Akin Gump has announced that Fergus Wheeler has joined the firm’s special situations and private credit team as a partner in the London office. Mr. Wheeler joins Akin Gump from White & Case, where he was a debt finance partner with a particular focus on private credit.
Mr. Wheeler has over 15 years’ experience working in leveraged finance and has been at the forefront of legal developments in the private credit asset class for almost a decade. He advises sophisticated international private credit funds and a range of alternative capital providers investing across the capital structure, primarily in performing credits, but also in stressed and distressed situations. Operating across both the large-cap and mid-market, he leverages his extensive experience in liquid and private markets, covering senior secured, junior and hybrid capital solutions.
“The growth of our special situations and private credit team internationally is a key strategic focus for Akin Gump,” commented Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith. “Fergus is an exceptional talent and experienced practitioner in the space, continuing our growth momentum with significant laterals in London.”
Mr. Wheeler will help grow and lead the performing private credit platform in London, as well as support the firm’s global special situations and private credit team, which is led by Ranesh Ramanathan and Dan Fisher. He will also work closely with the firm's renowned global financial restructuring practice in connection with the financing of stressed and distressed credits and liquidity solutions, liability management exercises and restructuring and workouts.
Sebastian Rice, partner in charge of the firm’s London office, added, “Fergus’s arrival boosts our global special situations and private credit offering, an area in which the firm is a market leader. He brings sophisticated finance experience, adding significant value to our clients focused on complex capital solutions.”
In relation to his appointment Fergus Wheeler said, “I’m excited to play a role in expanding the reach of this group into the performing leveraged finance space, as well as working with private credit clients and private equity sponsors on more bespoke and creative capital solutions.”