
Matthew Durward-Thomas
Partner
Areas of Focus
- Tax
- International Tax
- Investment Management & Transactional Tax
- Financial Restructuring
- Credit Funds
- Tax Structuring & Equity Financing
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Energy & Infrastructure
- Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits
- Restructuring & Special Situations Tax
- Private Capital
- Capital Solutions
- Represents investment funds as well as domestic and multinational corporate groups on a broad range of corporate tax matters.
Matthew advises investment funds and multinational private and public companies on a wide variety of corporate tax matters, including domestic and international corporate, finance and funds transactions. He has a particular focus on UK and EU financial restructurings, investment fund structuring and related matters, which involve novel and complex UK and cross-border tax issues. Matthew advises on the design and implementation of tax-efficient structures to achieve the client’s commercial objectives.
Financial Restructurings
- Cineworld: Advised the ad-hoc committee of creditors to the Cineworld Group in connection with its multi-jurisdictional Chapter 11 restructuring, involving circa US$4 billion in liabilities.
- OQ Chemicals: Advised lenders to the OQ Chemicals Group, one of the world’s largest suppliers of oxo chemicals, in connection with the group’s recapitalisation, and amendment of its credit facilities.
- GenesisCare: Advised an ad-hoc group of lenders to GenesisCare Group, a global healthcare provider specializing in cancer treatment, in connection with the lender-led Chapter 11 restructuring of its existing debt, and the separation of its Australian, US, UK, European and Asian business.
- Fortenova: Advised Fortenova Group, the largest private employer in Croatia, in relation to a complex financial restructuring of its debt profile following the 2019 restructuring of the Agrokor Group.
- Metrocentre: Represented the ad hoc group of noteholders of Metrocentre’s £485 million of debt in relation to a restructuring involving a transfer of the ownership of one of Europe’s largest covered shopping and leisure destinations, in Gateshead, U.K.
- Nordic Aviation: Advised noteholders in the $6 billion restructuring of Nordic Aviation Capital Designated Activity Company (NAC), the largest lessor of regional aircraft in the world.
- Nostrum: Advised the ad hoc committee of holders on the $1.125 billion financial restructuring of Nostrum Oil & Gas plc, an oil and gas company operating in Kazakhstan.
“Matthew Durward-Thomas is one of the rising stars in the London tax advisory market. He is really sharp and provides excellent, commercially-focused advice.”
Chambers & Partners UK 2025, Tax
EducationL.P.C., The College of Law, London, 2012
LL.B., University of Warwick, 2011
L.P.C., The College of Law, London, 2012
LL.B., University of Warwick, 2011
Bar AdmissionsSolicitor, England and Wales
Solicitor, England and Wales
- Chambers UK, Tax, Up and coming: 2025-2026.
- Chambers Europe, Tax, UK, 2025.
- Chambers Global, Tax, UK, Associates to watch: 2022-2023, Up and coming: 2025.
- The Legal 500 UK, Corporate Tax, 2021-2026.
- International Tax Review, Tax Lawyer Rising Star EMEA, 2025
- Diversity Journal, Diverse Lawyers Making a Difference Award, 2024.



