Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Drawing praise from clients for their 'proactive, commercial and creative problem-solving approach', Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP works with various leading sponsors and issuers on a host of high-value transactions, covering bond deals and developing innovative structures, including new bond types and creative funding arrangements for M&A transactions. The team is led by the 'outstanding' Matthew Merkle, who specialises in European capital markets, engaging in all areas of high yield work. Deirdre Jones regularly represents private equity sponsors, issuers, and investment banks, while Matthew Friedman is noted for his capabilities across all manner of capital markets work, leading relationships with some of the firm's most significant clients. A recent arrival from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, Uma Sud's practice focuses on complex high-yield bond transactions, while Nicolò Ascione is especially noted for his track record in deals for sponsor-backed Italian companies.