A&O Shearman strengthens its leveraged finance practice with new partner hire

Michel is a recognized expert in the leveraged finance market, advising both on international and French bank debt and bond financing transactions. He has successfully advised, acting sponsor or lender side, leading investment funds, large corporates, debt funds (senior or subordinated) and financial institutions, both French and international, at all levels of the capital structure (senior TLB, first lien / second lien, unitranche, mezzanine and PIK debt).

Michel's arrival aligns with A&O Shearman's strategic growth plans, positioning the firm prominently in the Parisian market with one of the most substantial financing teams. The objectives of this strategic hire are two-fold: to increase the firm’s French and pan-European leveraged finance capabilities and more generally reinforce its leading position on the French as well as the global markets.

Nicholas Clark, co-head of Debt Finance at A&O Shearman, comments: "It is essential to our market-leading position in European leveraged finance that we maintain a French team at the forefront of the Paris market. With his strong expertise and client reputation, Michel will play a key role in supporting our ambitions as we continue to build out the team in Europe. Cultivated during his two decades in the market, Michel brings an in-depth knowledge of the leveraged acquisition financing market, together with the international syndicated market in the private equity sector. We warmly welcome him to the team.”

Julien Roux, managing partner of A&O Shearman in France, adds: "Michel's appointment will contribute to enriching our service offerings to our clients, especially in the fields of private equity and leveraged finance. His arrival will amplify the synergies already existing between a number of key areas of expertise for our clients in these fields (such as M&A/private equity, tax and restructuring), and will enable us to meet our clients’ most complex demands and challenges.”

Michel Houdayer adds: "I am very pleased to join A&O Shearman and to be able to bring all my expertise to a dynamic team that carries an ambitious project for the development of the leveraged finance practice in Europe, while continuing to offer the highest level of service possible to the various players in French private equity.”