International law firm Simmons & Simmons has expanded its UK Banking team by hiring acquisition finance partner Laurie Keel.

An experienced acquisition and leveraged finance specialist, Laurie joins the firm from the banking team of an international law firm, where he led their leveraged finance practice.

As a partner for over eight years, he brings wide cross-sectoral expertise to the firm, along with a network of relationships cultivated through a strong track record of consistent delivery for clients – particularly alternative lenders.

Laurie’s hire as a dedicated acquisition finance partner is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of Simmons’ UK Banking Group, enabling its transactional banking team to offer more support to existing clients, expand its network of relationships, and pursue more cross-border acquisition finance mandates.

With a strong reputation in the private equity finance market, Laurie’s hire is also expected to complement the offering of the firm’s growing Private Equity team in its UK Corporate Practice. Last week, the firm announced that it hired experienced private equity partner Tim Hewens – who joins Simmons from the same firm as Laurie.

Commenting on the partner hire, Kirsty Barnes, transactional banking lead in the firm’s UK Banking Group, said: “Laurie is an excellent addition to our team, adding strength and depth in several areas across the firm. Hiring a dedicated acquisition finance partner with advanced technical expertise and a strong network of relationships is a huge boost – not only to our UK Banking group, but also to our Corporate Practice and its private equity offering. I’m looking forward to working with Laurie to bring our group’s work to more leading clients.”

On joining Simmons, Laurie commented: “I’m excited by the opportunity to bring my experience in acquisition and leveraged finance to the firm. Simmons has an excellent platform and strong reputation in the financial institutions sector; with my expertise and relationships, I’m confident the firm can expand its capabilities and ability to reach more clients.”