In Practice

Intra-group loan agreements: what do finance lawyers need to know?

In the current economic landscape, which is plagued with high inflation and interest rates, the legal agreements covering intra-group loan transactions are being reviewed with a fine-tooth comb from an arm’s length perspective. This is because loan agreements are a starting point for any transfer pricing analysis and if done properly (ie are arm’s length) can assist in justifying interest deduction locally ensuring that there is no, to limited, double taxation. The question is however – what does an arm’s length loan agreement entail? In this In Practice article, we explore this question and highlight the key aspects to consider with their potential repercussions.

“Double materiality”: what does it mean for non-financial reporting?

Companies have been publicly reporting on their financial performance for over a hundred years. However, they are increasingly having to make public non-financial disclosures relating to sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters as a result of rules, laws and regulations issued by stock exchanges, governments and regulators worldwide. In the context of non-financial reporting, there has been increasing awareness of the concept of “double materiality” in recent years. In this article we clarify what “double materiality” means and provide the context of its regulatory background within the EU. We also consider the significance of “double materiality” and give our views on the potential consequences for companies of non-compliance.

The UK Financial Services and Markets Bill and UK Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill: a comparison

European CMBS and its new cousin, the CRE CLO

Iain Balkwill considers the differences between CRE CLOs and European CMBS and the rationale for their application.

Implications of proposed legislation in New York for sovereign debt restructuring

The New York legislature is currently considering three Bills that could substantially impact sovereign debt markets if enacted. The Bills would: (i) limit private creditors’ recovery in the event of sovereign default; (ii) block private parties from purchasing sovereign debt for the purpose of litigating a renegotiation of the debt; and (iii) create a binding, bankruptcy-like restructuring mechanism for sovereign debtors. This In Practice article looks at some of the potential implications of the New York Bills.

The art of the intercreditor

Over the last decade, financing transactions have moved away from typical senior/mezzanine loan structures to a wider variety of products including syndicated loans, first lien/second lien loans, direct lending and high yield bonds (and in some cases, a hybrid of them). This has increased lenders’ attention on the intercreditor terms, which establish the relationship and priority between the different types of creditors in the financing structure, particularly in the circumstances when things go wrong. In this In Practice article, the authors consider the key terms of intercreditor agreements that creditors should be focused on during negotiations and, how these and other provisions differ between a structure comprised of senior and junior loans (Senior/Junior Structure) and a structure comprised of notes, each accompanied with a super senior revolving facility (Notes/SSRCF Structure). ¹1 1

Coaching and the corporate witness

In this In Practice article, James Barrett considers several key practices which can help a corporate witness to prepare for giving evidence including to courts and public inquiries.

Green expectations: ESMA’s Statement on sustainability prospectus disclosure

ESMA’s July 2023 public statement about sustainability disclosures in prospectuses attracted significant attention. Understandably so. The Statement is directed at National Competent Authorities and provides ESMA’s recommendations to follow when reviewing prospectuses, but issuers will also need to take note.

Consolidation in the CLO management industry: hampered by EU and UK risk retention requirements?

In this In Practice article, the authors consider the regulatory restrictions that hamper the transfer of risk retention where a collaterised loan obligation (CLO) manager wants to solely acquire a CLO management contract from the incumbent CLO manager.

Transferability: does there need to be a re-balance?

In the period leading up to (and during) a default or distress, the ability to trade loan positions takes on renewed significance, with transferability provisions in sharp focus. In recent years, the move towards more borrower/sponsor friendly documents has resulted in more restrictive “approved” lists and blanket restrictions on transfer to certain types of transferees (without consent). With those constraints driving more limited liquidity in the secondary market, it may be time to reflect on the extent of transfer restrictions, particularly where in practice, it may be beneficial to a borrower to move the debt away from the traditional lenders.