Latham & Watkins expands private credit practice with double partner hire in London

Fergus Wheeler and Paul Yin both join from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Latham & Watkins expands private credit practice with double partner hire in London

Latham & Watkins has announced the arrival of two new partners in the banking practice in London.

Fergus Wheeler and Paul Yin have substantial experience advising international private credit funds and direct lenders, commercial and investment banks, private equity sponsors, and corporate borrowers on a variety of complex UK, European, and global cross-border debt financing matters, with a particular focus on private credit transactions.

“We are delighted to welcome Fergus and Paul to the firm,” said Stephen Kensell, office managing partner of Latham & Watkins’ London office. “Their vast knowledge and experience of private credit is highly complementary to our existing capabilities in London, and their arrival will add further depth to our practice.”

Wheeler and Yin regularly advise on all aspects of acquisition financing, rescue financing, restructurings, liability management solutions, and cross-border special situations lending. Their combined experience spans large-cap and mid-market transactions. They also have significant expertise in junior capital investment, including private high-yield and preferred equity financings.

“Private credit funds are playing an increasingly important role in Europe,” said Dan Seale, global chair of Latham & Watkins’ banking practice. “Over the years we have invested significantly in building the preeminent practice and few firms can match Latham’s breadth of expertise across leveraged finance, private credit, and private equity. Their experience in the private credit and debt finance arena will bring added strength to our team in London and globally.”

Wheeler and Yin both join Latham & Watkins from the London office of global firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.