Rajani K. Gupta

In Proskauer's corporate department, Gupta represents private equity funds and corporations as borrowers in domestic and international financings.

For client Ascena Retail Group Inc., a leading specialty seller under the Dress Barn and Lane Bryant brands, Gupta helped arrange financing in its $1.8 billion secured loan - arranged by Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Guggenheim Securities LLC - and an asset-based revolving credit facility - arranged by JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. and Bank of America N.A. - to finance Ascena's merger with retailers Ann Taylor and Loft's parent, Ann Inc.

"A very interesting deal," she said. "Ascena is a public company that tends to be very acquisitive but historically doesn't like debt. When you represent a corporate acquirer, you have the privilege of being part of their larger organic growth plan. I got to see their enthusiasm and excitement for a target that was accretive to their business. It was a bit of a merger of equals, a great transaction in the market, a joining in a shared enterprise. You feel good to be a part of it."

Gupta has become the principal Proskauer relationship partner for debt matters for many of her clients. Her work within the full range of complex transactions has allowed the firm to expand its client base of financial institutions and private equity and corporate clients while deepening its range of expertise in debt financing.

For client Ares Management L.P., she worked on the financing of its acquisition of National Veterinary Associates, one of the largest owners of independent veterinary hospitals, in an $800 million deal.

"That was a nice contrast to Ascena, because here we were representing a financial sponsor where leverage analysis is its business, in contrast to a corporate borrower," she said. "Both clients have the same end purposes, and both are a collection of incredibly smart people. I always learn something in dealing with them."

Gupta joined Proskauer as senior counsel from an associate position at Latham & Watkins LLP in 2012. In 2014, she was promoted to partner. She is a member of the firm's Women's Committee and the Diversity Committee. She is part of Proskauer's Women's Sponsorship Program, composed of a select group of female partners, designed to support members' business development efforts and enhance leadership skills.

- John Roemer