Matthew Harvey, Gowling WLG

LEADING LAWYER DIRECTORY – Matthew Harvey, Gowling WLG

Matthew Harvey is a partner at Gowling WLG in London and is, according to one large helicopter operator, “probably the best commercial lawyer in helicopter leasing and finance.”

Partner
London
+44 (0)20 7759 6411
+44 (0)7795 618233
[email protected]

Matthew’s advice

“I would say that the key to getting a deal closed is collaboration. If all involved are working as a team toward the common goal of getting the deal closed it will happen more quickly, more easily and it will be cheaper than if people take an adversarial approach.”

Clients testimonials

Very large helicopter operator: “Matthew Harvey is probably the best commercial lawyer in helicopter leasing and finance.”

UK banker: “We have a reasonably sized corporate jet and helicopter portfolio, and it’s fair to say that we regularly rely on Matthews input and guidance – often well beyond what you would normally expect from a commercial law firm.

“Their knowledge of our deals, the market, and our own risk appetite means we can ask for their input knowing that we’re handing over to a safe pair of hands. Bearing in mind how much input they often have, their fees are very reasonable as well – certainly my first point of contact when any issues arise.”

UK banker: “Previously, on behalf of another bank. I managed a large fleet financing of oil and gas support helicopters for one of the world’s largest commercial helicopter operators (we financed c.50 helicopters across a variety of makes and models, and in a variety of jurisdictions including UK, Brazil, Mexico, India, Nigeria, Australia and so forth).

“Matthew was our principal external legal counsel who documented our master lease facility agreement; advised us on a wide range of aspects on the transaction; efficiently co-ordinated the local legal expertise that the bank required (i.e. in the various operating jurisdictions); and worked extremely well with a variety of other stakeholders in the deal including the client’s external counsel, the helicopter manufacturers, our syndication partners, and so forth.

“Given the complexity of the transaction he was often the first person that we picked up the phone to speak to. Without fail, Matthew provided sound practical solutions (acceptable to both bank and client), and was the calm-head so often required in the middle of the “crisis” of a new helicopter delivery.

“I know that Matthew also provides similar legal advice to a number of other helicopter lessors/financial institutions, to the point where I believe he must be one of the most experienced aviation lawyers in London.”

Official biography

Matthew Harvey specialises in banking and asset finance. He has worked on numerous transactions covering a range of assets, from aircraft to computers. He handles a variety of asset based structures, including cross-border and off-balance sheet transactions. Matthew has particular experience in equipment leasing as well as the financing of corporate aircraft and helicopters. His work includes vendor finance, receivables finance and the sale of leasing companies and lease portfolios.