Cravath Publishes Summer 2026 Issue of Alumni Journal
On January 30, 2014, Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, the world leader in 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, and Accelrys, Inc., a leading provider of scientific innovation lifecycle management software for chemistry, biology and materials, announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement for Dassault Systèmes to acquire San Diego‑based Accelrys, Inc. Cravath represented Dassault Systèmes in connection with this transaction.
Under the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, Dassault Systèmes will make an all cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Accelrys common stock at a price of US$12.50 per share, representing a fully diluted equity value for Accelrys of approximately US$750 million. Dassault Systèmes intends to acquire any shares of Accelrys not tendered into the tender offer, via a merger as soon as practicable after the closing of the tender offer.
The Cravath team included partners Andrew R. Thompson and George E. Zobitz and associate Alan G. Grinceri on M&A matters; partner Michael L. Schler and associate Rachel H. Kiwi on tax matters; partner Eric W. Hilfers and practice area attorney Michael Krasnovsky on executive compensation and benefits matters; practice area attorney Robin C. Landis on antitrust matters; and partner David J. Kappos and practice area attorney Anthony N. Magistrale on intellectual property matters. Matthew G. Jones and Ashley N. Hughes also worked on M&A matters and Michael C. Lucien Jr. also worked on executive compensation and benefits matters.
Deals & Cases
November 05, 2026
On November 5, 2026, Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) announced that it has acquired all shares of Liberty Media’s high‑vote Series B common stock held by certain entities related to John C. Malone (the “Malone Holders”) in exchange for shares of Liberty Media’s low‑vote Series A common stock and shares of Liberty Media’s non‑voting Series C common stock. As a result of the transaction, the Malone Holders’ aggregate voting power in Liberty Media declined to approximately 3%, and no holder of Liberty Media common stock holds more than 9% of Liberty Media’s voting power, in each case, based on Liberty Media’s outstanding common stock as of October 30, 2026. The transaction was negotiated and approved by a special committee (the “Special Committee”) of Liberty Media’s board of directors consisting solely of disinterested and independent directors for purposes of Nevada law, advised by its own independent financial and legal advisors. Cravath is representing the Special Committee in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
October 29, 2026
On October 29, 2026, ADT Inc. (“ADT”), a leading provider of security, interactive and smart home solutions serving residential and small business customers in the U.S., and Thrive Holdings, a permanent capital holding company focused on investing in established businesses and advancing their capabilities through technology, announced a definitive agreement under which Thrive Holdings will acquire ADT in an all‑cash transaction. The agreement values ADT at approximately $7.6 billion in equity value and $15.3 billion in enterprise value. Under the terms of the agreement, which ADT’s Board of Directors unanimously approved, ADT stockholders will receive $10.00 per share in cash upon completion. Following completion, ADT will become privately held and its common stock will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Cravath is representing ADT in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
August 31, 2026
On August 31, 2026, Aon, a leading global professional services firm, announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire USI, a leading provider of property & casualty, employee benefit, personal risk and retirement solutions for the middle market and the tenth largest U.S. insurance broker, from KKR and other shareholders for a total purchase price of $17 billion. Aon expects to fund the transaction, as well as related transaction expenses and other costs, with new debt raised across a range of maturities, subject to market conditions. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of Aon and the Board of Directors of USI. Cravath is representing Aon in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
March 31, 2026
On March 31, 2026, Biogen Inc. and Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Biogen has agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of Apellis for $41.00 per share in cash at closing, or approximately $5.6 billion. Apellis stockholders will also receive a nontransferable CVR for each Apellis share held, entitling the holder to receive two payments of $2 per share each, contingent on certain annual global net sales thresholds being met for SYFOVRE®. Cravath is representing Biogen in connection with the transaction.
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