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Four Decades for Justice

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Faiza J.
Saeed

Partner, Corporate

fsaeed@cravath.com
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Faiza J. Saeed is Cravath’s Presiding Partner. She advises public companies, boards of directors and special committees in connection with M&A, corporate governance and crisis management, including takeover defense and proxy contests.

Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center, NewYork‑Presbyterian and the William Nelson Cromwell Foundation, and on the Boards of Directors of the Partnership for New York City and The Paley Foundation. She is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and The Economic Club of New York. 

Ms. Saeed has extensive deal experience across many industry sectors, including significant depth in media/tech and biotech. Notable matters include advising:

  • Disney in its $85 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox, overcoming an interloper bid by Comcast to its original $66 billion agreement, the $10.6 billion sale of the Fox Regional Sports Networks to Sinclair and the $3.47 billion sale of its interest in the YES Network to an investor group including the Yankees and Sinclair, and in its support agreement with Third Point and successful proxy contest against Trian;
  • Viacom’s board committee in the $30 billion merger with CBS;
  • Occidental Petroleum in its $57 billion acquisition of Anadarko, topping Anadarko’s original agreement with Chevron, the $8.8 billion sale of Anadarko’s African assets to Total, the $10 billion investment by Berkshire Hathaway and its dealings with Carl Icahn;
  • Time Warner in numerous matters, including its $109 billion acquisition by AT&T, its investment in Hulu, its defense against an unsolicited proposal from 21st Century Fox (which was withdrawn), its defense against Carl Icahn and its merger with AOL;
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific in its $20.9 billion acquisition of PPD;
  • Precision Castparts in its $37 billion acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway;
  • Buckeye Partners in its $10.3 billion acquisition by IFM and the sale of its holdings in VTTI to Vitol and IFM;
  • Southwest Gas in its proxy fight and settlement agreement with, and its response to an unsolicited tender offer from, Carl Icahn;
  • The Ricketts family in the $26 billion acquisition of TD Ameritrade by Charles Schwab;
  • Global Blood Therapeutics in its $5.4 billion acquisition by Pfizer;
  • Northrop Grumman in the $3.4 billion sale of its federal IT and mission support business to Veritas Capital and its $9.2 billion acquisition of Orbital ATK;
  • AveXis in its $8.7 billion acquisition by Novartis;
  • InterMune in its $8.9 billion acquisition by Roche;
  • Illumina in its $8 billion acquisition of GRAIL;
  • Hasbro in its $4 billion acquisition of Entertainment One and its successful proxy contest against Alta Fox Capital;
  • SPANX in its sale of a majority stake to Blackstone;
  • Yahoo’s board committee in the $4.48 billion acquisition of Yahoo’s operating business by Verizon;
  • DreamWorks Animation in its $4.1 billion acquisition by Comcast, its acquisition of Classic Media, the formation of Oriental DreamWorks and its spin‑off IPO from DreamWorks;
  • Morgan Stanley’s board during the financial crisis, including the $9 billion investment by Mitsubishi UFJ;
  • Vivendi in its $46 billion merger with Seagram and in numerous follow‑on acquisitions and investments, including USA Networks, MP3.com, Houghton Mifflin and EchoStar;
  • Sapient in its $3.7 billion acquisition by Publicis;
  • Terra Industries in its defense against a hostile bid from CF Industries (which was withdrawn), its $4.6 billion proposed sale to Yara and $5.2 billion topping bid by CF Industries;
  • Pentair in its $10 billion inversion/Reverse Morris Trust merger with Tyco Flow;
  • Lycos in its $12 billion merger with Telefonica’s Terra Networks;
  • Starbucks in its acquisition of Teavana, its commercial arrangement with Oprah Winfrey and its investment in Square;
  • KKR’s board committee in KKR’s conversion to a corporation and KKR’s $2.6 billion acquisition of KKR Financial Holdings;
  • Quibi in its sale to Roku;
  • Amblin Partners in its strategic partnership with Alibaba Pictures and the investment by Comcast, and, together with Steven Spielberg, in its formation with Participant Media, Reliance Entertainment and Entertainment One, and the formation of its predecessor studio with Reliance;
  • DreamWorks SKG from its formation to its $1.6 billion sale to Paramount Pictures;
  • The family of Charles Schulz in the sale by Iconix of its interest in “Peanuts” to DHX Media, and in the acquisition of “Peanuts” from Scripps;
  • Kraft Foods in its $2.6 billion Reverse Morris Trust divestiture of Post cereals to Ralcorp, and in its negotiations with Nelson Peltz;
  • WuXi in its proposed $1.6 billion merger with Charles River;
  • TKT in its contested $1.6 billion merger with Shire; and
  • Lundbeck in its acquisitions of Chelsea Therapeutics and Synaptic Pharmaceuticals.

Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, and she was named one of the Asia Society’s Game Changers of 2019. In 2021, the Jewish Theological Seminary honored her with the Judge Simon Rifkind Award. The Ascend Foundation recognized Ms. Saeed as an honoree in their Ascend A‑List Awards in 2023.

Ms. Saeed was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in 2006. In 2007, The New York Times named her one of “Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe.” The American Lawyer recognized her as its 2020 Corporate Lawyer of the Year, a “Dealmaker of the Year” in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2019, and in its list of “45 Under 45” in 2003. The Hollywood Reporter named her one of “Hollywood’s Top Dealmakers” of 2016, 2018 and 2020 and one of the “Top 100 Power Lawyers” from 2017 through 2021 and 2023.

Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession Award from Chambers & Partners (2010). She has been repeatedly recognized as one of the country’s leading practitioners in M&A and media and entertainment by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who's Who Legal: M&A and Governance, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000 and Lawdragon magazine. Ms. Saeed has been profiled in Crain’s New York Business (“Notable Women in Law” (2020), “50 Most Powerful Women in New York” (2017 and 2019) and “100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business” (2007)), The National Law Journal (“40 Under 40” (2005)), New York Magazine (2001), Corporate Board Member magazine (2002) and Dealmaker magazine (2008). She is a member of the New York Women’s Foundation, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the Editorial Board of The M&A Lawyer. Ms. Saeed served on the Visiting Committee for Harvard Law School from 2006 to 2011.

Ms. Saeed was born in Walnut Creek, California. She received a B.A. in Economics and Molecular Biology with Highest Distinction from the University of California at Berkeley in 1987, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991.

Ms. Saeed joined Cravath in 1991 and was elected a partner in 1998. From January 2013 to July 2016, she served as Co‑Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.

Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center, NewYork‑Presbyterian and the William Nelson Cromwell Foundation, and on the Boards of Directors of the Partnership for New York City and The Paley Foundation. She is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and The Economic Club of New York. 

Ms. Saeed has extensive deal experience across many industry sectors, including significant depth in media/tech and biotech. Notable matters include advising:

  • Disney in its $85 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox, overcoming an interloper bid by Comcast to its original $66 billion agreement, the $10.6 billion sale of the Fox Regional Sports Networks to Sinclair and the $3.47 billion sale of its interest in the YES Network to an investor group including the Yankees and Sinclair, and in its support agreement with Third Point and successful proxy contest against Trian;
  • Viacom’s board committee in the $30 billion merger with CBS;
  • Occidental Petroleum in its $57 billion acquisition of Anadarko, topping Anadarko’s original agreement with Chevron, the $8.8 billion sale of Anadarko’s African assets to Total, the $10 billion investment by Berkshire Hathaway and its dealings with Carl Icahn;
  • Time Warner in numerous matters, including its $109 billion acquisition by AT&T, its investment in Hulu, its defense against an unsolicited proposal from 21st Century Fox (which was withdrawn), its defense against Carl Icahn and its merger with AOL;
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific in its $20.9 billion acquisition of PPD;
  • Precision Castparts in its $37 billion acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway;
  • Buckeye Partners in its $10.3 billion acquisition by IFM and the sale of its holdings in VTTI to Vitol and IFM;
  • Southwest Gas in its proxy fight and settlement agreement with, and its response to an unsolicited tender offer from, Carl Icahn;
  • The Ricketts family in the $26 billion acquisition of TD Ameritrade by Charles Schwab;
  • Global Blood Therapeutics in its $5.4 billion acquisition by Pfizer;
  • Northrop Grumman in the $3.4 billion sale of its federal IT and mission support business to Veritas Capital and its $9.2 billion acquisition of Orbital ATK;
  • AveXis in its $8.7 billion acquisition by Novartis;
  • InterMune in its $8.9 billion acquisition by Roche;
  • Illumina in its $8 billion acquisition of GRAIL;
  • Hasbro in its $4 billion acquisition of Entertainment One and its successful proxy contest against Alta Fox Capital;
  • SPANX in its sale of a majority stake to Blackstone;
  • Yahoo’s board committee in the $4.48 billion acquisition of Yahoo’s operating business by Verizon;
  • DreamWorks Animation in its $4.1 billion acquisition by Comcast, its acquisition of Classic Media, the formation of Oriental DreamWorks and its spin‑off IPO from DreamWorks;
  • Morgan Stanley’s board during the financial crisis, including the $9 billion investment by Mitsubishi UFJ;
  • Vivendi in its $46 billion merger with Seagram and in numerous follow‑on acquisitions and investments, including USA Networks, MP3.com, Houghton Mifflin and EchoStar;
  • Sapient in its $3.7 billion acquisition by Publicis;
  • Terra Industries in its defense against a hostile bid from CF Industries (which was withdrawn), its $4.6 billion proposed sale to Yara and $5.2 billion topping bid by CF Industries;
  • Pentair in its $10 billion inversion/Reverse Morris Trust merger with Tyco Flow;
  • Lycos in its $12 billion merger with Telefonica’s Terra Networks;
  • Starbucks in its acquisition of Teavana, its commercial arrangement with Oprah Winfrey and its investment in Square;
  • KKR’s board committee in KKR’s conversion to a corporation and KKR’s $2.6 billion acquisition of KKR Financial Holdings;
  • Quibi in its sale to Roku;
  • Amblin Partners in its strategic partnership with Alibaba Pictures and the investment by Comcast, and, together with Steven Spielberg, in its formation with Participant Media, Reliance Entertainment and Entertainment One, and the formation of its predecessor studio with Reliance;
  • DreamWorks SKG from its formation to its $1.6 billion sale to Paramount Pictures;
  • The family of Charles Schulz in the sale by Iconix of its interest in “Peanuts” to DHX Media, and in the acquisition of “Peanuts” from Scripps;
  • Kraft Foods in its $2.6 billion Reverse Morris Trust divestiture of Post cereals to Ralcorp, and in its negotiations with Nelson Peltz;
  • WuXi in its proposed $1.6 billion merger with Charles River;
  • TKT in its contested $1.6 billion merger with Shire; and
  • Lundbeck in its acquisitions of Chelsea Therapeutics and Synaptic Pharmaceuticals.

Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, and she was named one of the Asia Society’s Game Changers of 2019. In 2021, the Jewish Theological Seminary honored her with the Judge Simon Rifkind Award. The Ascend Foundation recognized Ms. Saeed as an honoree in their Ascend A‑List Awards in 2023.

Ms. Saeed was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in 2006. In 2007, The New York Times named her one of “Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe.” The American Lawyer recognized her as its 2020 Corporate Lawyer of the Year, a “Dealmaker of the Year” in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2019, and in its list of “45 Under 45” in 2003. The Hollywood Reporter named her one of “Hollywood’s Top Dealmakers” of 2016, 2018 and 2020 and one of the “Top 100 Power Lawyers” from 2017 through 2021 and 2023.

Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession Award from Chambers & Partners (2010). She has been repeatedly recognized as one of the country’s leading practitioners in M&A and media and entertainment by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who's Who Legal: M&A and Governance, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000 and Lawdragon magazine. Ms. Saeed has been profiled in Crain’s New York Business (“Notable Women in Law” (2020), “50 Most Powerful Women in New York” (2017 and 2019) and “100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business” (2007)), The National Law Journal (“40 Under 40” (2005)), New York Magazine (2001), Corporate Board Member magazine (2002) and Dealmaker magazine (2008). She is a member of the New York Women’s Foundation, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the Editorial Board of The M&A Lawyer. Ms. Saeed served on the Visiting Committee for Harvard Law School from 2006 to 2011.

Ms. Saeed was born in Walnut Creek, California. She received a B.A. in Economics and Molecular Biology with Highest Distinction from the University of California at Berkeley in 1987, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991.

Ms. Saeed joined Cravath in 1991 and was elected a partner in 1998. From January 2013 to July 2016, she served as Co‑Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.

Education

  • J.D., 1991, Harvard Law School
    magna cum laude
  • B.A., 1987, University of California, Berkeley
    with Highest Distinction, Phi Beta Kappa

Admitted In

  • New York
  • California (Inactive)
  • District of Columbia (Inactive)

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

California State Bar Association

District of Columbia Bar Association

International Bar Association

New York City Bar Association

New York State Bar Association

Organizations

American Bar Foundation

  • Fellow

Council on Foreign Relations

Economic Club of New York

Harvard Law School

  • Visiting Committee, 2006-2011

The M&A Lawyer

  • Editorial Board

March of Dimes (NY Chapter)

  • Board of Directors, 2011-2021 

NewYork‑Presbyterian Hospital

  • Board of Trustees

New York Women’s Foundation

Paley Center

  • Board of Trustees

Paley Foundation

  • Board of Directors

Partnership for New York City

  • Board of Directors

William Nelson Cromwell Foundation

  • Board of Trustees

World Economic Forum

  • Young Global Leader, 2006

Rankings

The American Lawyer

  • Corporate Lawyer of the Year Award (2020)
  • Dealmaker of the Year (2019, 2011, 2005, 2000)
  • 45 Under 45 (2003)

Best Lawyers in America

  • Corporate Law (2023‑2013)
  • International Mergers and Acquisitions (2023‑2017)
  • International Mergers and Acquisitions: Lawyer of the Year - New York City (2022, 2020)
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2023‑2006)
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law: Lawyer of the Year - New York City (2021)

Chambers Global

  • Corporate M&A (International & Cross-Border) - USA (2023‑2001)

Chambers USA

  • Chambers Award for Excellence – Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession (2010)
  • Corporate/M&A - New York (2023‑2001)
  • Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense - New York (2017)
  • Media & Entertainment (Corporate) - New York (2023‑2001)

Crain’s New York Business

  • 50 Most Powerful Women in New York (2019, 2017)
  • 100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business (2007)
  • Notable Women in Law (2020)

The Deal

  • Dealmaker of the Year (2018)
  • Top Women in Dealmaking (2022, 2020)

The Hollywood Reporter

  • Top Dealmakers (2020, 2018, 2016)
  • Top 100 Power Lawyers (2023, 2021-2017)

IFLR1000

  • Mergers and Acquisitions - US (2023‑2011, 2008, 2007, 2006)
  • Women Leaders - United States (2022, 2021)

Lawdragon

  • Legends of the 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2018)
  • 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2023‑2008)
  • 500 Leading Dealmakers in America (2022, 2021, 2007)

The Legal 500 US

  • M&A/Corporate and Commercial: Large Deals, $1bn+ (2023-2012, 2007)
  • Media and Entertainment: Transactional (2023-2017)
  • Shareholder Activism: Advice to Boards (2023, 2021, 2020)
  • Technology Transactions (2019)
  • Telecoms and Broadcast: Transactions (2021, 2020, 2019, 2017)

The National Law Journal

  • 40 Under 40 (2005)

The New York Times

  • Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe (2007)

Who’s Who Legal

  • Thought Leaders (2022-2018)
  • M&A and Governance (2023‑2007)

A-List Award, Ascend Foundation, 2023

Game Changer Award, The Asia Society, 2019

Judge Learned Hand Award, American Jewish Committee, 2019

Judge Simon Rifkind Award, Jewish Theological Seminary, 2021

Deals & Cases

February 14, 2023

Disney’s Successful Proxy Contest With Trian Fund

On February 9, 2023, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) issued a statement in response to Nelson Peltz’s announcement that Trian Fund is no longer pursuing a proxy contest at Disney. Cravath represented Disney in connection with this matter.

Deals & Cases

September 30, 2022

Disney’s Support Agreement with Third Point

On September 30, 2022, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) announced that it has entered into a support agreement with Third Point LLC (“Third Point”). Cravath is representing Disney in connection with the support agreement.

Deals & Cases

August 08, 2022

Global Blood Therapeutics’ $5.4 Billion Acquisition by Pfizer

On August 8, 2022, Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. (“GBT”), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and delivery of life‑changing treatments that provide hope to underserved patient communities, starting with sickle cell disease, and Pfizer Inc. (“Pfizer”) announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Pfizer will acquire GBT. Under the terms of the transaction, Pfizer will acquire all the outstanding shares of GBT for $68.50 per share in cash, for a total enterprise value of approximately $5.4 billion, including debt and net of cash acquired. Cravath is representing GBT in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

June 08, 2022

Hasbro’s Successful Proxy Contest Against Alta Fox

On June 8, 2022, Hasbro, Inc., a global play and entertainment company, announced the preliminary results at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which indicate that Hasbro shareholders have voted, with a substantial margin, to re-elect all 13 of Hasbro’s directors to the Hasbro Board. Similarly, the Company’s say-on-pay proposal and auditor ratification were approved by the shareholders. Cravath is representing Hasbro in connection with this matter.

Deals & Cases

May 07, 2022

Southwest Gas’s Settlement Agreement with Carl Icahn

On May 6, 2022, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (“Southwest Gas”) announced that it has entered into a settlement agreement with Carl Icahn and his affiliated entities. Pursuant to the agreement, at least three, and up to four, new directors will join the Southwest Gas Board of Directors. Following the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Board will continue the previously announced review of a full range of strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Icahn will withdraw his slate of director nominees with respect to the Annual Meeting and vote in favor of the Company’s nominees. Cravath is representing Southwest Gas in connection with the agreement.

Accolades

April 27, 2023

Faiza Saeed Named a 2023 Power Lawyer by The Hollywood Reporter

Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed was named to The Hollywood Reporter’s annual “Power Lawyers” list, which recognizes the top 100 lawyers in the media and entertainment industries and was published in the April 12, 2023 issue of The Hollywood Reporter Magazine. The feature, which described Faiza as “a master of high‑stakes M&A and corporate governance battles,” highlighted her representation of Disney in its successful proxy contest with Trian Fund and Hasbro in its successful proxy contest with Alta Fox Capital Management. This is Faiza’s sixth year being recognized as a “Power Lawyer.”

Accolades

April 04, 2023

Faiza Saeed Named to Ascend’s 2023 A‑List

On April 3, 2023, Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed was named an A‑List honoree as part of the 2023 Ascend A‑List Awards Gala, which was held in New York. The Ascend A‑List recognizes Pan‑Asian leaders “for their professional accomplishments and advancement of others in their industries or communities” and “for being catalysts for change in their workplace and society.” The Ascend Foundation is a 501(c)(3) with a mission to educate, advocate, and enable Pan‑Asian business leaders to reach their full potential and make greater positive societal impacts. Ascend Inc. is the largest non‑profit Pan‑Asian membership organization for business professionals in North America with a mission to drive workplace and societal impact by developing and elevating Pan‑Asian business leaders and empowering them to become catalysts for change.

Activities & Publications

November 10, 2022

Faiza Saeed Speaks at The Paley Center for Media’s 2022 International Council Summit

Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in The Paley Center for Media’s 2022 International Council Summit, which was held in New York from November 8‑9, 2022. In a session on November 9 entitled “The Walt Disney Company: The Next 100 Years,” Faiza spoke with Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”), about the upcoming celebration of Disney’s 100‑year history, the future of the company and how it plans to maintain its standing in the next century.

Accolades

October 31, 2022

The Deal Recognizes Cravath as Fintech Law Firm of the Year and Faiza Saeed as Impact Dealmaker of the Year in its 2022 Awards Series

In October 2022, Cravath was recognized by The Deal as part of its 2022 Awards series, which “recognizes the elite advisers and service providers who power the deal economy.”

Accolades

April 04, 2022

Faiza Saeed, Tatiana Lapushchik, Alyssa Caples and Ting Chen Recognized in 2022 IFLR1000 Women Leaders Guide

On March 31, 2022, IFLR1000, published by the International Financial Law Review as a “guide to the world’s leading financial and corporate law firms,” recognized Cravath partners Faiza J. Saeed, Tatiana Lapushchik, Alyssa K. Caples and Ting S. Chen in their fifth annual “Women Leaders” guide. The publication recognizes the “most prominent” female lawyers working in financial and corporate transactions and contract, licensing and regulatory project work. The guide notes the honorees’ expertise, work on complex deals and leadership roles.

Faiza J. Saeed is Cravath’s Presiding Partner. She advises public companies, boards of directors and special committees in connection with M&A, corporate governance and crisis management, including takeover defense and proxy contests.

Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center, NewYork‑Presbyterian and the William Nelson Cromwell Foundation, and on the Boards of Directors of the Partnership for New York City and The Paley Foundation. She is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and The Economic Club of New York. 

Ms. Saeed has extensive deal experience across many industry sectors, including significant depth in media/tech and biotech. Notable matters include advising:

  • Disney in its $85 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox, overcoming an interloper bid by Comcast to its original $66 billion agreement, the $10.6 billion sale of the Fox Regional Sports Networks to Sinclair and the $3.47 billion sale of its interest in the YES Network to an investor group including the Yankees and Sinclair, and in its support agreement with Third Point and successful proxy contest against Trian;
  • Viacom’s board committee in the $30 billion merger with CBS;
  • Occidental Petroleum in its $57 billion acquisition of Anadarko, topping Anadarko’s original agreement with Chevron, the $8.8 billion sale of Anadarko’s African assets to Total, the $10 billion investment by Berkshire Hathaway and its dealings with Carl Icahn;
  • Time Warner in numerous matters, including its $109 billion acquisition by AT&T, its investment in Hulu, its defense against an unsolicited proposal from 21st Century Fox (which was withdrawn), its defense against Carl Icahn and its merger with AOL;
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific in its $20.9 billion acquisition of PPD;
  • Precision Castparts in its $37 billion acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway;
  • Buckeye Partners in its $10.3 billion acquisition by IFM and the sale of its holdings in VTTI to Vitol and IFM;
  • Southwest Gas in its proxy fight and settlement agreement with, and its response to an unsolicited tender offer from, Carl Icahn;
  • The Ricketts family in the $26 billion acquisition of TD Ameritrade by Charles Schwab;
  • Global Blood Therapeutics in its $5.4 billion acquisition by Pfizer;
  • Northrop Grumman in the $3.4 billion sale of its federal IT and mission support business to Veritas Capital and its $9.2 billion acquisition of Orbital ATK;
  • AveXis in its $8.7 billion acquisition by Novartis;
  • InterMune in its $8.9 billion acquisition by Roche;
  • Illumina in its $8 billion acquisition of GRAIL;
  • Hasbro in its $4 billion acquisition of Entertainment One and its successful proxy contest against Alta Fox Capital;
  • SPANX in its sale of a majority stake to Blackstone;
  • Yahoo’s board committee in the $4.48 billion acquisition of Yahoo’s operating business by Verizon;
  • DreamWorks Animation in its $4.1 billion acquisition by Comcast, its acquisition of Classic Media, the formation of Oriental DreamWorks and its spin‑off IPO from DreamWorks;
  • Morgan Stanley’s board during the financial crisis, including the $9 billion investment by Mitsubishi UFJ;
  • Vivendi in its $46 billion merger with Seagram and in numerous follow‑on acquisitions and investments, including USA Networks, MP3.com, Houghton Mifflin and EchoStar;
  • Sapient in its $3.7 billion acquisition by Publicis;
  • Terra Industries in its defense against a hostile bid from CF Industries (which was withdrawn), its $4.6 billion proposed sale to Yara and $5.2 billion topping bid by CF Industries;
  • Pentair in its $10 billion inversion/Reverse Morris Trust merger with Tyco Flow;
  • Lycos in its $12 billion merger with Telefonica’s Terra Networks;
  • Starbucks in its acquisition of Teavana, its commercial arrangement with Oprah Winfrey and its investment in Square;
  • KKR’s board committee in KKR’s conversion to a corporation and KKR’s $2.6 billion acquisition of KKR Financial Holdings;
  • Quibi in its sale to Roku;
  • Amblin Partners in its strategic partnership with Alibaba Pictures and the investment by Comcast, and, together with Steven Spielberg, in its formation with Participant Media, Reliance Entertainment and Entertainment One, and the formation of its predecessor studio with Reliance;
  • DreamWorks SKG from its formation to its $1.6 billion sale to Paramount Pictures;
  • The family of Charles Schulz in the sale by Iconix of its interest in “Peanuts” to DHX Media, and in the acquisition of “Peanuts” from Scripps;
  • Kraft Foods in its $2.6 billion Reverse Morris Trust divestiture of Post cereals to Ralcorp, and in its negotiations with Nelson Peltz;
  • WuXi in its proposed $1.6 billion merger with Charles River;
  • TKT in its contested $1.6 billion merger with Shire; and
  • Lundbeck in its acquisitions of Chelsea Therapeutics and Synaptic Pharmaceuticals.

Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, and she was named one of the Asia Society’s Game Changers of 2019. In 2021, the Jewish Theological Seminary honored her with the Judge Simon Rifkind Award. The Ascend Foundation recognized Ms. Saeed as an honoree in their Ascend A‑List Awards in 2023.

Ms. Saeed was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in 2006. In 2007, The New York Times named her one of “Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe.” The American Lawyer recognized her as its 2020 Corporate Lawyer of the Year, a “Dealmaker of the Year” in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2019, and in its list of “45 Under 45” in 2003. The Hollywood Reporter named her one of “Hollywood’s Top Dealmakers” of 2016, 2018 and 2020 and one of the “Top 100 Power Lawyers” from 2017 through 2021 and 2023.

Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession Award from Chambers & Partners (2010). She has been repeatedly recognized as one of the country’s leading practitioners in M&A and media and entertainment by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who's Who Legal: M&A and Governance, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000 and Lawdragon magazine. Ms. Saeed has been profiled in Crain’s New York Business (“Notable Women in Law” (2020), “50 Most Powerful Women in New York” (2017 and 2019) and “100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business” (2007)), The National Law Journal (“40 Under 40” (2005)), New York Magazine (2001), Corporate Board Member magazine (2002) and Dealmaker magazine (2008). She is a member of the New York Women’s Foundation, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the Editorial Board of The M&A Lawyer. Ms. Saeed served on the Visiting Committee for Harvard Law School from 2006 to 2011.

Ms. Saeed was born in Walnut Creek, California. She received a B.A. in Economics and Molecular Biology with Highest Distinction from the University of California at Berkeley in 1987, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991.

Ms. Saeed joined Cravath in 1991 and was elected a partner in 1998. From January 2013 to July 2016, she served as Co‑Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.

Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center, NewYork‑Presbyterian and the William Nelson Cromwell Foundation, and on the Boards of Directors of the Partnership for New York City and The Paley Foundation. She is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and The Economic Club of New York. 

Ms. Saeed has extensive deal experience across many industry sectors, including significant depth in media/tech and biotech. Notable matters include advising:

  • Disney in its $85 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox, overcoming an interloper bid by Comcast to its original $66 billion agreement, the $10.6 billion sale of the Fox Regional Sports Networks to Sinclair and the $3.47 billion sale of its interest in the YES Network to an investor group including the Yankees and Sinclair, and in its support agreement with Third Point and successful proxy contest against Trian;
  • Viacom’s board committee in the $30 billion merger with CBS;
  • Occidental Petroleum in its $57 billion acquisition of Anadarko, topping Anadarko’s original agreement with Chevron, the $8.8 billion sale of Anadarko’s African assets to Total, the $10 billion investment by Berkshire Hathaway and its dealings with Carl Icahn;
  • Time Warner in numerous matters, including its $109 billion acquisition by AT&T, its investment in Hulu, its defense against an unsolicited proposal from 21st Century Fox (which was withdrawn), its defense against Carl Icahn and its merger with AOL;
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific in its $20.9 billion acquisition of PPD;
  • Precision Castparts in its $37 billion acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway;
  • Buckeye Partners in its $10.3 billion acquisition by IFM and the sale of its holdings in VTTI to Vitol and IFM;
  • Southwest Gas in its proxy fight and settlement agreement with, and its response to an unsolicited tender offer from, Carl Icahn;
  • The Ricketts family in the $26 billion acquisition of TD Ameritrade by Charles Schwab;
  • Global Blood Therapeutics in its $5.4 billion acquisition by Pfizer;
  • Northrop Grumman in the $3.4 billion sale of its federal IT and mission support business to Veritas Capital and its $9.2 billion acquisition of Orbital ATK;
  • AveXis in its $8.7 billion acquisition by Novartis;
  • InterMune in its $8.9 billion acquisition by Roche;
  • Illumina in its $8 billion acquisition of GRAIL;
  • Hasbro in its $4 billion acquisition of Entertainment One and its successful proxy contest against Alta Fox Capital;
  • SPANX in its sale of a majority stake to Blackstone;
  • Yahoo’s board committee in the $4.48 billion acquisition of Yahoo’s operating business by Verizon;
  • DreamWorks Animation in its $4.1 billion acquisition by Comcast, its acquisition of Classic Media, the formation of Oriental DreamWorks and its spin‑off IPO from DreamWorks;
  • Morgan Stanley’s board during the financial crisis, including the $9 billion investment by Mitsubishi UFJ;
  • Vivendi in its $46 billion merger with Seagram and in numerous follow‑on acquisitions and investments, including USA Networks, MP3.com, Houghton Mifflin and EchoStar;
  • Sapient in its $3.7 billion acquisition by Publicis;
  • Terra Industries in its defense against a hostile bid from CF Industries (which was withdrawn), its $4.6 billion proposed sale to Yara and $5.2 billion topping bid by CF Industries;
  • Pentair in its $10 billion inversion/Reverse Morris Trust merger with Tyco Flow;
  • Lycos in its $12 billion merger with Telefonica’s Terra Networks;
  • Starbucks in its acquisition of Teavana, its commercial arrangement with Oprah Winfrey and its investment in Square;
  • KKR’s board committee in KKR’s conversion to a corporation and KKR’s $2.6 billion acquisition of KKR Financial Holdings;
  • Quibi in its sale to Roku;
  • Amblin Partners in its strategic partnership with Alibaba Pictures and the investment by Comcast, and, together with Steven Spielberg, in its formation with Participant Media, Reliance Entertainment and Entertainment One, and the formation of its predecessor studio with Reliance;
  • DreamWorks SKG from its formation to its $1.6 billion sale to Paramount Pictures;
  • The family of Charles Schulz in the sale by Iconix of its interest in “Peanuts” to DHX Media, and in the acquisition of “Peanuts” from Scripps;
  • Kraft Foods in its $2.6 billion Reverse Morris Trust divestiture of Post cereals to Ralcorp, and in its negotiations with Nelson Peltz;
  • WuXi in its proposed $1.6 billion merger with Charles River;
  • TKT in its contested $1.6 billion merger with Shire; and
  • Lundbeck in its acquisitions of Chelsea Therapeutics and Synaptic Pharmaceuticals.

Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, and she was named one of the Asia Society’s Game Changers of 2019. In 2021, the Jewish Theological Seminary honored her with the Judge Simon Rifkind Award. The Ascend Foundation recognized Ms. Saeed as an honoree in their Ascend A‑List Awards in 2023.

Ms. Saeed was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in 2006. In 2007, The New York Times named her one of “Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe.” The American Lawyer recognized her as its 2020 Corporate Lawyer of the Year, a “Dealmaker of the Year” in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2019, and in its list of “45 Under 45” in 2003. The Hollywood Reporter named her one of “Hollywood’s Top Dealmakers” of 2016, 2018 and 2020 and one of the “Top 100 Power Lawyers” from 2017 through 2021 and 2023.

Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession Award from Chambers & Partners (2010). She has been repeatedly recognized as one of the country’s leading practitioners in M&A and media and entertainment by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who's Who Legal: M&A and Governance, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000 and Lawdragon magazine. Ms. Saeed has been profiled in Crain’s New York Business (“Notable Women in Law” (2020), “50 Most Powerful Women in New York” (2017 and 2019) and “100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business” (2007)), The National Law Journal (“40 Under 40” (2005)), New York Magazine (2001), Corporate Board Member magazine (2002) and Dealmaker magazine (2008). She is a member of the New York Women’s Foundation, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the Editorial Board of The M&A Lawyer. Ms. Saeed served on the Visiting Committee for Harvard Law School from 2006 to 2011.

Ms. Saeed was born in Walnut Creek, California. She received a B.A. in Economics and Molecular Biology with Highest Distinction from the University of California at Berkeley in 1987, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991.

Ms. Saeed joined Cravath in 1991 and was elected a partner in 1998. From January 2013 to July 2016, she served as Co‑Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.

Education

  • J.D., 1991, Harvard Law School
    magna cum laude
  • B.A., 1987, University of California, Berkeley
    with Highest Distinction, Phi Beta Kappa

Admitted In

  • New York
  • California (Inactive)
  • District of Columbia (Inactive)

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

California State Bar Association

District of Columbia Bar Association

International Bar Association

New York City Bar Association

New York State Bar Association

Organizations

American Bar Foundation

  • Fellow

Council on Foreign Relations

Economic Club of New York

Harvard Law School

  • Visiting Committee, 2006-2011

The M&A Lawyer

  • Editorial Board

March of Dimes (NY Chapter)

  • Board of Directors, 2011-2021 

NewYork‑Presbyterian Hospital

  • Board of Trustees

New York Women’s Foundation

Paley Center

  • Board of Trustees

Paley Foundation

  • Board of Directors

Partnership for New York City

  • Board of Directors

William Nelson Cromwell Foundation

  • Board of Trustees

World Economic Forum

  • Young Global Leader, 2006

Rankings

The American Lawyer

  • Corporate Lawyer of the Year Award (2020)
  • Dealmaker of the Year (2019, 2011, 2005, 2000)
  • 45 Under 45 (2003)

Best Lawyers in America

  • Corporate Law (2023‑2013)
  • International Mergers and Acquisitions (2023‑2017)
  • International Mergers and Acquisitions: Lawyer of the Year - New York City (2022, 2020)
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2023‑2006)
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law: Lawyer of the Year - New York City (2021)

Chambers Global

  • Corporate M&A (International & Cross-Border) - USA (2023‑2001)

Chambers USA

  • Chambers Award for Excellence – Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession (2010)
  • Corporate/M&A - New York (2023‑2001)
  • Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense - New York (2017)
  • Media & Entertainment (Corporate) - New York (2023‑2001)

Crain’s New York Business

  • 50 Most Powerful Women in New York (2019, 2017)
  • 100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business (2007)
  • Notable Women in Law (2020)

The Deal

  • Dealmaker of the Year (2018)
  • Top Women in Dealmaking (2022, 2020)

The Hollywood Reporter

  • Top Dealmakers (2020, 2018, 2016)
  • Top 100 Power Lawyers (2023, 2021-2017)

IFLR1000

  • Mergers and Acquisitions - US (2023‑2011, 2008, 2007, 2006)
  • Women Leaders - United States (2022, 2021)

Lawdragon

  • Legends of the 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2018)
  • 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2023‑2008)
  • 500 Leading Dealmakers in America (2022, 2021, 2007)

The Legal 500 US

  • M&A/Corporate and Commercial: Large Deals, $1bn+ (2023-2012, 2007)
  • Media and Entertainment: Transactional (2023-2017)
  • Shareholder Activism: Advice to Boards (2023, 2021, 2020)
  • Technology Transactions (2019)
  • Telecoms and Broadcast: Transactions (2021, 2020, 2019, 2017)

The National Law Journal

  • 40 Under 40 (2005)

The New York Times

  • Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe (2007)

Who’s Who Legal

  • Thought Leaders (2022-2018)
  • M&A and Governance (2023‑2007)

A-List Award, Ascend Foundation, 2023

Game Changer Award, The Asia Society, 2019

Judge Learned Hand Award, American Jewish Committee, 2019

Judge Simon Rifkind Award, Jewish Theological Seminary, 2021

Deals & Cases

February 14, 2023

Disney’s Successful Proxy Contest With Trian Fund

On February 9, 2023, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) issued a statement in response to Nelson Peltz’s announcement that Trian Fund is no longer pursuing a proxy contest at Disney. Cravath represented Disney in connection with this matter.

Deals & Cases

September 30, 2022

Disney’s Support Agreement with Third Point

On September 30, 2022, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) announced that it has entered into a support agreement with Third Point LLC (“Third Point”). Cravath is representing Disney in connection with the support agreement.

Deals & Cases

August 08, 2022

Global Blood Therapeutics’ $5.4 Billion Acquisition by Pfizer

On August 8, 2022, Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. (“GBT”), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and delivery of life‑changing treatments that provide hope to underserved patient communities, starting with sickle cell disease, and Pfizer Inc. (“Pfizer”) announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Pfizer will acquire GBT. Under the terms of the transaction, Pfizer will acquire all the outstanding shares of GBT for $68.50 per share in cash, for a total enterprise value of approximately $5.4 billion, including debt and net of cash acquired. Cravath is representing GBT in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

June 08, 2022

Hasbro’s Successful Proxy Contest Against Alta Fox

On June 8, 2022, Hasbro, Inc., a global play and entertainment company, announced the preliminary results at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which indicate that Hasbro shareholders have voted, with a substantial margin, to re-elect all 13 of Hasbro’s directors to the Hasbro Board. Similarly, the Company’s say-on-pay proposal and auditor ratification were approved by the shareholders. Cravath is representing Hasbro in connection with this matter.

Deals & Cases

May 07, 2022

Southwest Gas’s Settlement Agreement with Carl Icahn

On May 6, 2022, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (“Southwest Gas”) announced that it has entered into a settlement agreement with Carl Icahn and his affiliated entities. Pursuant to the agreement, at least three, and up to four, new directors will join the Southwest Gas Board of Directors. Following the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Board will continue the previously announced review of a full range of strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Icahn will withdraw his slate of director nominees with respect to the Annual Meeting and vote in favor of the Company’s nominees. Cravath is representing Southwest Gas in connection with the agreement.

Accolades

April 27, 2023

Faiza Saeed Named a 2023 Power Lawyer by The Hollywood Reporter

Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed was named to The Hollywood Reporter’s annual “Power Lawyers” list, which recognizes the top 100 lawyers in the media and entertainment industries and was published in the April 12, 2023 issue of The Hollywood Reporter Magazine. The feature, which described Faiza as “a master of high‑stakes M&A and corporate governance battles,” highlighted her representation of Disney in its successful proxy contest with Trian Fund and Hasbro in its successful proxy contest with Alta Fox Capital Management. This is Faiza’s sixth year being recognized as a “Power Lawyer.”

Accolades

April 04, 2023

Faiza Saeed Named to Ascend’s 2023 A‑List

On April 3, 2023, Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed was named an A‑List honoree as part of the 2023 Ascend A‑List Awards Gala, which was held in New York. The Ascend A‑List recognizes Pan‑Asian leaders “for their professional accomplishments and advancement of others in their industries or communities” and “for being catalysts for change in their workplace and society.” The Ascend Foundation is a 501(c)(3) with a mission to educate, advocate, and enable Pan‑Asian business leaders to reach their full potential and make greater positive societal impacts. Ascend Inc. is the largest non‑profit Pan‑Asian membership organization for business professionals in North America with a mission to drive workplace and societal impact by developing and elevating Pan‑Asian business leaders and empowering them to become catalysts for change.

Activities & Publications

November 10, 2022

Faiza Saeed Speaks at The Paley Center for Media’s 2022 International Council Summit

Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in The Paley Center for Media’s 2022 International Council Summit, which was held in New York from November 8‑9, 2022. In a session on November 9 entitled “The Walt Disney Company: The Next 100 Years,” Faiza spoke with Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”), about the upcoming celebration of Disney’s 100‑year history, the future of the company and how it plans to maintain its standing in the next century.

Accolades

October 31, 2022

The Deal Recognizes Cravath as Fintech Law Firm of the Year and Faiza Saeed as Impact Dealmaker of the Year in its 2022 Awards Series

In October 2022, Cravath was recognized by The Deal as part of its 2022 Awards series, which “recognizes the elite advisers and service providers who power the deal economy.”

Accolades

April 04, 2022

Faiza Saeed, Tatiana Lapushchik, Alyssa Caples and Ting Chen Recognized in 2022 IFLR1000 Women Leaders Guide

On March 31, 2022, IFLR1000, published by the International Financial Law Review as a “guide to the world’s leading financial and corporate law firms,” recognized Cravath partners Faiza J. Saeed, Tatiana Lapushchik, Alyssa K. Caples and Ting S. Chen in their fifth annual “Women Leaders” guide. The publication recognizes the “most prominent” female lawyers working in financial and corporate transactions and contract, licensing and regulatory project work. The guide notes the honorees’ expertise, work on complex deals and leadership roles.

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