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Alvarez & Marsal launches European debt practice

The firm said an increasingly diverse and complex debt market increases the need for companies to seek advice.

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Alvarez & Marsal has launched a debt advisory practice in Europe headed by Tim Metzgen in London.

The practice will provide clients with advice on accessing and managing interactions in international debt markets, helping companies source, negotiate and amend debt finance, which A&M said has become increasingly diverse and complex.

It will work closely with restructuring and performance improvement professionals to support clients throughout the company lifecycle. Debt advisory services will include reviewing refinancing options to support growth through helping borrowers to manage lenders in distressed situations.

Richard Fleming, managing director and head of European restructuring at A&M, said: “In distressed situations, clients often need to review their funding options and require direct, conflict-free advice on the avenues open to them. The growth in private credit markets has added another layer of complexity to this process. Tim and his team plug a gap in our European restructuring business that will help clients unlock value when they need it the most.”

Debt advisory will work closely with the firm’s transformation, transactions, restructuring and private equity teams to offer complementary services and provide business with an overlay of advice relevant to client needs.

Metzgen will lead a team of five and has more than 20 years’ experience in banking and debt advisory. He joins from Marlborough Partners, a debt advisory boutique, where he headed the corporate advisory team.

Before joining Marlborough, Metzgen spent 15 years as a senior director in the KPMG debt advisory team. He has also held positions in capital markets teams at RBC, JP Morgan and Barclays Capital.

Commenting on the launch, Metzgen said: “Our Debt advisory offer will provide companies throughout Europe with independent, straightforward advice and practical solutions that are closely aligned to their business strategy. This is not just about enabling clients to access cheap funding. It’s also about ensuring that they have the right structure in place to achieve their operational goals.”

The move is part of A&M’s plans to grow its European services and capabilities. This year the firm has grown its number of personnel in the continent to more than 1,000.