US firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges continues to boost its global finance practice with the hire of Ashurst banking partner Damian Ridealgh in New York.
The hire comes as Weil aims to strengthen its cross-border finance work, with Ridealgh’s experience especially assisting in offering US and European financing solutions to the firm’s banking and sponsor clients.
Previously, Ridealgh led Ashurst’s US banking practice and leaves after spending three years at the firm. Before this, he was a partner at US firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson for seven and a half years.
Ridealgh is leaving the UK headquartered Ashurst for the second time, the first being when he was an associate at the firm in 1999 for four years, before joining Fried Frank.
His expertise includes focusing on advising private equity sponsors, corporate issuers and financial institutions, including investment banks and hedge funds, in complex US and European financings covering acquisitions, leveraged buy-outs, fund financing, real estate financing and asset-based loans.
Weil’s global finance practice head Daniel Dokos said: ‘Damian’s experience both in London and New York makes him a great fit with the firm and will further strengthen the firm’s cross-border finance capabilities.’
‘We are delighted Damian has joined us. His international banking experience is a perfect fit for the needs of our bank and sponsor clients requiring US and European financing solutions,’ added Mark Donald, head of Weil’s London finance practice.
Ridealgh added: ‘Having practiced on both sides of the Atlantic, I am confident my skills and expertise will complement Weil’s accomplished lawyers in New York and around the world.’
Ridealgh hire forms part of Weil’s recent drive to boost its global finance practice after high-profile banking head Stephen Lucas quit Weil’s City practice to join Kirkland & Ellis in May. Shortly after, Weil hired banking partner Reena Gogna who left Latham & Watkins after eleven years.
jaishree.kalia@legalease.co.uk
