Simmons & Simmons expands Dubai office with new finance partner appointment

"Eric is a top quality practitioner with a wealth of international and regional experience, his appointment will enable the Dubai office to take advantage of the significant opportunities in the banking and finance sector in this dynamic region. Eric's expertise helps to consolidate the growth in the finance team and provides strong leadership for our conventional finance practice in particular."

said Paul Simpson, regional managing partner, Simmons & Simmons.

Eric's arrival at Simmons & Simmons is a further indication of the firm's long term commitment to the region, with the firm now boasting a first rate finance practice with both conventional and Islamic finance capabilities covering leveraged finance, asset finance, project finance, structured finance and real estate finance (and related funds work).

"This is a dynamic team operating in one of the world's most dynamic markets. We have the expertise, drive and ambition to be a market leading finance practice across the spectrum of financing transactions. I am excited about joining such a dynamic team and look forward to playing a significant role in the future success and growth of the practice in Dubai."

said Eric Milne

Eric will head up Simmons & Simmons banking and finance team covering the MENA region.

Eric Milne specialises in international banking, international finance, project and asset finance, advising commercial and investment banks and corporate borrowers, with particular emphasis on M&A and leveraged financings.

Over the last 10 years he has also been involved in a broad spectrum of financing transactions, including multi-jurisdictional leveraged buyouts, IPOs, telecoms financings, infrastructure financings and debt restructurings.

Eric Milne has extensive experience in the region and is mentioned in Chamber and Partner's Global Guide to the legal profession 2008.

Eric joins Simmons & Simmons as a partner, having previously established the Dubai office of international law firm Freshfields in 2005 and worked in their London banking team since 1996.