In the finance area, we represent a number of banks and financial institutions on a regular basis. Among others, we represent U.S. Bank and Fifth Third Bank, as well as The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati in credit relationships with its over 700 financial institution members in Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Among the types of loans handled by Taft attorneys are the following:

Commercial and asset-based loans:
Our attorneys frequently represent lending institutions in making revolving credit and term loans, and provide advice and assistance in structuring complex transactions, including Eurodollar and multi-currency financings, acquisition loans, multi-borrower facilities, and syndicated credits. In addition to being knowledgeable about liens on working capital assets in a number of jurisdictions, our attorneys are experienced in securing loans with different types of assets, such as securities and investment property.

Real estate lending:
Our attorneys regularly represent lenders in construction loans and permanent financings, including specialized types of real estate financing such as shared appreciation loans. Among the types of properties we have been involved in financing are office buildings, industrial facilities, and shopping centers and other retail developments.

Equipment and project finance:
We regularly represent clients in negotiating and structuring equipment financing transactions, including both capitalized and off-balance sheet leases and project finance transactions. The assets financed in these transactions have included refrigerated trucks, containers, railcars, and vessels, as well as large industrial projects such as co-generation facilities, steel mills, and office, distribution and manufacturing facilities.

Letters of credit:
Our attorneys understand the need of lending institutions to provide a variety of financing options to their customers. We work with lenders in establishing letter of credit facilities, including those involving commercial letters of credit for export transactions, stand-by letters of credit, and letter of credit-backed bond issues.

Specialized lending: we frequently represent lenders in financings involving assets with special collateral and other considerations. Among these are aircraft financings and ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) loans.

In addition to closing loans, our attorneys are often involved throughout the life of a credit relationship. With businesses that are expanding, we advise and represent our lending institution clients in providing additional financing options and acquisition financing. With troubled credits, we structure work-outs and advise our lending clients on the legal issues and business opportunities involved. Our commercial and banking attorneys also work closely with our bankruptcy attorneys in representing lenders with customers in bankruptcy, including lenders providing debtor-in-possession financing.