Four Decades for Justice
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. Since 2017, Cravath has represented clients in M&A transactions with an aggregate value of over $2.5 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, joint ventures and SPAC transactions. 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 a 10‑time recipient of the M&A Practice Group of the Year award by Law360. 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.” U.S. News–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, joint ventures and SPAC transactions. 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 a 10‑time recipient of the M&A Practice Group of the Year award by Law360. 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.” U.S. News–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
September 19, 2023
Lindsay Goldberg’s Acquisition of The Kleinfelder Group
On September 19, 2023, affiliates of private investment firm Lindsay Goldberg, in partnership with the company’s management, announced the completion of an investment in The Kleinfelder Group, a leading engineering, design, construction management, construction materials inspection and testing, and environmental professional services firm. Cravath is representing Lindsay Goldberg in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
September 18, 2023
OMERS Private Equity’s Acquisition of Knight Commercial
On September 18, 2023, OMERS Private Equity announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Knight Commercial, a leading provider of commercial restoration services. Cravath is representing OMERS Private Equity in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
September 14, 2023
Bacardi’s Acquisition of ILEGAL Mezcal
On September 11, 2023, Bacardi Limited (“Bacardi”), the largest privately held international spirits company in the world, announced the completion of a transaction that makes the family‑owned company the sole owner of ILEGAL Mezcal®, a leading super premium artisanal mezcal. Cravath is representing Bacardi in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
September 13, 2023
Hayfin Capital Management’s Sale of Autovista Group to J.D. Power
On September 12, 2023, J.D. Power, a global leader in data analytics, announced a definitive agreement to acquire Autovista Group, a leading pan‑European and Australian automotive data, analytics and industry insights provider. Cravath is representing European alternative asset management firm Hayfin Capital Management, which currently owns Autovista Group, as U.S. counsel in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
September 12, 2023
WestRock’s $20 Billion Combination with Smurfit Kappa to Create Global Leader in Sustainable Packaging
On September 12, 2023, the Boards of WestRock and Smurfit Kappa announced the signing of a definitive transaction agreement to create Smurfit WestRock, a global leader in sustainable packaging. Together, Smurfit Kappa and WestRock generated combined last twelve months’ adjusted annual revenue of approximately $34 billion as of June 30, 2023. Cravath is representing WestRock in connection with the transaction.
Accolades
August 21, 2023
Best Lawyers Names Evan Chesler, Dave Kappos and Faiza Saeed 2024 “Lawyers of the Year” Across Litigation, Patent Law and M&A Categories
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
August 15, 2023
India Business Law Journal Names Cravath Among Top Players of 2023 for India‑Related Work
On August 14, 2023, the India Business Law Journal named Cravath among the “Significant Players” in its 2023 ranking of the top international law firms for India‑related work. The publication noted the Firm’s work to help “Indian companies navigate US‑related capital raising transactions, M&A, joint ventures, disputes, and related compliance and reporting advice,” and highlighted its representation of Viatris in its acquisitions of Oyster Point and Famy Life Sciences to create an ophthalmology franchise. The Firm was also recognized for its representation of Airspan in its sale of Mimosa to Radisys on a debt‑free, cash‑free basis.
Firm News
August 14, 2023
Cravath Advises on Nine Announced M&A Deals in Two‑Week Period
Between July 28 and August 11, 2023, Cravath advised on nine announced deals, including seven deals in a span of three business days. Cravath is representing:
Accolades
August 10, 2023
Dave Perkins Named a 2023 “Dealmaker of the Year” by New York Law Journal
On August 9, 2023, Cravath partner David J. Perkins was named a 2023 “Dealmaker of the Year” by the New York Law Journal. The award recognizes “talented and hardworking transactional lawyers who can close deals that make headlines.” Winners will be featured online and honored at an event in October.
Activities & Publications
August 03, 2023
G.J. Ligelis Jr. Featured as a 2023 M&A Rising Star by Law360
On August 1, 2023, Cravath partner G.J. Ligelis Jr. was featured as part of Law360’s 2023 “Rising Stars” series as one of the top M&A attorneys in the nation under the age of 40. The related profile highlights G.J.’s representation of National Grid in its £7.8 billion acquisition of Western Power Distribution and $3.8 billion sale of The Narragansett Electric Company.
Deals & Cases
September 19, 2023
Lindsay Goldberg’s Acquisition of The Kleinfelder Group
On September 19, 2023, affiliates of private investment firm Lindsay Goldberg, in partnership with the company’s management, announced the completion of an investment in The Kleinfelder Group, a leading engineering, design, construction management, construction materials inspection and testing, and environmental professional services firm. Cravath is representing Lindsay Goldberg in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
September 18, 2023
OMERS Private Equity’s Acquisition of Knight Commercial
On September 18, 2023, OMERS Private Equity announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Knight Commercial, a leading provider of commercial restoration services. Cravath is representing OMERS Private Equity in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
September 14, 2023
Bacardi’s Acquisition of ILEGAL Mezcal
On September 11, 2023, Bacardi Limited (“Bacardi”), the largest privately held international spirits company in the world, announced the completion of a transaction that makes the family‑owned company the sole owner of ILEGAL Mezcal®, a leading super premium artisanal mezcal. Cravath is representing Bacardi in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
September 13, 2023
Hayfin Capital Management’s Sale of Autovista Group to J.D. Power
On September 12, 2023, J.D. Power, a global leader in data analytics, announced a definitive agreement to acquire Autovista Group, a leading pan‑European and Australian automotive data, analytics and industry insights provider. Cravath is representing European alternative asset management firm Hayfin Capital Management, which currently owns Autovista Group, as U.S. counsel in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
September 12, 2023
WestRock’s $20 Billion Combination with Smurfit Kappa to Create Global Leader in Sustainable Packaging
On September 12, 2023, the Boards of WestRock and Smurfit Kappa announced the signing of a definitive transaction agreement to create Smurfit WestRock, a global leader in sustainable packaging. Together, Smurfit Kappa and WestRock generated combined last twelve months’ adjusted annual revenue of approximately $34 billion as of June 30, 2023. Cravath is representing WestRock in connection with the transaction.
Accolades
August 21, 2023
Best Lawyers Names Evan Chesler, Dave Kappos and Faiza Saeed 2024 “Lawyers of the Year” Across Litigation, Patent Law and M&A Categories
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
August 15, 2023
India Business Law Journal Names Cravath Among Top Players of 2023 for India‑Related Work
On August 14, 2023, the India Business Law Journal named Cravath among the “Significant Players” in its 2023 ranking of the top international law firms for India‑related work. The publication noted the Firm’s work to help “Indian companies navigate US‑related capital raising transactions, M&A, joint ventures, disputes, and related compliance and reporting advice,” and highlighted its representation of Viatris in its acquisitions of Oyster Point and Famy Life Sciences to create an ophthalmology franchise. The Firm was also recognized for its representation of Airspan in its sale of Mimosa to Radisys on a debt‑free, cash‑free basis.
Firm News
August 14, 2023
Cravath Advises on Nine Announced M&A Deals in Two‑Week Period
Between July 28 and August 11, 2023, Cravath advised on nine announced deals, including seven deals in a span of three business days. Cravath is representing:
Accolades
August 10, 2023
Dave Perkins Named a 2023 “Dealmaker of the Year” by New York Law Journal
On August 9, 2023, Cravath partner David J. Perkins was named a 2023 “Dealmaker of the Year” by the New York Law Journal. The award recognizes “talented and hardworking transactional lawyers who can close deals that make headlines.” Winners will be featured online and honored at an event in October.
Activities & Publications
August 03, 2023
G.J. Ligelis Jr. Featured as a 2023 M&A Rising Star by Law360
On August 1, 2023, Cravath partner G.J. Ligelis Jr. was featured as part of Law360’s 2023 “Rising Stars” series as one of the top M&A attorneys in the nation under the age of 40. The related profile highlights G.J.’s representation of National Grid in its £7.8 billion acquisition of Western Power Distribution and $3.8 billion sale of The Narragansett Electric Company.
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.
Attorney Advertising. © 2023 Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP.