Akin Gump announces hiring Fergus Wheeler as partner in London

Akin Gump announces hiring Fergus Wheeler as partner in London

He was earlier serving as a debt finance partner at White & Case

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.

Wheeler has over 15 years of experience working in leveraged finance. For over a decade, he has been at the forefront of legal developments in the private credit asset class.

Kim Koopersmith, the chairperson of Akin Group commented, "The growth of our special situations and private credit team internationally is a key strategic focus. Wheeler is an exceptional talent and experienced practitioner in the space, continuing our growth momentum with significant laterals in London."

Meanwhile, Sebastian Rice, the partner in charge of the firm's London office, added, "Wheeler'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."

On his appointment, Wheeler stated, "I am 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."

Wheeler advises sophisticated international private credit funds and a range of alternative capital providers investing across the capital structure, primarily in performing credits, and also in stressed and distressed situations. Operating across large-cap and mid-market, he leverages his experience in liquid and private markets, covering senior secured, junior, and hybrid capital solutions.

He is expected to lead the performing private credit platform in London, as well as support the firm's global special situations and private credit team led by Ranesh Ramanathan and Dan Fisher.

Wheeler will also work closely with the firm's renowned global financial restructuring practice with the financing of stressed and distressed credits and liquidity solutions, liability management exercises and restructuring, and workouts.

He was previously working with White & Case as a debt finance partner.