Christopher Plaut is a partner in the New York office of Latham & Watkins. Mr. Plaut is a member of the Finance Department and various practices. He is Chair of the Automotive Industry Group and a member of the Technology, Autonomous & Connected Vehicles, Mining & Metals, and Retail & Consumer Products Industry Groups.
He primarily represents public and private companies and their capital providers in leveraged finance transactions, including acquisition financings, asset-based facilities, and debtor-in-possession and exit financings. A portion of his practice is devoted to the workout of troubled loans. Mr. Plaut has particular experience in cross-border matters, automotive, transportation, metals and mining, industrials, technology, and healthcare matters.
Mr. Plaut served for a year as judicial clerk to US District Judge Stanley S. Brotman. He is also involved in numerous bar and community activities, including currently serving as Board Chair of American Documentary, Inc.
Mr. Plaut's experience includes representing:
- Electric Last Mile Solutions in connection with various corporate and financing matters
- Fountainvest Partners in connection with the financing for its acquisition of Key Safety Systems, a global manufacturer of safety and related equipment for the automotive industry
- Key Safety Systems in connection with the refinancing of its senior credit facilities from a syndicate of banks led by UBS
- UBS in connection with first and second lien term loan facilities for Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc., a leading distributor and marketer of specialty automotive equipment and accessories in North America
- Various institutions, including Deutsche Bank, Bank of America, and another major bank, as designated bank lender’s counsel for The Hertz Corporation since 2006, including, most recently, a US$3.5 billion asset-based credit facility, term loan facility, and synthetic letter of credit facility
- Stoneridge, Inc., in connection with its financing needs, a manufacturer of electrical and electronic systems, components, and modules for the automotive market
- Deutsche Bank in connection with an asset-based credit facility for Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC, a manufacturer of aluminum products for the automotive industry
- Credit Suisse, BNP Paribas and HSBC in a €500 million term loan and revolving credit facility, in connection with the acquisition by Charterhouse of Armacell, a manufacturer of engineered foams and insulation materials
- UBS in a US$100 million senior secured financing for XM Satellite Radio, Inc.
- Foster Wheeler LLC in its US$450 million revolving facility from a syndicate of banks
- Credit Suisse in a US$1.2 billion term loan facility for Berry Plastics related to its acquisition by affiliates of Apollo Global Management
- The Cooper Companies, Inc., in its US$1 billion credit facility from a syndicate of banks
- Bank of America in a US$1 billion revolving credit facility for L-3 Communications Corporation