Simpson Thacher & Bartlett named Dave Azarkh and Alexandra Kaplan as co-heads of the firm’s global investment banking practice. As co-heads, Azarkh and Kaplan lead the firm’s integrated team of credit and capital markets attorneys who work collaboratively across a broad spectrum of bank finance and securities offerings, providing advice to clients in an evolving market with an increasing convergence of terms between high yield bonds and loan and hybrid products.
“Simpson Thacher has long been the preeminent advisor to investment banks and the counsel of choice for complex financing solutions,” Alden Millard, chair of the firm’s executive committee, said. “Dave and Alexandra have nearly 40 years of combined experience advising investment banking clients and will be a significant asset to clients in their new role.”
Azarkh is a partner in the firm’s capital markets practice and advises underwriters and corporate clients in securities offerings ranging from high yield and investment grade debt offerings, IPOs, pre-IPO financings, primary and secondary offerings to leveraged buyouts, liability management transactions and other types of capital markets transactions. He also has deep market knowledge of covenant terms and disclosure matters and regularly advises on corporate governance and other general corporate finance matters. Azarkh is a member of the firm’s new partner and finance committees.
Kaplan is co-head of Simpson Thacher’s global banking and credit practice, and represents investment and commercial banks, private credit funds and other financial institutions in connection with a wide variety of syndicated and direct lending transactions across multiple industries. Her practice focuses on complex corporate financings, including leveraged and investment grade facilities, acquisition finance, asset-based lending, bridge facilities, restructuring and liability management transactions and DIP and exit financings. Kaplan sits on the firm’s new partner committee and has previously served as co-chair of the finance committee and on the personnel and recruiting committees.
“As markets grow, companies are seeking traditional as well as bespoke financing products that address multiple capital needs,” Azarkh said.
“The firm’s expertise in advising on complex, innovative financing products is unmatched, and we look forward to leading a talented team of lawyers who will continue to provide our investment banking clients with top-of-the-line, forward-thinking advice and solutions to match the evolving market,” Kaplan said.
