Bradley Laken
Partner, Finance
Brad Laken is a partner in Willkie’s Finance Department. He is based in the Firm's Chicago office.
Brad represents commercial banks, investment banks, direct lenders, alternative credit providers and other debt investors as lead arranger and agent in a wide array of lending transactions, with a focus on middle market private equity sponsor-backed leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations. In addition to lender representations, he has considerable experience representing borrowers and private equity sponsors in lending transactions.
Brad’s clients have included agents, arrangers and lenders in financing transactions across a diverse set of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, aerospace, software, franchise concepts and logistics.
Brad represents commercial banks, investment banks, direct lenders, alternative credit providers and other debt investors as lead arranger and agent in a wide array of lending transactions, with a focus on middle market private equity sponsor-backed leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations. In addition to lender representations, he has considerable experience representing borrowers and private equity sponsors in lending transactions.
Brad’s clients have included agents, arrangers and lenders in financing transactions across a diverse set of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, aerospace, software, franchise concepts and logistics.
Experience
Brad was previously a partner at White & Case in Chicago.
- Representation of the administrative agent, sole bookrunner and joint lead arranger of a $605 million senior secured credit facility to support the merger of a Canada-based pet supply retailer with a similar US-based retailer.
- Representation of the first lien administrative agent, first lien joint lead arranger, second lien administrative agent and second lien joint lead arranger of a $325 million first lien credit facility and $115 million second lien credit facility to support the acquisition of a wealth management industry services provider.
- Representation of the administrative agent and joint lead arranger of a $284 million senior secured credit facility to support the acquisition of a building services business.
- Representation of the administrative agent, joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner of a $280 senior secured credit facility to support the acquisition of an endodontic dental specialty services organization focused on developing and growing affiliated endodontic practices.
- Representation of the administrative agent, joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner of a $252 million senior secured credit facility to support the acquisition of a leading insurance technology business that provides critical cost containment solutions to the property and casualty insurance industry.
- Representation of the administrative agent and lead arranger of a $165 million senior secured credit facility to support the acquisition of the leading distributer of Christian books, bibles, religious gifts, homeschooling products and church supplies.
- Representation of the administrative agent and joint lead arranger of a $160 million first lien credit facility to facilitate a dividend recapitalization to private equity owners of a ground penetrating radar services company.
- Representation of the administrative agent and joint lead arranger of a $117 million senior secured credit facility to finance the acquisition of an end to end food packaging solutions business.
* Brad advised on some of these matters prior to joining Willkie.
Credentials
Education
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D. Northwestern University, B.A. (cum laude)