Craig Byrne

He has acted as counsel to investment banks, lenders, sponsors and issuers in connection with a variety of finance transaction types, such as private placement transactions, project finance transactions (including project bonds), convertible and exchangeable bonds and capital securities for banks and insurance companies. Examples of recent experience in these areas include advising on the landmark Italian Brebemi (A35) toll road financing (2019) and the Italian A3 toll road project bonds (2022) as well as on a crossover bond issuance by Italian telecommunications company TIM S.p.A. (2023). Craig also acts on liability management exercises for corporates and banks, including the debt for equity swap carried out by National Bank of Greece in November/December 2015, the liability management exercise carried out by Monte dei Paschi di Siena in November/December 2016 and the deleveraging of Banca Monte dei Paschi by way of a partial non-proportional demerger (which included a non-performing asset portfolio) in favour of Amco S.p.A. (owned by the Italian government) in 2020. In addition, he advises on the establishment and maintenance of Euro and Global Medium Term Note Programmes, issues (including structured issues) under Medium Term Note Programmes and on certain bank regulatory matters.

Recognised as a leading lawyer by Chambers & Partners, IFLR 1000 and Legal 500 for debt capital markets in Italy, clients enthuse “he is very commercial and understands the client’s needs in very complex situations. He is a point of reference for more complicated transactions.” Chambers Europe & Global 2023 (Capital Markets: Italy)

“A well-rounded professional and a point of contact on regulatory aspects and structured complexities.” Chambers Europe & Global 2022 (Capital Markets: Italy)

“He is able, even in the most stressful moments, to stay calm and find pragmatic solutions.” Legal500 EMEA 2019 (Capital Markets: Italy)