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Corporate

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and Acquisitions

Cravath is one of the preeminent law firms for mergers and acquisitions. Our lawyers are renowned for their outstanding capabilities in complex U.S. and cross‑border deals. Over the past decade, Cravath has represented clients in more than 800 M&A transactions with an aggregate value of over $4 trillion, reflecting the high‑value, high‑impact transactions that we are regularly called upon to execute.

Cravath advises companies in their most critical needs across the full spectrum of corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, spin‑offs and joint ventures. In addition to—and often alongside—the mergers and acquisitions that we handle, Cravath is a leading advisor for companies and boards in high‑stakes corporate situations, including hostile takeovers and shareholder activism defense.  

Both U.S. and non-U.S. clients rely on our leadership and expertise in their most transformative corporate matters, many of which involve multiple jurisdictions across diverse industries. Our lawyers navigate novel legal and business issues in the areas of consumer products, energy, fintech, healthcare, media and entertainment, pharmaceuticals, retail, technology and telecommunications.

Cravath has been consistently ranked a top‑tier firm for M&A by numerous third‑party publications and is an 11‑time recipient of Law360’s M&A Practice Group of the Year award. Our lawyers regularly earn plaudits from their clients and peers in the market: 

  • “In the M&A arena, Cravath is among the smallest handful of firms that provides the highest level of knowledge, creativity, and skill. Cravath will have the latest issues and answers, along with the current market solutions. Their insights are driven by a firm understanding of the commercial issues underpinning the law as well as the trade-offs that clients and their adversaries need to make. Their advice is always pragmatic.” Best Lawyers Best Law Firms
  • “They are outstanding at coordination and completeness. Every person you deal with understands the whole deal, as opposed to only their piece.” Chambers
  • “Cravath’s London office works closely with colleagues in New York on a diverse range of matters, including corporate law and cross-border M&A. It is well known for its outstanding track record on high-end, cross-border matters.” The Legal 500
  • “The best thing about Cravath is the consistent excellence throughout the team, from the most senior lawyers to the most junior.” Chambers
  • “The people are super-smart and they have a really strong work intensity. They know the customers really well and they give practical, personal advice.” Chambers
  • “The string of transactions confirms Cravath, a firm that has long been considered a powerhouse in complex and high-stakes M&A, as a hallmark player in headline deals across diverse industries.” Law360
  • Cravath is “one of the brand-name law firms in the M&A space. I think it is phenomenal. When I think of complex M&A transactions, it would be first on my list of firms to go to.” Chambers

Cravath advises companies in their most critical needs across the full spectrum of corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, spin‑offs and joint ventures. In addition to—and often alongside—the mergers and acquisitions that we handle, Cravath is a leading advisor for companies and boards in high‑stakes corporate situations, including hostile takeovers and shareholder activism defense.  

Both U.S. and non-U.S. clients rely on our leadership and expertise in their most transformative corporate matters, many of which involve multiple jurisdictions across diverse industries. Our lawyers navigate novel legal and business issues in the areas of consumer products, energy, fintech, healthcare, media and entertainment, pharmaceuticals, retail, technology and telecommunications.

Cravath has been consistently ranked a top‑tier firm for M&A by numerous third‑party publications and is an 11‑time recipient of Law360’s M&A Practice Group of the Year award. Our lawyers regularly earn plaudits from their clients and peers in the market: 

  • “In the M&A arena, Cravath is among the smallest handful of firms that provides the highest level of knowledge, creativity, and skill. Cravath will have the latest issues and answers, along with the current market solutions. Their insights are driven by a firm understanding of the commercial issues underpinning the law as well as the trade-offs that clients and their adversaries need to make. Their advice is always pragmatic.” Best Lawyers Best Law Firms
  • “They are outstanding at coordination and completeness. Every person you deal with understands the whole deal, as opposed to only their piece.” Chambers
  • “Cravath’s London office works closely with colleagues in New York on a diverse range of matters, including corporate law and cross-border M&A. It is well known for its outstanding track record on high-end, cross-border matters.” The Legal 500
  • “The best thing about Cravath is the consistent excellence throughout the team, from the most senior lawyers to the most junior.” Chambers
  • “The people are super-smart and they have a really strong work intensity. They know the customers really well and they give practical, personal advice.” Chambers
  • “The string of transactions confirms Cravath, a firm that has long been considered a powerhouse in complex and high-stakes M&A, as a hallmark player in headline deals across diverse industries.” Law360
  • Cravath is “one of the brand-name law firms in the M&A space. I think it is phenomenal. When I think of complex M&A transactions, it would be first on my list of firms to go to.” Chambers
  • Deals & Cases
  • Recent News & Insights

Deals & Cases

January 05, 2026

Cable One’s $1.3 Billion Acquisition of Full Ownership of MBI

On January 5, 2026, Cable One, Inc. (“Cable One”) announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the equity interests in Mega Broadband Investments Holdings LLC (“MBI”) that it does not already own in a transaction valued at approximately $1.3 billion. Cable One currently owns a 45% stake in MBI, and certain affiliates of GTCR LLC and MBI management own the balance of MBI. 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, video and voice services for approximately 210,000 residential and business data customers. Based on currently available information, (i) the purchase price payable by Cable One for the 55% of MBI that it does not already own is expected to range between approximately $475 million and $495 million and (ii) MBI’s total net debt at the time it becomes wholly owned by Cable One is expected to be approximately $845 million to $895 million. Cravath is representing Cable One in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

January 05, 2026

Clearwave Fiber’s Combination with Point Broadband

On January 5, 2026, Point Broadband, a provider of high‑speed fiber‑to‑the‑premise internet in small‑town and underserved markets across the United States, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to combine with Clearwave Fiber, a provider of broadband and fiber‑based services to residential and commercial customers which was formed in 2022 through a joint venture among Cable One, GTCR, The Pritzker Organization and Stephens Capital Partners. The combined company will be jointly controlled by GTCR and Berkshire Partners. Cable One, a current investor in both Point Broadband and Clearwave Fiber, will contribute its equity investment in Clearwave Fiber into the go‑forward company and remain a significant shareholder. Cravath is representing Cable One in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

December 29, 2025

WildBrain’s Sale of its Stake in Peanuts to Sony

On December 18, 2025, WildBrain Ltd. (“WildBrain”) announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its 41% stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC (“Peanuts”), the holding entity for the Peanuts IP, to Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (together, “Sony”) for $630 million cash. The ownership of rights to the Peanuts brand and the management of its business are handled by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Peanuts. The family of Charles M. Schulz, creator of Peanuts, retain their 20% stake in the brand. Cravath is representing the family of Charles M. Schulz in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

December 22, 2025

CWAN’s $8.4 Billion Acquisition by Permira and Warburg Pincus

On December 21, 2025, Clearwater Analytics (“CWAN”) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired in a transaction valued at approximately $8.4 billion by a Permira and Warburg Pincus‑led Investor Group (the “Investor Group”), with participation from Temasek. The Investor Group has key support from Francisco Partners. The Special Committee of the CWAN Board of Directors unanimously recommended this transaction and the CWAN Board of Directors subsequently approved this transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, CWAN stockholders will receive $24.55 per share in cash upon completion of the proposed transaction. Cravath is representing the Special Committee of the CWAN Board of Directors in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

December 09, 2025

Paramount’s $108.4 Billion All‑Cash Tender Offer to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

On December 8, 2025, Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (“Paramount”), announced it has commenced an all-cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (“WBD”) for $30.00 per share in cash, equating to an enterprise value of $108.4 billion. Paramount’s proposed transaction is for the entirety of WBD, including the Global Networks segment. Cravath is representing Paramount in connection with the transaction.

Activities

December 10, 2025

Dan Cerqueira Named a 2025 M&A MVP by Law360

On December 8, 2025, Cravath partner Daniel J. Cerqueira was featured as a 2025 M&A MVP by Law360, which highlighted his role representing clients on numerous high-profile deals including Wiz in its $32 billion acquisition by Google and the Paramount Special Committee in Paramount’s $28 billion merger with Skydance. In the profile, Dan discussed helping clients navigate complex transactions in an unpredictable year for dealmaking and the “mix of contractual negotiation and technical skills, as well as a lot of strategic and tactical advice” that drew him to M&A early in his career. Dan also shared his advice for junior associates, noting “the importance of attention to detail, and making sure that you are confident in your work,” and encouraging them to “see the big picture, ask questions and really pay attention to the other parts of the deal,” as “the more curious and engaged you are, the quicker you'll advance.”

Activities

December 10, 2025

Financial Times Recognizes Cravath in Dealmaking Category of 2025 North America Innovative Lawyers Report

On December 9, 2025, Cravath was recognized by the Financial Times in connection with its annual “North America Innovative Lawyers” report, which showcases “the most innovative work and legal services that lawyers have developed for clients in North America.” The Firm received “Highly commended” honors in the “Dealmaking” category for its representation of Vista Outdoor in its $1.125 billion sale of Revelyst to SVP and $2.225 billion sale of The Kinetic Group to CSG.

Activities

December 03, 2025

Dan Cerqueira Co‑Chairs Session at IBA’s 10th Annual Corporate Governance Conference

On December 3, 2025, Cravath partner Daniel J. Cerqueira participated in the International Bar Association’s 10th Annual Corporate Governance Conference, which was held December 3‑4 in Frankfurt, Germany. Dan co‑chaired a session entitled “Shareholder Rights and Activism: What Were the Highlights of 2025 and What to Expect for 2026,” which included a review of the most notable activist campaigns from 2025, highlighting their impact on corporate strategies and shareholder value, regulatory developments which have the potential to influence the direction of activist campaigns and the trend of global activist campaigns including the increased role of U.S. activist investors in European markets.

Firm News

November 20, 2025

Cravath Announces New Partners and Of Counsels

Cravath has elected the following new partners, who will become members of the Firm on January 1, 2026:

Activities

November 17, 2025

Nico Lupea Delivers Guest Lecture on Cross‑Border M&A at Sciences Po Law School

On November 13, 2025, Cravath European counsel Nicoleta D. Lupea delivered a guest lecture at Sciences Po Law School in Paris as part of the course entitled “Cross‑border M&A Transactions,” which provided an overview of a deal cycle and explored the main themes that arise in international M&A transactions.

Deals & Cases

January 05, 2026

Cable One’s $1.3 Billion Acquisition of Full Ownership of MBI

On January 5, 2026, Cable One, Inc. (“Cable One”) announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the equity interests in Mega Broadband Investments Holdings LLC (“MBI”) that it does not already own in a transaction valued at approximately $1.3 billion. Cable One currently owns a 45% stake in MBI, and certain affiliates of GTCR LLC and MBI management own the balance of MBI. 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, video and voice services for approximately 210,000 residential and business data customers. Based on currently available information, (i) the purchase price payable by Cable One for the 55% of MBI that it does not already own is expected to range between approximately $475 million and $495 million and (ii) MBI’s total net debt at the time it becomes wholly owned by Cable One is expected to be approximately $845 million to $895 million. Cravath is representing Cable One in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

January 05, 2026

Clearwave Fiber’s Combination with Point Broadband

On January 5, 2026, Point Broadband, a provider of high‑speed fiber‑to‑the‑premise internet in small‑town and underserved markets across the United States, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to combine with Clearwave Fiber, a provider of broadband and fiber‑based services to residential and commercial customers which was formed in 2022 through a joint venture among Cable One, GTCR, The Pritzker Organization and Stephens Capital Partners. The combined company will be jointly controlled by GTCR and Berkshire Partners. Cable One, a current investor in both Point Broadband and Clearwave Fiber, will contribute its equity investment in Clearwave Fiber into the go‑forward company and remain a significant shareholder. Cravath is representing Cable One in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

December 29, 2025

WildBrain’s Sale of its Stake in Peanuts to Sony

On December 18, 2025, WildBrain Ltd. (“WildBrain”) announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its 41% stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC (“Peanuts”), the holding entity for the Peanuts IP, to Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (together, “Sony”) for $630 million cash. The ownership of rights to the Peanuts brand and the management of its business are handled by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Peanuts. The family of Charles M. Schulz, creator of Peanuts, retain their 20% stake in the brand. Cravath is representing the family of Charles M. Schulz in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

December 22, 2025

CWAN’s $8.4 Billion Acquisition by Permira and Warburg Pincus

On December 21, 2025, Clearwater Analytics (“CWAN”) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired in a transaction valued at approximately $8.4 billion by a Permira and Warburg Pincus‑led Investor Group (the “Investor Group”), with participation from Temasek. The Investor Group has key support from Francisco Partners. The Special Committee of the CWAN Board of Directors unanimously recommended this transaction and the CWAN Board of Directors subsequently approved this transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, CWAN stockholders will receive $24.55 per share in cash upon completion of the proposed transaction. Cravath is representing the Special Committee of the CWAN Board of Directors in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

December 09, 2025

Paramount’s $108.4 Billion All‑Cash Tender Offer to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

On December 8, 2025, Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (“Paramount”), announced it has commenced an all-cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (“WBD”) for $30.00 per share in cash, equating to an enterprise value of $108.4 billion. Paramount’s proposed transaction is for the entirety of WBD, including the Global Networks segment. Cravath is representing Paramount in connection with the transaction.

Activities

December 10, 2025

Dan Cerqueira Named a 2025 M&A MVP by Law360

On December 8, 2025, Cravath partner Daniel J. Cerqueira was featured as a 2025 M&A MVP by Law360, which highlighted his role representing clients on numerous high-profile deals including Wiz in its $32 billion acquisition by Google and the Paramount Special Committee in Paramount’s $28 billion merger with Skydance. In the profile, Dan discussed helping clients navigate complex transactions in an unpredictable year for dealmaking and the “mix of contractual negotiation and technical skills, as well as a lot of strategic and tactical advice” that drew him to M&A early in his career. Dan also shared his advice for junior associates, noting “the importance of attention to detail, and making sure that you are confident in your work,” and encouraging them to “see the big picture, ask questions and really pay attention to the other parts of the deal,” as “the more curious and engaged you are, the quicker you'll advance.”

Activities

December 10, 2025

Financial Times Recognizes Cravath in Dealmaking Category of 2025 North America Innovative Lawyers Report

On December 9, 2025, Cravath was recognized by the Financial Times in connection with its annual “North America Innovative Lawyers” report, which showcases “the most innovative work and legal services that lawyers have developed for clients in North America.” The Firm received “Highly commended” honors in the “Dealmaking” category for its representation of Vista Outdoor in its $1.125 billion sale of Revelyst to SVP and $2.225 billion sale of The Kinetic Group to CSG.

Activities

December 03, 2025

Dan Cerqueira Co‑Chairs Session at IBA’s 10th Annual Corporate Governance Conference

On December 3, 2025, Cravath partner Daniel J. Cerqueira participated in the International Bar Association’s 10th Annual Corporate Governance Conference, which was held December 3‑4 in Frankfurt, Germany. Dan co‑chaired a session entitled “Shareholder Rights and Activism: What Were the Highlights of 2025 and What to Expect for 2026,” which included a review of the most notable activist campaigns from 2025, highlighting their impact on corporate strategies and shareholder value, regulatory developments which have the potential to influence the direction of activist campaigns and the trend of global activist campaigns including the increased role of U.S. activist investors in European markets.

Firm News

November 20, 2025

Cravath Announces New Partners and Of Counsels

Cravath has elected the following new partners, who will become members of the Firm on January 1, 2026:

Activities

November 17, 2025

Nico Lupea Delivers Guest Lecture on Cross‑Border M&A at Sciences Po Law School

On November 13, 2025, Cravath European counsel Nicoleta D. Lupea delivered a guest lecture at Sciences Po Law School in Paris as part of the course entitled “Cross‑border M&A Transactions,” which provided an overview of a deal cycle and explored the main themes that arise in international M&A transactions.

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Mergers and Acquisitions

Cravath Bicentennial

Celebrating 200 years of partnership. In 2019, we celebrated our bicentennial. Our history mirrors that of our nation. Integral to our story is our culture.

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