Seward & Kissel Strengthens Maritime and Transportation Finance Practice with Addition of John Imhof as Partner

Evolving Needs of Private Equity Clients Inspire Move

NEW YORK--()--Seward & Kissel LLP announced today that veteran finance attorney John Imhof has joined the firm’s leading Maritime and Transportation Finance practice in New York.

“John is a wonderful complement to our group,” said Seward & Kissel partner Lawrence Rutkowski, head of the firm’s Maritime and Transportation Finance practice. “We’ve added a highly talented individual who truly understands the needs of lenders to and investors in the shipping industry. We’re excited about what John will bring to our group in the years to come.”

Mr. Imhof, who comes to Seward & Kissel from Watson, Farley & Williams, brings more than 20 years of experience with domestic and cross-border financings of transportation assets for major banks and other financial institutions. In recent years, he has represented many private equity funds that stepped into the maritime space as more traditional sources of capital became less available.

“Seward & Kissel has always been the standard bearer in maritime finance,” said Mr. Imhof. “The firm’s wealth of transactional experience is truly impressive. Seward & Kissel’s ability to handle any kind of exit strategy is particularly important for private equity funds that may be looking to realize the gains from their maritime investments.”

In 2014, Chambers USA ranked Seward & Kissel as a “Band 1” national shipping finance practice. The practice was also ranked as a leading global shipping finance practice in the Chambers Global 2014 edition. Additionally, the firm was recently named “Law Firm of the Year (Shipping/Maritime) – North America” at the 2014 M&A Today Global Awards.

“John’s presence broadens the talent base already in place at Seward & Kissel,” said Michael Timpone, one of many partners in the firm’s Maritime and Transportation Finance practice recognized as a nationally leading attorney by Chambers USA in 2014. “His experience in maritime finance makes him an ideal partner to reinforce our global reputation as one of the leading firms in this space. There’s no doubt he will add value for our clients from day one.”

About Seward & Kissel LLP

Seward & Kissel LLP, founded in 1890, is a leading U.S. law firm with an international reputation for excellence. We have offices in New York City and Washington, D.C. Our practice primarily focuses on corporate, litigation and restructuring/bankruptcy work for clients seeking legal expertise in the financial services, corporate finance and capital markets areas. The firm is particularly well known for its representation of major commercial banks, investment banking firms, investment advisers and related investment funds (including mutual funds and hedge funds), master servicers, servicers, investors, distressed trade brokers, liquidity providers, hedge fund administrators, broker-dealers, institutional investors and transportation companies (particularly in the shipping area).

Contacts

for Seward & Kissel LLP
Molly McLeod, 646-386-7675
mmcleod@hellermanbaretz.com

Contacts

for Seward & Kissel LLP
Molly McLeod, 646-386-7675
mmcleod@hellermanbaretz.com