Morrison & Foerster, a leading global law firm, is pleased to announce that Benoit Lavigne has joined the firm’s London office as a partner in its Finance practice. Mr. Lavigne brings to the firm a wealth of experience in complex, cross-border finance matters. He comes to Morrison & Foerster from Ropes & Gray, making him the third partner to join the firm’s London office in 2018, following the additions of Caroline Jury, also a highly experienced finance partner who joined from Clifford Chance, and Dan Coppel, a corporate partner who joined from Jones Day.
“Benoit is highly regarded in finance circles in London, and his cross-border experience will continue to enhance our ability to support our clients with their growing global finance needs,” said Paul Friedman, Morrison & Foerster’s managing partner for Europe. “I am delighted with the continued robust growth in our London practices, with a steady stream of market-leading partners, counsel and associates joining us from U.S. and magic circle firms since the start of 2018.”
Mr. Lavigne’s practice focuses primarily on leveraged finance, acquisition finance and special situations lending. He advises lenders, including some of the world’s largest investment banks, as well as issuers/borrowers. Mr. Lavigne also has significant experience in refinancing, margin lending and IPO financing.
Mr. Lavigne’s recent notable transactions include advising a global investment bank in connection with the financing of a sale and leaseback transaction for the purposes of a liability management exercise undertaken by a London-based private equity sponsor; advising an EU-headquartered multinational TMT company on its cross-border equity and debt financings for the acquisition of various portfolio companies; acting for a UK PLC on its c.£1.5 billion refinancing; and representing the steering committee of mezzanine lenders in connection with the restructuring of the c.€1 billion debt facilities of an EU-headquartered cable group.
Mr. Lavigne is the latest Finance partner to join Morrison & Foerster, following the additions of Dario Avram in San Francisco/New York, Susan Gault-Brown in Washington, D.C., Ms. Jury in London, Angela Kerek in Germany, and Yemi Tépé in Singapore over the past two years.
“MoFo’s reputation in technology and finance, as well as its collaborative approach, were all compelling reasons for me to come to the firm,” said Mr. Lavigne. “I am very pleased to join the growing London office and to further supplement the truly cross-border finance platform that the firm offers to its clients.”
Mr. Lavigne earned his LL.L (Civil Law), cum laude, from the University of Ottawa, Canada and his LL.B. (Common Law) from the University of Victoria, Canada. He is qualified as a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales, and is also admitted to the Québec bar (“Avocat au Barreau du Québec”). Mr. Lavigne is fluent in French.
Source: www.mofo.com
