Biography

Gemma has been involved in a number of well-known restructurings and formal insolvency procedures. Her experience includes domestic and cross-border restructuring matters in a wide range of sectors including: retail; healthcare; leisure; manufacturing; oil and gas; real estate; legal professional services; and project finance. She is also experienced in advising on out-of-court restructurings, distressed investing, distressed debt trades, formal restructuring and insolvency procedures. She has advised distressed corporates, minority lenders, co-ordinating and ad hoc committees, financial institutions and insolvency practitioners.
In 2019 Gemma was selected for inclusion by Global Restructuring Review for their Women in Restructuring list. In 2018 she was named a finalist by TMA for their annual Professional of the Year Award, which recognises the achievements of those working in turnaround and restructuring in the UK who demonstrate exceptional performance and career development.
Gemma is a member of R3, the Insolvency Lawyers’ Association and the Turnaround Management Association UK.
Prior to joining Weil, Gemma was in-house counsel for a large clearing bank and a senior associate at a leading international law firm.
Experience at Weil includes:
- Lodbrok Capital in relation to the restructuring of CSM Bakeries
- Advising Doncasters, the aerospace and defence company, in relation to its restructuring
- Advising Follie Folli, the Greek-based jewellery designer, manufacturer and distributor, in relation to its restructuring
- In relation to Galapagos and Boparan re potential refinancing and new money options for funders
- Advising Edcon Group in relation to its current restructuring
- Advising key noteholders on the restructuring of Abengoa’s cross-border facilities
- Advising Westinghouse Electric Company on aspects of its chapter 11 proceedings and debtor-in-possession financing
- Advising potential purchaser in relation to the ongoing restructuring of Agrokor
- Advised the ad hoc committee of Dana Gas sukuk certificate holders in relation to proceedings in England, UAE and BVI arising out of the alleged unlawfulness of a $700m Shari’a compliant bond
- Advising part of the ad hoc committee of PIK lenders on the restructuring of Algeco Scotsman, via scheme of arrangement
- Advised the ad hoc committee of senior secured noteholders on the restructuring of Edcon Limited
- Advised Stemcor on its recent restructuring of its trade finance facilities and capital raise
Awards and Recognition, Speaking Engagements, Guides and Resources, Latest Thinking, Firm News & Announcements
Speaking Engagements
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Legal Cheek webinar discussing restructuring and private equity during a global crisis
Speaker(s):
Matt Benson and
Gemma Sage
September 10, 2020 — Weil partnered with Legal Cheek to hold a virtual student event. Partners Gemma Sage and Matt Benson discussed their complex and challenging work and shared commercial awareness insights from the frontline and how they are working with clients in response to the current crisis.
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Webinar discussion on proposed UK insolvency law reforms
Speaker(s):
Adam Plainer,
Mark Lawford and
Gemma Sage
May 27, 2020 — Partners Adam Plainer, Mark Lawford and Gemma Sage will address the legal and commercial implications for businesses in light of the government’s proposals.