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Cravath Publishes Summer 2026 Issue of Alumni Journal

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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

November 05, 2026

Liberty Media’s Acquisition of High‑Vote Series B Common Stock from John C. Malone‑Related Entities

On November 5, 2026, Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) announced that it has acquired all shares of Liberty Media’s high‑vote Series B common stock held by certain entities related to John C. Malone (the “Malone Holders”) in exchange for shares of Liberty Media’s low‑vote Series A common stock and shares of Liberty Media’s non‑voting Series C common stock. As a result of the transaction, the Malone Holders’ aggregate voting power in Liberty Media declined to approximately 3%, and no holder of Liberty Media common stock holds more than 9% of Liberty Media’s voting power, in each case, based on Liberty Media’s outstanding common stock as of October 30, 2026. The transaction was negotiated and approved by a special committee (the “Special Committee”) of Liberty Media’s board of directors consisting solely of disinterested and independent directors for purposes of Nevada law, advised by its own independent financial and legal advisors. Cravath is representing the Special Committee in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

October 29, 2026

ADT’s $15.3 Billion Acquisition by Thrive Holdings

On October 29, 2026, ADT Inc. (“ADT”), a leading provider of security, interactive and smart home solutions serving residential and small business customers in the U.S., and Thrive Holdings, a permanent capital holding company focused on investing in established businesses and advancing their capabilities through technology, announced a definitive agreement under which Thrive Holdings will acquire ADT in an all‑cash transaction. The agreement values ADT at approximately $7.6 billion in equity value and $15.3 billion in enterprise value. Under the terms of the agreement, which ADT’s Board of Directors unanimously approved, ADT stockholders will receive $10.00 per share in cash upon completion. Following completion, ADT will become privately held and its common stock will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Cravath is representing ADT in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

October 29, 2026

Instacart’s $17 Billion Acquisition by DoorDash

On October 29, 2026, DoorDash, Inc. (“DoorDash”) and Maplebear Inc. (d.b.a. Instacart) (“Instacart”) announced a definitive agreement under which DoorDash will acquire Instacart for a total value of $65.00 for each Instacart share, or an equity value of approximately $17 billion. The aggregate transaction consideration will be at least 75% cash, with Instacart stockholders able to elect cash, DoorDash stock, or a combination of both, subject to proration so that DoorDash stock does not exceed 25% of the aggregate consideration. Instacart's board of directors has unanimously approved the agreement. Cravath is representing Instacart in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

October 20, 2026

Neurotech’s Acquisition by Alcon

On October 20, 2026, Alcon, a global leader in eye care, announced it has acquired Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Neurotech”), a company focused on developing innovative cell therapies for chronic and neurodegenerative eye diseases, for $550 million. Alcon may be required to make additional contingent payments, including upon the achievement of commercial milestones. This acquisition expands Alcon's retina portfolio with ENCELTO™, the first and only U.S. FDA-approved treatment for adults with idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (“MacTel”), a rare, progressive retinal disease that leads to irreversible central vision loss that has historically had no approved treatment options. Cravath represented Neurotech in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

October 08, 2026

Viatris’s $1.65 Billion Acquisition of Pacira

On October 8, 2026, Viatris Inc. (“Viatris”), a global healthcare company, and Pacira BioSciences, Inc. (“Pacira”), a leader in innovative non‑opioid pain therapies, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Viatris has agreed to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Pacira for $36.50 per share in cash, representing an aggregate equity value of $1.65 billion. Cravath is representing Viatris in connection with the transaction.

Activities

October 19, 2026

Lawdragon Names 50 Cravath Partners to its 2027 List of “500 Leading Dealmakers in America”

On October 16, 2026, Lawdragon announced the inclusion of 50 Cravath partners in its annual list of the “500 Leading Dealmakers in America.” The list, assembled based on research and vetting by peers, recognizes the lawyers in the areas of M&A, private equity, capital markets, finance, corporate governance, shareholder activism, tax, antitrust, regulatory, restructuring and energy who “close the transactions that remake industries, redraw markets and move trillions of dollars of value.”

Publications

October 01, 2026

HLS Forum on Corporate Governance Publishes Cravath’s Q2 2026 Newsletter on M&A, Activism and Corporate Governance

On September 29, 2026, the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance published Cravath’s latest quarterly newsletter on M&A, activism and corporate governance. The newsletter provides insight into practical points, key takeaways and relevant developments across the M&A, activism, tax, regulatory and corporate governance landscape during the second quarter of 2026. Contributors to this edition include partners Margaret T. Segall, Evan A. Hill, Matthew L. Ploszek, Kimberley S. Drexler and Adam M. Sanchez.

Activities

September 17, 2026

Faiza Saeed, Gary Bornstein and Ting Chen Named to Forbes’s 2026 List of “America’s Top Lawyers”

On September 16, 2026, Cravath partners Faiza J. Saeed, Gary A. Bornstein and Ting S. Chen were named to Forbes’s 2026 list of “America’s Top Lawyers. The list recognizes “the leading dealmakers, litigators, advisers and strategists—at firms of all sizes—who stand apart in an extraordinarily competitive field” and “those who are defining modern legal excellence.”

Publications

September 10, 2026

Cravath Publishes Quarterly Review on Q2 2026 Trends in M&A, Activism and Corporate Governance

On September 9, 2026, Cravath published the latest edition of its Quarterly Review, which provides insight into practical points, key takeaways and relevant developments across the M&A, activism, tax, regulatory and corporate governance landscape. This edition covers:

Activities

July 08, 2026

Cravath and Dan Cerqueira Named Finalists for the New York Law Journal’s 2026 New York Legal Awards 

On July 7, 2026, the New York Law Journal named Cravath a finalist for its “Law Firm of the Year: Large Firms” award, and partner Daniel J. Cerqueira a finalist for its “Dealmaker of the Year” award. Winners will be featured online and honored at an event in September.

Deals & Cases

November 05, 2026

Liberty Media’s Acquisition of High‑Vote Series B Common Stock from John C. Malone‑Related Entities

On November 5, 2026, Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) announced that it has acquired all shares of Liberty Media’s high‑vote Series B common stock held by certain entities related to John C. Malone (the “Malone Holders”) in exchange for shares of Liberty Media’s low‑vote Series A common stock and shares of Liberty Media’s non‑voting Series C common stock. As a result of the transaction, the Malone Holders’ aggregate voting power in Liberty Media declined to approximately 3%, and no holder of Liberty Media common stock holds more than 9% of Liberty Media’s voting power, in each case, based on Liberty Media’s outstanding common stock as of October 30, 2026. The transaction was negotiated and approved by a special committee (the “Special Committee”) of Liberty Media’s board of directors consisting solely of disinterested and independent directors for purposes of Nevada law, advised by its own independent financial and legal advisors. Cravath is representing the Special Committee in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

October 29, 2026

ADT’s $15.3 Billion Acquisition by Thrive Holdings

On October 29, 2026, ADT Inc. (“ADT”), a leading provider of security, interactive and smart home solutions serving residential and small business customers in the U.S., and Thrive Holdings, a permanent capital holding company focused on investing in established businesses and advancing their capabilities through technology, announced a definitive agreement under which Thrive Holdings will acquire ADT in an all‑cash transaction. The agreement values ADT at approximately $7.6 billion in equity value and $15.3 billion in enterprise value. Under the terms of the agreement, which ADT’s Board of Directors unanimously approved, ADT stockholders will receive $10.00 per share in cash upon completion. Following completion, ADT will become privately held and its common stock will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Cravath is representing ADT in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

October 29, 2026

Instacart’s $17 Billion Acquisition by DoorDash

On October 29, 2026, DoorDash, Inc. (“DoorDash”) and Maplebear Inc. (d.b.a. Instacart) (“Instacart”) announced a definitive agreement under which DoorDash will acquire Instacart for a total value of $65.00 for each Instacart share, or an equity value of approximately $17 billion. The aggregate transaction consideration will be at least 75% cash, with Instacart stockholders able to elect cash, DoorDash stock, or a combination of both, subject to proration so that DoorDash stock does not exceed 25% of the aggregate consideration. Instacart's board of directors has unanimously approved the agreement. Cravath is representing Instacart in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

October 20, 2026

Neurotech’s Acquisition by Alcon

On October 20, 2026, Alcon, a global leader in eye care, announced it has acquired Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Neurotech”), a company focused on developing innovative cell therapies for chronic and neurodegenerative eye diseases, for $550 million. Alcon may be required to make additional contingent payments, including upon the achievement of commercial milestones. This acquisition expands Alcon's retina portfolio with ENCELTO™, the first and only U.S. FDA-approved treatment for adults with idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (“MacTel”), a rare, progressive retinal disease that leads to irreversible central vision loss that has historically had no approved treatment options. Cravath represented Neurotech in connection with the transaction.

Deals & Cases

October 08, 2026

Viatris’s $1.65 Billion Acquisition of Pacira

On October 8, 2026, Viatris Inc. (“Viatris”), a global healthcare company, and Pacira BioSciences, Inc. (“Pacira”), a leader in innovative non‑opioid pain therapies, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Viatris has agreed to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Pacira for $36.50 per share in cash, representing an aggregate equity value of $1.65 billion. Cravath is representing Viatris in connection with the transaction.

Activities

October 19, 2026

Lawdragon Names 50 Cravath Partners to its 2027 List of “500 Leading Dealmakers in America”

On October 16, 2026, Lawdragon announced the inclusion of 50 Cravath partners in its annual list of the “500 Leading Dealmakers in America.” The list, assembled based on research and vetting by peers, recognizes the lawyers in the areas of M&A, private equity, capital markets, finance, corporate governance, shareholder activism, tax, antitrust, regulatory, restructuring and energy who “close the transactions that remake industries, redraw markets and move trillions of dollars of value.”

Publications

October 01, 2026

HLS Forum on Corporate Governance Publishes Cravath’s Q2 2026 Newsletter on M&A, Activism and Corporate Governance

On September 29, 2026, the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance published Cravath’s latest quarterly newsletter on M&A, activism and corporate governance. The newsletter provides insight into practical points, key takeaways and relevant developments across the M&A, activism, tax, regulatory and corporate governance landscape during the second quarter of 2026. Contributors to this edition include partners Margaret T. Segall, Evan A. Hill, Matthew L. Ploszek, Kimberley S. Drexler and Adam M. Sanchez.

Activities

September 17, 2026

Faiza Saeed, Gary Bornstein and Ting Chen Named to Forbes’s 2026 List of “America’s Top Lawyers”

On September 16, 2026, Cravath partners Faiza J. Saeed, Gary A. Bornstein and Ting S. Chen were named to Forbes’s 2026 list of “America’s Top Lawyers. The list recognizes “the leading dealmakers, litigators, advisers and strategists—at firms of all sizes—who stand apart in an extraordinarily competitive field” and “those who are defining modern legal excellence.”

Publications

September 10, 2026

Cravath Publishes Quarterly Review on Q2 2026 Trends in M&A, Activism and Corporate Governance

On September 9, 2026, Cravath published the latest edition of its Quarterly Review, which provides insight into practical points, key takeaways and relevant developments across the M&A, activism, tax, regulatory and corporate governance landscape. This edition covers:

Activities

July 08, 2026

Cravath and Dan Cerqueira Named Finalists for the New York Law Journal’s 2026 New York Legal Awards 

On July 7, 2026, the New York Law Journal named Cravath a finalist for its “Law Firm of the Year: Large Firms” award, and partner Daniel J. Cerqueira a finalist for its “Dealmaker of the Year” award. Winners will be featured online and honored at an event in September.

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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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