Four Decades for Justice
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:
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:
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.
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
American Bar Foundation
Council on Foreign Relations
Economic Club of New York
Harvard Law School
The M&A Lawyer
March of Dimes (NY Chapter)
NewYork‑Presbyterian Hospital
New York Women’s Foundation
Paley Center
Paley Foundation
Partnership for New York City
William Nelson Cromwell Foundation
World Economic Forum
The American Lawyer
Best Lawyers in America
Chambers Global
Chambers USA
Crain’s New York Business
The Deal
The Hollywood Reporter
IFLR1000
Lawdragon
The Legal 500 US
The National Law Journal
The New York Times
Who’s Who Legal
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
October 17, 2023
On October 17, 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (“Thermo Fisher”), the world leader in serving science, and Olink Holding AB (publ) (“Olink”), a leading provider of next generation proteomics solutions, announced that their respective boards of directors have approved Thermo Fisher’s proposal to acquire Olink for $26.00 per common share in cash, representing $26.00 per American Depositary Share in cash. Thermo Fisher will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding Olink common shares and all of the American Depositary Shares. The transaction values Olink at approximately $3.1 billion which includes net cash of approximately $143 million. Cravath is representing Thermo Fisher in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
August 04, 2023
On August 3, 2023, Hasbro, Inc., a leading toy and game company, announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its eOne film and TV business to Lionsgate for approximately $500 million, consisting of $375 million in cash, subject to certain purchase price adjustments, and the assumption by Lionsgate of production financing loans. Cravath is representing Hasbro in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
July 28, 2023
On July 28, 2023, Biogen Inc. (“Biogen”) and Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Reata”) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Biogen has agreed to acquire Reata for $172.50 per share in cash, reflecting an enterprise value of approximately $7.3 billion. Cravath is representing Biogen in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
May 25, 2023
On May 25, 2023, Illumina, a global leader in DNA sequencing and array‑based technologies, announced that Illumina shareholders have voted to elect eight of nine Illumina director nominees to the Board of Directors. Cravath represented Illumina in connection with these matters.
Deals & Cases
February 14, 2023
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.
Activities & Publications
November 17, 2023
Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in The Paley Center for Media’s 2023 International Council Summit, which was held in New York from November 7‑8, 2023. In a session on November 7 entitled “Media M&A: How Modern Media Giants Are Operating in Uncertain Financial Times,” Faiza spoke with Centerview Partners LLC partner and co‑founder Blair Effron about the influence of M&A on the evolving media landscape and the future outlook of deals and deal‑making against the backdrop of technological change and disruption.
Accolades
August 21, 2023
On August 17, 2023, Cravath’s Evan R. Chesler, David J. Kappos and Faiza J. Saeed were each named 2024 “Lawyers of the Year” for New York City in their respective practice areas by The Best Lawyers in America. Evan was recognized for ERISA Litigation, Dave was recognized for Patent Law and Faiza was recognized for International Mergers and Acquisitions. The awards honor individuals with the highest overall peer feedback for a practice area and within a geographic market.
Accolades
April 27, 2023
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
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
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.
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:
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:
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.
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
American Bar Foundation
Council on Foreign Relations
Economic Club of New York
Harvard Law School
The M&A Lawyer
March of Dimes (NY Chapter)
NewYork‑Presbyterian Hospital
New York Women’s Foundation
Paley Center
Paley Foundation
Partnership for New York City
William Nelson Cromwell Foundation
World Economic Forum
The American Lawyer
Best Lawyers in America
Chambers Global
Chambers USA
Crain’s New York Business
The Deal
The Hollywood Reporter
IFLR1000
Lawdragon
The Legal 500 US
The National Law Journal
The New York Times
Who’s Who Legal
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
October 17, 2023
On October 17, 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (“Thermo Fisher”), the world leader in serving science, and Olink Holding AB (publ) (“Olink”), a leading provider of next generation proteomics solutions, announced that their respective boards of directors have approved Thermo Fisher’s proposal to acquire Olink for $26.00 per common share in cash, representing $26.00 per American Depositary Share in cash. Thermo Fisher will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding Olink common shares and all of the American Depositary Shares. The transaction values Olink at approximately $3.1 billion which includes net cash of approximately $143 million. Cravath is representing Thermo Fisher in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
August 04, 2023
On August 3, 2023, Hasbro, Inc., a leading toy and game company, announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its eOne film and TV business to Lionsgate for approximately $500 million, consisting of $375 million in cash, subject to certain purchase price adjustments, and the assumption by Lionsgate of production financing loans. Cravath is representing Hasbro in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
July 28, 2023
On July 28, 2023, Biogen Inc. (“Biogen”) and Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Reata”) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Biogen has agreed to acquire Reata for $172.50 per share in cash, reflecting an enterprise value of approximately $7.3 billion. Cravath is representing Biogen in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
May 25, 2023
On May 25, 2023, Illumina, a global leader in DNA sequencing and array‑based technologies, announced that Illumina shareholders have voted to elect eight of nine Illumina director nominees to the Board of Directors. Cravath represented Illumina in connection with these matters.
Deals & Cases
February 14, 2023
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.
Activities & Publications
November 17, 2023
Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in The Paley Center for Media’s 2023 International Council Summit, which was held in New York from November 7‑8, 2023. In a session on November 7 entitled “Media M&A: How Modern Media Giants Are Operating in Uncertain Financial Times,” Faiza spoke with Centerview Partners LLC partner and co‑founder Blair Effron about the influence of M&A on the evolving media landscape and the future outlook of deals and deal‑making against the backdrop of technological change and disruption.
Accolades
August 21, 2023
On August 17, 2023, Cravath’s Evan R. Chesler, David J. Kappos and Faiza J. Saeed were each named 2024 “Lawyers of the Year” for New York City in their respective practice areas by The Best Lawyers in America. Evan was recognized for ERISA Litigation, Dave was recognized for Patent Law and Faiza was recognized for International Mergers and Acquisitions. The awards honor individuals with the highest overall peer feedback for a practice area and within a geographic market.
Accolades
April 27, 2023
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
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
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.
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