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Cathy Bell-Walker

Partner

Cathy has a broad ranging international banking practice, including syndicated loans and investment grade acquisition financings, real estate finance and asset financings. 

Her borrower clients include multi-national corporations, family offices, private equity funds and tech soonicorns. She has extensive experience of acting on leveraged finance transactions in Europe including acting on high-yield bridge financings. 

Cathy has been a partner since 2002 and was an elected member of the firm's global board from 2010-2014. She qualified as an English solicitor in 1996 and was based in the Frankfurt office for ten years. She is a fluent German speaker. She is currently Chair of the Global Markets Board which co-ordinates the firm’s relationship with law firms in jurisdictions where A&O Shearman does not have a presence.

Experience

Representative matters

  • The investors in relation to the financing of the acquisition of a majority stake in Oikos Group, a European provider of prefabricated houses, headquartered in Germany.
  • Exponent on the financing for its acquisition of IFF's Flavour Specialty Ingredients division, a global leader in the base aromas market.
  • Exponent in connection with the financing in relation to its acquisition of Eat Real and Proper Snacks, two leading Better-for-You (“BFY”) snacking companies.
  • gategroup, the leading global airline and hospitality services group, on the restructuring of its financing arrangements pursuant to a Part 26A plan.
  • Waterland Private Equity on its investment in Moore Kingston Smith, a leading UK multi-disciplinary professional services firm.

 

Pro bono

  • Attending careers fairs to encourage sixth formers to consider a career in the law including at Gordon’s School, Woking and Woking High School.
  • Supporting Christ Church C of E Primary School, Spitalfields, London E1 with careers education sessions for girls.

Leadership Positions And Professional Affiliations

  • Member, Law Society.

Recognition

Cathy is 'a very strong finance lawyer who puts the client at ease'.
Chambers UK

Qualifications

Admissions

Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 1996

Academic

BA (Hons), Law, Magdalene College, Cambridge University, 1992

Languages

English, German
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.