What We Do

"Practical, pragmatic, succinct and commercial in its outlook."
Chambers Europe 2009

The lawyers in our Asset Finance Group are regularly involved in large, medium and small ticket financings of assets such as aircraft, helicopters, ships, rolling stock, office equipment and technology.

We act for a number of the international aircraft and aircraft engine leasing companies as well as a number of the domestic equipment lessors. In addition, we advise both domestic and foreign asset financing banks and equipment lessors in relation to the financing and leasing of both domestic and foreign based assets. We regularly act as Irish counsel in complex cross border asset financings which are supported by the European Credit Agencies and US Export-Import Bank. We also act for a number of domestic and foreign airlines and have significant aviation finance expertise

Lawyers in our Asset Finance Group have acted for:

• A major private equity fund in relation to the acquisition of the AWAS 150+ aircraft portfolio
• An investor in a 50/50 Irish joint venture arrangement to acquire up to 70 Airbus A320 family aircraft 
• An Irish airline in its acquisition of up to 20 new aircraft 
• As Irish counsel in US EXIM financing of 10 B737-800 aircraft 
• An Irish bank in relation to its financing of three cargo vessels 
• A major equipment financier in relation to the financing of medical equipment for a private hospital 

William Prentice leads a team that is "commercial in approach" but that also "looks to find solutions that work for the business without exposing it to undue legal risk". The firm’s strength in structured finance is considered "second to none".
Banking and Finance: European Legal 500 2009

Commentators laud this team as “practical, pragmatic, succinct and commercial in its outlook.” The group works on a wide range of banking matters, but observers highlight structured finance as its forte; as the credit crunch takes effect, this has increasingly involved restructurings and private placements. The team is also strong in securitisation and asset finance, and the department’s international capacity is key to its strong showing in aviation financing; it is also attracting an increasing number of clients looking to buy assets abroad. Sources were keen to praise the service on offer here, and especially appreciate that the lawyers “structure their advice clearly, with simple explanations of legal issues.” Chris Quinn heads up the asset finance team and is central to the firm’s renowned aircraft and shipping finance practice.
Banking and Finance: Chambers Global 2009

This “proactive team offers exceptionally good service.” According to one client: “The lawyers display a strong commercial awareness in all aspects of their dealings and are very good at making sure things close.” The firm advises domestic and international clients on the full gamut of banking and finance work, and has particular strength in structured finance and securitisations, where the back-up of the firms formidable tax practice is seen as a major bonus. The firm also handles a significant amount of aircraft financing.
Banking and Finance: Chambers Global 2008