bank (“EIB”) in connection with its $4 billion 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 April 25, 2023.
Deals & Cases
February 01, 2023
Cravath represented the European Investment Bank (“EIB”) in connection with its $5 billion 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 11, 2023.
Deals & Cases
December 13, 2022
On December 13, 2022, Lifezone Metals, a developer of cleaner battery metals, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement for a business combination with GoGreen Investments, a publicly-listed special acquisition company. The transaction will create the first nickel resource and green technology company listed on the NYSE and, upon completion, the combined company will operate under the “Lifezone Metals” name and be listed under the ticker symbol “LZM.” The transaction values the combined company at a pro forma implied equity value of up to approximately $1.0 billion. Cravath is representing Lifezone Metals in connection with the transaction.
Activities & Publications
May 15, 2023
Cravath partners Alyssa K. Caples and Kelly M. Smercina participated in the International Bar Association’s 38th International Financial Law Conference, which was held from May 10‑12, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Alyssa co‑chaired a panel entitled “Cutting the Apron Strings: the Start‑up’s Journey from VC Financing to IPO,” which reviewed key exit strategy considerations for start‑ups and venture capital funds and the benefits and disadvantages of the IPO route, including enhanced liquidity for investors, access to capital, maintenance of control and employee equity incentives, but also exposure to market volatility and regulatory burdens. Kelly spoke on a panel entitled “Here, There or Everywhere: Taking the Decision on Where to List and Why?,” which examined the current listing landscape and the competitive position of stock exchanges globally, including the current trends and future outlook of the IPO and listing market.
Activities & Publications
April 05, 2023
On March 31, 2023, Cravath partner Alyssa K. Caples participated in the International Bar Association’s 4th Asia‑Based International Financial Law Conference, which was held from March 29‑31, 2023, in Tokyo, Japan. She spoke on a panel entitled “Sanctions and Financial Contracts – Where Are We and Where Are We Going?” which examined economic and financial sanctions in various countries and their implications for financial contracts.
Accolades
March 27, 2023
On March 16, 2023, Cravath was recognized by the India Business Law Journal in its “Deals of the Year 2022” feature, which highlighted “the standout deals and disputes of 2022 and the law firms that showed their worth in successfully concluding them.”
Activities & Publications
March 14, 2023
Cravath partner Alyssa K. Caples participated in the 22nd Annual Institute on Securities Regulation in Europe, which was presented in London by the Practising Law Institute from March 9‑10, 2023. Alyssa co‑led a panel entitled “Capital Markets Developments – Future Trends & Practical Implications,” which provided a market update and reviewed recent developments related to offerings and disclosure documents.
Activities & Publications
March 03, 2023
Cravath partners G.J. Ligelis Jr., Alyssa K. Caples, Christopher K. Fargo and Margaret T. Segall co-authored the U.S. Law & Practice chapter of the third edition of Chambers “Investing In… 2023” Guide, which was published in January 2023. The guide, which is part of the publisher’s Global Practice Guides series, examines country specific legal issues that arise from foreign direct investment (“FDI”) and cross border transactions in the 33 jurisdictions covered. The U.S. Law & Practice chapter surveys the legal system and regulatory framework for FDI in the country, analyzing the economic climate, as well as considerations related to mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, capital markets, antitrust, national security, tax, employment and intellectual property.
Deals & Cases
May 15, 2023
On May 12, 2023, AngloGold Ashanti, an independent, global gold mining company, announced that it has undertaken a comprehensive review of its domicile and listing structure and concluded that the most appropriate structure for AngloGold Ashanti Group is a UK corporate domicile with a U.S. primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and secondary listings on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (“JSE”) and A2X Markets (“A2X”) in South Africa and on the Ghana Stock Exchange (“GhSE”) in Ghana. Cravath is representing AngloGold Ashanti as U.S. counsel in connection with this matter.
Deals & Cases
May 15, 2023
On May 15, 2023, Newcrest Mining Limited (“Newcrest”) announced it has entered into a binding scheme implementation deed with Newmont Corporation (“Newmont”), in relation to a proposal for Newmont to acquire 100% of the issued shares in Newcrest by way of a scheme of arrangement. Under the terms of the agreement, Newcrest shareholders will be entitled to receive 0.400 Newmont shares for each Newcrest share held (“Scheme Consideration”). In addition, Newcrest will be permitted to pay a franked special dividend of up to $1.10 per share on or around the implementation of the scheme of arrangement. The Scheme Consideration which would be received by Newcrest shareholders under the proposed transaction, when aggregated with the franked special dividend, represents an implied equity value of A$26.2 billion and enterprise value for Newcrest of A$28.8 billion. Cravath is representing Newcrest as U.S. counsel in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
May 09, 2023
Cravath represented the European Investment Bank (“EIB”) in connection with its $4 billion 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 April 25, 2023.
Deals & Cases
February 01, 2023
Cravath represented the European Investment Bank (“EIB”) in connection with its $5 billion 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 11, 2023.
Deals & Cases
December 13, 2022
On December 13, 2022, Lifezone Metals, a developer of cleaner battery metals, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement for a business combination with GoGreen Investments, a publicly-listed special acquisition company. The transaction will create the first nickel resource and green technology company listed on the NYSE and, upon completion, the combined company will operate under the “Lifezone Metals” name and be listed under the ticker symbol “LZM.” The transaction values the combined company at a pro forma implied equity value of up to approximately $1.0 billion. Cravath is representing Lifezone Metals in connection with the transaction.
Activities & Publications
May 15, 2023
Cravath partners Alyssa K. Caples and Kelly M. Smercina participated in the International Bar Association’s 38th International Financial Law Conference, which was held from May 10‑12, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Alyssa co‑chaired a panel entitled “Cutting the Apron Strings: the Start‑up’s Journey from VC Financing to IPO,” which reviewed key exit strategy considerations for start‑ups and venture capital funds and the benefits and disadvantages of the IPO route, including enhanced liquidity for investors, access to capital, maintenance of control and employee equity incentives, but also exposure to market volatility and regulatory burdens. Kelly spoke on a panel entitled “Here, There or Everywhere: Taking the Decision on Where to List and Why?,” which examined the current listing landscape and the competitive position of stock exchanges globally, including the current trends and future outlook of the IPO and listing market.
Activities & Publications
April 05, 2023
On March 31, 2023, Cravath partner Alyssa K. Caples participated in the International Bar Association’s 4th Asia‑Based International Financial Law Conference, which was held from March 29‑31, 2023, in Tokyo, Japan. She spoke on a panel entitled “Sanctions and Financial Contracts – Where Are We and Where Are We Going?” which examined economic and financial sanctions in various countries and their implications for financial contracts.
Accolades
March 27, 2023
On March 16, 2023, Cravath was recognized by the India Business Law Journal in its “Deals of the Year 2022” feature, which highlighted “the standout deals and disputes of 2022 and the law firms that showed their worth in successfully concluding them.”
Activities & Publications
March 14, 2023
Cravath partner Alyssa K. Caples participated in the 22nd Annual Institute on Securities Regulation in Europe, which was presented in London by the Practising Law Institute from March 9‑10, 2023. Alyssa co‑led a panel entitled “Capital Markets Developments – Future Trends & Practical Implications,” which provided a market update and reviewed recent developments related to offerings and disclosure documents.
Activities & Publications
March 03, 2023
Cravath partners G.J. Ligelis Jr., Alyssa K. Caples, Christopher K. Fargo and Margaret T. Segall co-authored the U.S. Law & Practice chapter of the third edition of Chambers “Investing In… 2023” Guide, which was published in January 2023. The guide, which is part of the publisher’s Global Practice Guides series, examines country specific legal issues that arise from foreign direct investment (“FDI”) and cross border transactions in the 33 jurisdictions covered. The U.S. Law & Practice chapter surveys the legal system and regulatory framework for FDI in the country, analyzing the economic climate, as well as considerations related to mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, capital markets, antitrust, national security, tax, employment and intellectual property.
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