About Christopher
Christopher S. Harrison: Leading Capital Markets and Finance Attorney
Christopher S. Harrison is a highly respected and experienced legal professional specializing in complex capital markets and leveraged finance transactions. With over 25 years dedicated to advising financial institutions, funds, and corporate entities, Chris possesses a deep understanding of global financial landscapes and a client-centric approach that consistently delivers exceptional results. Recognized as one of the foremost financial services attorneys in the UK, he’s known for his thoroughness, skill, and ability to navigate even the most intricate legal challenges.
Chris’s extensive experience spans a diverse range of industries, including media, telecommunications, transportation, energy, and financial services. He’s a trusted advisor to investment funds, guiding them through effective implementation of capital and activist strategies, and expertly handling situations ranging from consent solicitations to complex exchange offers and US Bankruptcy Code procedures. Clients appreciate his deep understanding of the Companies Act, hold-out negotiations, and the strategic utilization of UK/EU insolvency frameworks.
Chris’s expertise is particularly pronounced in aviation finance, where he heads Katten's London aircraft finance practice, representing lenders, leasing companies, equity investors, and airlines in leasing, portfolio trading, secured lending, and capital markets transactions involving commercial aircraft. He also possesses significant experience in airport financing, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of this critical sector. His ability to manage transactions involving substantial sums and diverse stakeholders makes him a valuable asset to any organization.
Chris excels in handling high-stakes equity and debt matters, including complex spin-offs, strategic acquisitions, and disposals. He is adept at advising clients through every stage of the transaction lifecycle, providing strategic counsel and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Clients consistently turn to Chris for assistance with their most ambitious projects, recognizing his dedication to achieving favorable outcomes.
Chris's deep understanding of legal processes, combined with his proactive and strategic approach, allows him to effectively represent clients in a variety of situations, including:
- **Capital Markets Law:** Chris provides expert guidance on structuring and executing capital markets transactions, ensuring optimal returns for his clients.
- **Financial Services:** His deep knowledge of the financial services industry allows him to offer tailored solutions to complex regulatory and compliance challenges.
- **Transactions:** Chris expertly handles mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs, and other transactional matters, maximizing value for his clients.
- **Leveraged Finance:** He specializes in structuring and negotiating leveraged finance transactions, providing clients with flexible and efficient funding solutions.
- **Activist Strategies:** Chris advises investment funds on implementing effective capital and activist strategies, ensuring their objectives are achieved.
Chris's experience extends to advising on issues such as the Companies Act, hold-outs, consent solicitations, the use of UK/EU insolvency, exchange offers and US Bankruptcy Code procedures. Clients value his in-depth approach and his ability to anticipate and mitigate potential risks.
Key Achievements & Recognition
- Recognized as one of the best financial services attorneys in the UK.
- Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2009.
- Special Focus: Finance
- Special Focus: Transactions
Education & Credentials
- Experienced in advising financial institutions, funds and corporate and government entities on complex capital markets and leveraged finance transactions.
- Client-centric approach to capital markets and finance matters.
- Vast experience working with investment funds and advising on effective implementation of capital and activist strategies.
Awards:
- Recognized: Capital Markets Law
- Recognized: Financial Services
- Special Focus: Finance
- Special Focus: Transactions
Affiliations:
- Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2009
