Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP Logo
  • Practices
  • People
  • Careers
  • News
  • Practices
  • People
  • Careers
  • News
  • Our Story
  • The Cravath System
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Pro Bono
  • Alumni
  • 200.Cravath

Four Decades for Justice

Read More

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. 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
  • Recent News

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.

Explore

People in
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.

Explore

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP Logo
  • CONTACT US
  • DISCLAIMERS
  • PRIVACY NOTICE
  • ALUMNI PORTAL
  • DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
  • OUR STORY

Attorney Advertising. © 2023   Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP.