Philip Butler, Co-Head of London Corporate & Securities and Co-Head of Global Leveraged Finance, has more than three decades of experience structuring and negotiating a broad range of finance transactions. Mr. Butler advises domestic and international clients on the implementation of complex debt structures. Mr. Butler regularly represents banks, corporates, funds, lenders, sponsors and syndicates on issues arising across an array of industries, including healthcare, life sciences, energy, manufacturing, financial services, leisure and information technology.

Mr. Butler is routinely ranked as a leading practitioner by leading legal directories. Most recently, sources quoted in Chambers UK said “[his] expertise and knowledge are exceptional. He consistently provides high-quality advice and support, accurately devising commercial solutions through drawing on a wealth of relevant experience.” Another source, highlighting his commercial approach, reports, “He moves quickly and seamlessly through the deal.” Previous guides have quoted sources saying that “Philip Butler is excellent. He is proactive, provides top-quality advice and goes the extra mile to add value,” “[he is] very experienced, unfazed and commercial,” “[he is] highly experienced, very commercial and in the details” and “an experienced adviser to both lenders and borrowers on domestic and cross-border financings,” who gives “a very strong performance on the financing side.”

He is also ranked as a ‘leading individual’ for acquisition finance in The Legal 500 UK, where sources have described him as being “one of the most senior experienced lawyers in the City.”

Prior to joining Dechert, Mr. Butler was a partner in the London office of another international law firm where he served as global co-chair of the financial services sector and previous head of the London and UK finance practices.

    • Kartesia Management on the provision of a financing package to support the acquisition of Optegra Eye Health Care by MidEuropa Partners.
    • Ares Funds on the provision of financing to support Equistone's acquisition of the Nexus Vehicle Leasing Group.
    • Ares Management Limited on its provision of debt funding to support the acquisition of Butlins Skyline Limited by Zenit (Bidco) Limited, a newco formed by the Harris family.
    • Shawbrook Bank on a unitranche financing package provided to support Ambienta SGR S.p.A’s investment in the Collingwood Lighting Group.
    • Baring Asset Management Limited on its provision of funding to support the acquisition of the CitNOW Group by Livingbridge Private Equity alongside the reinvestment by Tenzing Private Equity.
    • Barings Asset Management on a unitranche financing package to support the acquisition by a UK private equity house of an outsourcing business. 
    • Acting for first out/last out lenders on a senior financing package to support the refinancing of the Dental Care Group.
    • Ares Management Limited and National Westminster Bank plc on their provision of a unitranche/super senior financing package to the Just Childcare Group to support Just Childcare’s buy and build strategy. 
    • Phenna Group on financing and tax matters relating to their MBO of the Phenna Group from Academy Association Inc., supported by a debt placement by CVC Credit Partners.
    • Ares Management Limited on the provision of a financing package to refinance the Daisy Group’s existing financing arrangements and fund the buyout of certain investors in the Daisy Group. 
    • Clanwilliam Group on negotiating a financing package provided by Alcentra Limited.
    • Ares Management Limited on their provision of a financing package to support Phoenix Equity Partners acquisition of a majority stake in Nexus Vehicle Rentals Group from Bowmark Capital.
    • Ares Management Limited and Barclays Bank PLC on Ares’ provision of a financing to the Bellevue Schools Group.
    • CVC Credit Partners on their provision of a senior financing package to the Gedesco Group. 
    • Alcentra Limited and Royal Bank of Scotland plc on their provision of financing to the Lawyers on Demand Group to support its acquisition and future growth (a Bowmark investment).
    • Ares Management Limited and Royal Bank of Scotland plc on their provision of a senior debt financing package to support the acquisition of a majority stake in the Forest Holidays Group (a Phoenix Partners investment).
    • GBT on the financing of the acquisition of the Hogg Robinson Group.
    • CIT Group Inc. on the sale of its Paris-based European rail leasing subsidiary group Nacco to German-based VTG Aktiengesellschaft for US$1.05 billion.
    • CVC Credit Partners and HSBC Bank plc on their provision of unitranche and super senior revolving facilities to BP Inv3 Bidco Limited in relation to its acquisition of the TWMA Group (a Buckthorn Partners LLP investment).
    • HIG White Horse on its provision of financing to the Primesight Group to support its further growth (a GMT communications investment).
    • Alcentra Limited on its provision of financing to the Investis Group to support its further growth (an ECI investment).
    • Ares Management Limited on its provision of financing to the RSK Group.
    • CORDET Capital and Ture Invest AB on their provision of financing to the UC Group to refinance its existing facilities and support its growth.
    • SMBC, Park Square Capital, Ares Management Limited, CVC Credit Partners and HSBC Bank plc on their provision of financing to the Wireless Logic Group to refinance its existing facilities and support its future growth (a CVC Capital investment).
    • Ares Management Limited on its provision of financing to the RCIB Group to support its acquisition and future growth (an LDC minority investment).

     

    • PDI Capital Structure Forum 2017 - London (November, 2017)