London, November 17, 2004. The European High Yield Association (EHYA) has appointed Bryant Edwards as its new chairman. Edwards is a corporate partner at Latham & Watkins and is the chair of the firm’s London corporate department.
Edwards is joined on the EHYA board by three new directors: James Amine, co-head of global leveraged finance at Credit Suisse First Boston; Eric Capp, managing director of high yield capital markets at JP Morgan in London; and Tim Flynn, managing director and co-head of leveraged finance at Goldman Sachs in London.
The other members of the board are: Craig Abouchar, Insight Investment; Joe Biernat, European Credit Management; Sarah Goodchild, Debtwire; Sara Halbard, Intermediate Capital Group; Rachel Hatfield, White & Case; and Angus McMahon, Insight Investment.
Commenting on his appointment, Edwards said: "This is a great time for the European high yield market. 2004 has already broken previous records for new issuance and all indications are that the market will continue to grow as capital markets continue to provide a greater share of debt capital for European companies and for buyouts. The new board is committed to making the EHYA an even more valuable forum for discussing product developments and assisting in the development of these dynamic markets."
The EHYA was set up in 2000 to broaden knowledge of non-investment grade debt instruments, develop consensus in standardising the products within the asset class and promote high yield debt securities as a financing choice for European issuers and sponsors. Its members are drawn from all professional groups active in the European high yield market, including financial sponsors, issuers, fund managers and investors, investment bankers, lawyers, accountants, research analysts, traders and rating agencies and analysts.
The organisation hosts a range of discussion forums and events during the year. The annual dinner will take place on Thursday, 18th November, at Plaisterers Hall in London.
The EHYA will use the annual dinner this year to raise money for The Prince’s Trust, which provides financial support and advice to young entrepreneurs in London.