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Matthew L.
Ploszek

Partner, Corporate

mploszek@cravath.com
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Matthew L. Ploszek focuses his practice on private equity, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and general corporate matters.

Mr. Ploszek has substantial experience representing private equity firms and their portfolio companies in various matters. His clients have included, among others, Blue Owl, Brookfield, Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors and Lindsay Goldberg.

Mr. Ploszek’s notable private equity transactions include representing:

  • Brookfield Renewable in its strategic partnership with Cameco to acquire Westinghouse for $8 billion and its $2.8 billion acquisition of Duke Energy Renewables;
  • Owl Rock (now Blue Owl) in its investment in Amergin Asset Management and Fifth Season Investments’ $220 million acquisition of Fifth Season Financial and the life insurance investment assets of Chapford Capital II and Chapford Diversified Strategies Fund; and
  • Lindsay Goldberg and its portfolio companies in numerous transactions, including the acquisition of Golden State Foods, the acquisition of The Kleinfelder Group and Summit Interconnect's acquisition of Royal Circuit Solutions.

Mr. Ploszek has been recognized for his work in private equity by The Legal 500 US and IFLR1000.

In addition, Mr. Ploszek has represented many corporate clients, including AerCap, Ashland, Brightline, Brunswick Corporation, Cable One, Cincinnati Bell, CommScope, Evolent Health, Ferroglobe, Forward Air, IBM, IFF, Janssen, Martin Marietta, Olin, Parker Hannifin, Pinnacle Foods, Radius Global Infrastructure, Spectranetics and Unilever.

Mr. Ploszek’s notable transactions on the corporate side include representing:

  • AerCap in its $30 billion acquisition of GE Capital Aviation Services from General Electric;
  • WestRock in its $20 billion combination with Smurfit Kappa, creating Smurfit WestRock;
  • Pinnacle Foods in its $10.9 billion acquisition by Conagra Brands;
  • CymaBay Therapeutics in its $4.3 billion acquisition by Gilead Sciences;
  • Forward Air in its combination with Omni Logistics, creating a $3.7 billion company;
  • Parker Hannifin in its $3.675 billion acquisition of LORD;
  • Radius Global Infrastructure in its $3 billion acquisition by EQT Active Core Infrastructure and PSP Investments;
  • Cincinnati Bell in its $2.9 billion acquisition by Macquarie Infrastructure;
  • Spectranetics in its €1.9 billion sale to Koninklijke Philips;
  • IBM in the $1.8 billion sale of select IBM software products to HCL Technologies, the sale of its marketing platform and commerce software offerings to Centerbridge and the sale of certain Algorithmics and related assets to SS&C Technologies Holdings;
  • CommScope in its $1 billion PIPE investment from The Carlyle Group as part of CommScope’s $7.4 billion acquisition of ARRIS;
  • Brunswick in its $910 million acquisition of Power Products’ Global Marine & Mobile business and the $490 million sale of its Fitness business to KPS Capital Partners;
  • Janssen in its $750 million acquisition of bermekimab from XBiotech;
  • Cable One in its strategic partnership with Mega Broadband; the formation of Clearwave Fiber, a joint venture with GTCR, Stephens Capital Partners and The Pritzker Organization; and its $525.9 million acquisition of Fidelity Communications’ data, video and voice business;
  • IFF in the $220 million sale of its Flavor Specialty Ingredients business to Exponent;
  • Ashland in the sale of its nutraceuticals business to Turnspire Capital Partners;
  • Brightline in its acquisition of XpressWest; 
  • Iris Financial in its combination with Younited; and
  • Unilever in its acquisition of Seventh Generation.

Mr. Ploszek has been recognized by Lawdragon as among the “500 Leading Dealmakers in America” and the “500 X – The Next Generation.”

Mr. Ploszek is from St. Charles, Illinois. He received a B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 2007, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, a J.D. cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2014, where he was an associate editor of the Journal of Constitutional Law, and an M.B.A. with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2014.

Mr. Ploszek joined Cravath in 2014 and was elected a partner in 2021.

Mr. Ploszek’s notable private equity transactions include representing:

  • Brookfield Renewable in its strategic partnership with Cameco to acquire Westinghouse for $8 billion and its $2.8 billion acquisition of Duke Energy Renewables;
  • Owl Rock (now Blue Owl) in its investment in Amergin Asset Management and Fifth Season Investments’ $220 million acquisition of Fifth Season Financial and the life insurance investment assets of Chapford Capital II and Chapford Diversified Strategies Fund; and
  • Lindsay Goldberg and its portfolio companies in numerous transactions, including the acquisition of Golden State Foods, the acquisition of The Kleinfelder Group and Summit Interconnect's acquisition of Royal Circuit Solutions.

Mr. Ploszek has been recognized for his work in private equity by The Legal 500 US and IFLR1000.

In addition, Mr. Ploszek has represented many corporate clients, including AerCap, Ashland, Brightline, Brunswick Corporation, Cable One, Cincinnati Bell, CommScope, Evolent Health, Ferroglobe, Forward Air, IBM, IFF, Janssen, Martin Marietta, Olin, Parker Hannifin, Pinnacle Foods, Radius Global Infrastructure, Spectranetics and Unilever.

Mr. Ploszek’s notable transactions on the corporate side include representing:

  • AerCap in its $30 billion acquisition of GE Capital Aviation Services from General Electric;
  • WestRock in its $20 billion combination with Smurfit Kappa, creating Smurfit WestRock;
  • Pinnacle Foods in its $10.9 billion acquisition by Conagra Brands;
  • CymaBay Therapeutics in its $4.3 billion acquisition by Gilead Sciences;
  • Forward Air in its combination with Omni Logistics, creating a $3.7 billion company;
  • Parker Hannifin in its $3.675 billion acquisition of LORD;
  • Radius Global Infrastructure in its $3 billion acquisition by EQT Active Core Infrastructure and PSP Investments;
  • Cincinnati Bell in its $2.9 billion acquisition by Macquarie Infrastructure;
  • Spectranetics in its €1.9 billion sale to Koninklijke Philips;
  • IBM in the $1.8 billion sale of select IBM software products to HCL Technologies, the sale of its marketing platform and commerce software offerings to Centerbridge and the sale of certain Algorithmics and related assets to SS&C Technologies Holdings;
  • CommScope in its $1 billion PIPE investment from The Carlyle Group as part of CommScope’s $7.4 billion acquisition of ARRIS;
  • Brunswick in its $910 million acquisition of Power Products’ Global Marine & Mobile business and the $490 million sale of its Fitness business to KPS Capital Partners;
  • Janssen in its $750 million acquisition of bermekimab from XBiotech;
  • Cable One in its strategic partnership with Mega Broadband; the formation of Clearwave Fiber, a joint venture with GTCR, Stephens Capital Partners and The Pritzker Organization; and its $525.9 million acquisition of Fidelity Communications’ data, video and voice business;
  • IFF in the $220 million sale of its Flavor Specialty Ingredients business to Exponent;
  • Ashland in the sale of its nutraceuticals business to Turnspire Capital Partners;
  • Brightline in its acquisition of XpressWest; 
  • Iris Financial in its combination with Younited; and
  • Unilever in its acquisition of Seventh Generation.

Mr. Ploszek has been recognized by Lawdragon as among the “500 Leading Dealmakers in America” and the “500 X – The Next Generation.”

Mr. Ploszek is from St. Charles, Illinois. He received a B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 2007, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, a J.D. cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2014, where he was an associate editor of the Journal of Constitutional Law, and an M.B.A. with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2014.

Mr. Ploszek joined Cravath in 2014 and was elected a partner in 2021.

Education

  • J.D., 2014, University of Pennsylvania Law School
    cum laude
  • M.B.A., 2014, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
    Graduation with Honors
  • B.A., 2007, University of Notre Dame
    Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude

Admitted In

  • New York

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

Rankings

IFLR1000

  • Mergers and Acquisitions - US (2024)

Lawdragon

  • 500 Leading Dealmakers in America (2024)
  • 500 X – The Next Generation (2024, 2023)

The Legal 500 US

  • Private Equity Buyouts: Large Deals, 500m+ (2024)

Deals & Cases

December 20, 2024

Cable One’s Strategic Partnership with Mega Broadband

On December 20, 2024, Cable One, Inc. (“Cable One”) announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to amend its strategic partnership with Mega Broadband Investments (“MBI”). The strategic partnership provides Cable One with a path for a potential acquisition of all the MBI equity it does not already own pursuant to put option and call option arrangements between Cable One and the other MBI equity holders. The purchase price payable by Cable One upon any exercise of the put option or call option will be determined based on MBI’s future performance and other factors. The transaction is valued at approximately $1.5 billion to $1.7 billion, inclusive of upfront payments made by Cable One and initial estimates of option exercise closing payments and related debt assumption, based on an assumed October 1, 2026 option exercise closing. Cable One is a leading broadband communications provider serving more than 1 million residential and business customers across 24 states. MBI is a leading provider of broadband services across the Southeast, Northwest and Mid‑South United States and offers an extensive range of broadband, fiber connectivity, cable television and voice services for commercial and residential customers. Cravath is representing Cable One in connection with this transaction.

Deals & Cases

October 07, 2024

Iris Financial’s Combination with Younited

On October 7, 2024, Iris Financial, a Euronext Amsterdam-listed company focused on the financial services sector, and Younited S.A. (“Younited”), a leading European consumer credit business, announced they have signed a business combination agreement. Iris Financial will inject between €150 and €200 million of capital into Younited in consideration for newly-issued shares of Younited. At completion of the Combination (prior to the share capital increase), Iris Financial will own at least 95% of Younited, with any remaining Younited shares to be acquired by Iris after completion pursuant to drag-along provisions contained in Younited’s existing shareholder agreement and upon the exercise of put-call rights by Iris or certain historical Younited shareholders. Iris Financial will be renamed “Younited Financial” and will remain listed on Euronext Amsterdam while applying for an additional listing on Euronext Paris. Cravath is representing Iris Financial as U.S. counsel in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

August 08, 2024

Lindsay Goldberg’s Acquisition of Golden State Foods

On August 8, 2024, private investment firm Lindsay Goldberg and Golden State Foods, one of the largest diversified suppliers to the foodservice and retail industries, announced that they have entered into an agreement for Lindsay Goldberg to acquire a controlling interest in Golden State Foods. Cravath is representing Lindsay Goldberg in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

May 07, 2024

Ashland’s Sale of its Nutraceuticals Business to Turnspire Capital Partners

On May 7, 2024, Ashland Inc. (“Ashland”), a global additives and specialty ingredients company, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its nutraceuticals business to Turnspire Capital Partners LLC. Cravath is representing Ashland in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

February 12, 2024

CymaBay Therapeutics’ $4.3 Billion Acquisition by Gilead Sciences

On February 12, 2024, CymaBay Therapeutics (“CymaBay”) and Gilead Sciences, Inc. (“Gilead”) announced a definitive agreement under which Gilead will acquire CymaBay for $32.50 per share in cash or a total equity value of $4.3 billion. The addition of CymaBay’s investigational lead product candidate, seladelpar for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis, complements Gilead’s existing liver portfolio and aligns with its longstanding commitment to bringing transformational medicines to patients. Cravath is representing CymaBay in connection with the transaction.

Matthew L. Ploszek focuses his practice on private equity, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and general corporate matters.

Mr. Ploszek has substantial experience representing private equity firms and their portfolio companies in various matters. His clients have included, among others, Blue Owl, Brookfield, Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors and Lindsay Goldberg.

Mr. Ploszek’s notable private equity transactions include representing:

  • Brookfield Renewable in its strategic partnership with Cameco to acquire Westinghouse for $8 billion and its $2.8 billion acquisition of Duke Energy Renewables;
  • Owl Rock (now Blue Owl) in its investment in Amergin Asset Management and Fifth Season Investments’ $220 million acquisition of Fifth Season Financial and the life insurance investment assets of Chapford Capital II and Chapford Diversified Strategies Fund; and
  • Lindsay Goldberg and its portfolio companies in numerous transactions, including the acquisition of Golden State Foods, the acquisition of The Kleinfelder Group and Summit Interconnect's acquisition of Royal Circuit Solutions.

Mr. Ploszek has been recognized for his work in private equity by The Legal 500 US and IFLR1000.

In addition, Mr. Ploszek has represented many corporate clients, including AerCap, Ashland, Brightline, Brunswick Corporation, Cable One, Cincinnati Bell, CommScope, Evolent Health, Ferroglobe, Forward Air, IBM, IFF, Janssen, Martin Marietta, Olin, Parker Hannifin, Pinnacle Foods, Radius Global Infrastructure, Spectranetics and Unilever.

Mr. Ploszek’s notable transactions on the corporate side include representing:

  • AerCap in its $30 billion acquisition of GE Capital Aviation Services from General Electric;
  • WestRock in its $20 billion combination with Smurfit Kappa, creating Smurfit WestRock;
  • Pinnacle Foods in its $10.9 billion acquisition by Conagra Brands;
  • CymaBay Therapeutics in its $4.3 billion acquisition by Gilead Sciences;
  • Forward Air in its combination with Omni Logistics, creating a $3.7 billion company;
  • Parker Hannifin in its $3.675 billion acquisition of LORD;
  • Radius Global Infrastructure in its $3 billion acquisition by EQT Active Core Infrastructure and PSP Investments;
  • Cincinnati Bell in its $2.9 billion acquisition by Macquarie Infrastructure;
  • Spectranetics in its €1.9 billion sale to Koninklijke Philips;
  • IBM in the $1.8 billion sale of select IBM software products to HCL Technologies, the sale of its marketing platform and commerce software offerings to Centerbridge and the sale of certain Algorithmics and related assets to SS&C Technologies Holdings;
  • CommScope in its $1 billion PIPE investment from The Carlyle Group as part of CommScope’s $7.4 billion acquisition of ARRIS;
  • Brunswick in its $910 million acquisition of Power Products’ Global Marine & Mobile business and the $490 million sale of its Fitness business to KPS Capital Partners;
  • Janssen in its $750 million acquisition of bermekimab from XBiotech;
  • Cable One in its strategic partnership with Mega Broadband; the formation of Clearwave Fiber, a joint venture with GTCR, Stephens Capital Partners and The Pritzker Organization; and its $525.9 million acquisition of Fidelity Communications’ data, video and voice business;
  • IFF in the $220 million sale of its Flavor Specialty Ingredients business to Exponent;
  • Ashland in the sale of its nutraceuticals business to Turnspire Capital Partners;
  • Brightline in its acquisition of XpressWest; 
  • Iris Financial in its combination with Younited; and
  • Unilever in its acquisition of Seventh Generation.

Mr. Ploszek has been recognized by Lawdragon as among the “500 Leading Dealmakers in America” and the “500 X – The Next Generation.”

Mr. Ploszek is from St. Charles, Illinois. He received a B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 2007, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, a J.D. cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2014, where he was an associate editor of the Journal of Constitutional Law, and an M.B.A. with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2014.

Mr. Ploszek joined Cravath in 2014 and was elected a partner in 2021.

Mr. Ploszek’s notable private equity transactions include representing:

  • Brookfield Renewable in its strategic partnership with Cameco to acquire Westinghouse for $8 billion and its $2.8 billion acquisition of Duke Energy Renewables;
  • Owl Rock (now Blue Owl) in its investment in Amergin Asset Management and Fifth Season Investments’ $220 million acquisition of Fifth Season Financial and the life insurance investment assets of Chapford Capital II and Chapford Diversified Strategies Fund; and
  • Lindsay Goldberg and its portfolio companies in numerous transactions, including the acquisition of Golden State Foods, the acquisition of The Kleinfelder Group and Summit Interconnect's acquisition of Royal Circuit Solutions.

Mr. Ploszek has been recognized for his work in private equity by The Legal 500 US and IFLR1000.

In addition, Mr. Ploszek has represented many corporate clients, including AerCap, Ashland, Brightline, Brunswick Corporation, Cable One, Cincinnati Bell, CommScope, Evolent Health, Ferroglobe, Forward Air, IBM, IFF, Janssen, Martin Marietta, Olin, Parker Hannifin, Pinnacle Foods, Radius Global Infrastructure, Spectranetics and Unilever.

Mr. Ploszek’s notable transactions on the corporate side include representing:

  • AerCap in its $30 billion acquisition of GE Capital Aviation Services from General Electric;
  • WestRock in its $20 billion combination with Smurfit Kappa, creating Smurfit WestRock;
  • Pinnacle Foods in its $10.9 billion acquisition by Conagra Brands;
  • CymaBay Therapeutics in its $4.3 billion acquisition by Gilead Sciences;
  • Forward Air in its combination with Omni Logistics, creating a $3.7 billion company;
  • Parker Hannifin in its $3.675 billion acquisition of LORD;
  • Radius Global Infrastructure in its $3 billion acquisition by EQT Active Core Infrastructure and PSP Investments;
  • Cincinnati Bell in its $2.9 billion acquisition by Macquarie Infrastructure;
  • Spectranetics in its €1.9 billion sale to Koninklijke Philips;
  • IBM in the $1.8 billion sale of select IBM software products to HCL Technologies, the sale of its marketing platform and commerce software offerings to Centerbridge and the sale of certain Algorithmics and related assets to SS&C Technologies Holdings;
  • CommScope in its $1 billion PIPE investment from The Carlyle Group as part of CommScope’s $7.4 billion acquisition of ARRIS;
  • Brunswick in its $910 million acquisition of Power Products’ Global Marine & Mobile business and the $490 million sale of its Fitness business to KPS Capital Partners;
  • Janssen in its $750 million acquisition of bermekimab from XBiotech;
  • Cable One in its strategic partnership with Mega Broadband; the formation of Clearwave Fiber, a joint venture with GTCR, Stephens Capital Partners and The Pritzker Organization; and its $525.9 million acquisition of Fidelity Communications’ data, video and voice business;
  • IFF in the $220 million sale of its Flavor Specialty Ingredients business to Exponent;
  • Ashland in the sale of its nutraceuticals business to Turnspire Capital Partners;
  • Brightline in its acquisition of XpressWest; 
  • Iris Financial in its combination with Younited; and
  • Unilever in its acquisition of Seventh Generation.

Mr. Ploszek has been recognized by Lawdragon as among the “500 Leading Dealmakers in America” and the “500 X – The Next Generation.”

Mr. Ploszek is from St. Charles, Illinois. He received a B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 2007, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, a J.D. cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2014, where he was an associate editor of the Journal of Constitutional Law, and an M.B.A. with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2014.

Mr. Ploszek joined Cravath in 2014 and was elected a partner in 2021.

Education

  • J.D., 2014, University of Pennsylvania Law School
    cum laude
  • M.B.A., 2014, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
    Graduation with Honors
  • B.A., 2007, University of Notre Dame
    Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude

Admitted In

  • New York

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

Rankings

IFLR1000

  • Mergers and Acquisitions - US (2024)

Lawdragon

  • 500 Leading Dealmakers in America (2024)
  • 500 X – The Next Generation (2024, 2023)

The Legal 500 US

  • Private Equity Buyouts: Large Deals, 500m+ (2024)

Deals & Cases

December 20, 2024

Cable One’s Strategic Partnership with Mega Broadband

On December 20, 2024, Cable One, Inc. (“Cable One”) announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to amend its strategic partnership with Mega Broadband Investments (“MBI”). The strategic partnership provides Cable One with a path for a potential acquisition of all the MBI equity it does not already own pursuant to put option and call option arrangements between Cable One and the other MBI equity holders. The purchase price payable by Cable One upon any exercise of the put option or call option will be determined based on MBI’s future performance and other factors. The transaction is valued at approximately $1.5 billion to $1.7 billion, inclusive of upfront payments made by Cable One and initial estimates of option exercise closing payments and related debt assumption, based on an assumed October 1, 2026 option exercise closing. Cable One is a leading broadband communications provider serving more than 1 million residential and business customers across 24 states. MBI is a leading provider of broadband services across the Southeast, Northwest and Mid‑South United States and offers an extensive range of broadband, fiber connectivity, cable television and voice services for commercial and residential customers. Cravath is representing Cable One in connection with this transaction.

Deals & Cases

October 07, 2024

Iris Financial’s Combination with Younited

On October 7, 2024, Iris Financial, a Euronext Amsterdam-listed company focused on the financial services sector, and Younited S.A. (“Younited”), a leading European consumer credit business, announced they have signed a business combination agreement. Iris Financial will inject between €150 and €200 million of capital into Younited in consideration for newly-issued shares of Younited. At completion of the Combination (prior to the share capital increase), Iris Financial will own at least 95% of Younited, with any remaining Younited shares to be acquired by Iris after completion pursuant to drag-along provisions contained in Younited’s existing shareholder agreement and upon the exercise of put-call rights by Iris or certain historical Younited shareholders. Iris Financial will be renamed “Younited Financial” and will remain listed on Euronext Amsterdam while applying for an additional listing on Euronext Paris. Cravath is representing Iris Financial as U.S. counsel in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

August 08, 2024

Lindsay Goldberg’s Acquisition of Golden State Foods

On August 8, 2024, private investment firm Lindsay Goldberg and Golden State Foods, one of the largest diversified suppliers to the foodservice and retail industries, announced that they have entered into an agreement for Lindsay Goldberg to acquire a controlling interest in Golden State Foods. Cravath is representing Lindsay Goldberg in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

May 07, 2024

Ashland’s Sale of its Nutraceuticals Business to Turnspire Capital Partners

On May 7, 2024, Ashland Inc. (“Ashland”), a global additives and specialty ingredients company, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its nutraceuticals business to Turnspire Capital Partners LLC. Cravath is representing Ashland in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

February 12, 2024

CymaBay Therapeutics’ $4.3 Billion Acquisition by Gilead Sciences

On February 12, 2024, CymaBay Therapeutics (“CymaBay”) and Gilead Sciences, Inc. (“Gilead”) announced a definitive agreement under which Gilead will acquire CymaBay for $32.50 per share in cash or a total equity value of $4.3 billion. The addition of CymaBay’s investigational lead product candidate, seladelpar for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis, complements Gilead’s existing liver portfolio and aligns with its longstanding commitment to bringing transformational medicines to patients. Cravath is representing CymaBay in connection with the transaction.

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