With a team capable of advising buy- and sell-side corporate clients as well as financial advisors, SPACs, and joint venture acquisition vehicles, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP is capable of handling the full range of cross-border M&A as well as related matters spanning from antitrust issues to employee benefits and tax concerns. The firm is particularly well-regarded for its ability to handle impactful transactions in the medical tech, consumer, and renewable energy sectors. New York-based co-heads Richard Brand and William Mills are experts for divestitures, shareholder activism matters, and spin-off transactions. Also in New York, Stephen Fraidin specializes in corporate governance issues, Nick Ramphal is knowledgeable on corporate finance matters and leveraged buyouts, whilst Peter Bariso concentrates on joint ventures. Splitting his time between London and New York, Daniel Raglan  is a key contact in matters relating to the software and analytics sector. Braden McCurrach left the firm in September 2023.

The Fenwick & West LLP practice is valued by its client base of blue-chip corporations active particularly in the life sciences and tech sectors for its ‘measured and practical approach’ to public and private M&A. The team is also very experienced at handling growth investments and regularly represents venture capital clients and portfolio/target companies in cross-border acquisitions and series investments. Bomi Lee co-heads the team from San Francisco and specialises in divestitures and carve-out transactions, while New York-based co-head Ken Myers is an expert on joint ventures and tender offers. San Francisco lawyer Douglas Cogen focuses on shareholder activism and takeover defense issues, while Santa Monica-based Kris Withrow primarily advises on transactions in the TMT sector. In New York, Ethan Skerry concentrates on private equity-backed transactions and governance matters in the life sciences and software spaces, and in Silicon Valley, David Michaels is a key contact for debt finance matters, while Stephen Fisher is highly recommended for advising on exchange offers.

Headed from New York by public and private M&A specialist Charles Samuelson, the Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP practice is capable of handling the full gamut of transactional matters, spanning from high-profile joint ventures and mergers to minority investments and de-SPAC transactions. The team is particularly noted for its in-depth experience acting on behalf of global and domestic clients in the media, aviation, and tech sectors. Kenneth Lefkowitz focuses on takeover defense matters and hostile takeovers, Michael Traube is knowledgeable on strategic investments, and Gerold Niggemann specializes in venture capital and general corporate matters. Scott Naturman and Alexander Rahn are also noted as key contacts.

Fielding an ‘extremely knowledgeable and professional’ team, K&L Gates has extensive expertise in the tech, healthcare, and financial services sectors, frequently assisting clients with traditional M&A as well as with bet-the-company deals. The practice has maintains advises Fortune 500 companies as well as venture capital funds and is jointly headed by Charlotte-based growth equity specialist Rick Giovannelli and Seattle-based cross-border M&A expert Annette Becker. In New York, Robert Zinn is an expert on strategic and cross-border M&A and Calvina Bostick is noted for her expertise with private equity investments, while Kevin Stichter focuses on cross-border acquisitions from Charlotte. Seattle lawyer Jessica Pearlman is an expert on securities and finance matters, while Leah Baucom concentrates on general corporate issues from Charlotte. Pittsburgh lawyer David Edgar, who primarily acts on behalf of boards of directors, and Aleksandr Imas, who practices from Seattle, are further names to note.

Specializing in all aspects of carve-out sales, multi-jurisdictional M&A, and strategic transactions, the King & Spalding LLP team is noted for its ‘outstanding’ work on behalf of companies in the infrastructure, asset management, and tech spaces and stands out in particular for its ability to guide clients through early-stage M&A opportunities and public transactions. New York-based lawyer Jonathan Melmed brings vast experience in the energy, finance, and media spheres to the table and co-heads the practice Atlanta-based lawyers Rahul Patel and Keith Townsend, who are experts in handling joint ventures and corporate governance matters. In Northern Virginia, Tom Knox is knowledgeable on securities offerings and divestitures, whilst Silicon Valley-based Laura Bushnell represents corporations and investors in capital raising transactions. Enrico Granata is located in New York, focusing on tender and exchange offers, and Cal Smith concentrates on corporate finance transactions from Atlanta. In August 2024, Joseph Halloum, who has strong expertise in IPOs and SPAC transactions, joined in New York from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP.

With a client base encompassing major financial institutions, healthcare conglomerates, and tech corporations, the Norton Rose Fulbright team is well-equipped to advise on domestic and cross-border M&A in the public and private spheres. The practice’s offering covers a wide array of transactions, ranging from multibillion dollar cross-border deals to mid-market M&A within the US. Dallas-based team co-lead Scarlet McNellie  heads up the firm's corporate and M&A practice, and is an expert in leading on divestitures and spin-off transactions, while co-head Sheldon Nussbaum, who is based in New York, chiefly handles corporate governance matters, leading the firm's business practice. Houston lawyer Brian P Fenske covers IPOs and venture capital financings, and St. Louis-based Kevin Fischer assists private equity funds with corporate transactional issues. Kevin Friedmann acts on behalf of start-up companies in seed stage and angel financings from Chicago, and both Kessar Nashat and Steve Suzzan focus on joint ventures and corporate governance matters in New York.

Championing ‘innovative ideas and approaches’, the Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP practice has extensive experience representing clients from across the tech, life sciences, and energy sectors, regularly handling strategic acquisitions, minority investments, and sales of equity interests. In addition to maintaining offices across the country, the team frequently leverages its firmwide international network to handle multi-jurisdictional corporate transactions. Leading from New York, David Ruff is an expert on majority investments and joint ventures, whilst the ‘incredible’ David Schwartz focuses on complex de-SPAC transactions. In Silicon Valley, Mark Seneca regularly represents unicorns and venture-backed companies, and Matthew Gemello is knowledgeable on public takeovers. In Washington DC, Tony Chan is a key contact regarding corporate governance affairs, San Francisco-based Leah Recht is a key contact for divestitures, and New York’s David Gold is also highly recommended.

Praised by clients for being ‘extremely hands-on, responsive, and attentive’, the Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP team regularly advises major players in the tech, aerospace, and cyber security fields on complex joint ventures, cross-border M&A, and de-SPAC transactions. Operating out of New York, co-heads Stephen Amdur and Jarrod Murphy are experts in all aspects of tender offers, corporate governance issues, and minority investments, whilst Jonathan Russo acts on behalf of financial institutions and private equity firms. In Northern Virginia, the ‘outstanding’ Matthew Swartz brings extensive knowledge on growth equity and venture capital matters to the practice, while Steven Kaplan focuses on stock sales and spin-offs. From Silicon Valley, practice co-head Allison Leopold Tilley specializes in assisting tech companies, Christina Pearson is knowledgeable on IPO offerings, and James Masetti is a key contact for matters related to corporate compliance. Los Angeles-based Chris Patay and Drew Simon-Rooke concentrate on strategic alliances and venture funds.

Demonstrating an extensive track record in public and private M&A, SPAC business combinations, and corporate finance transactions, Winston & Strawn LLP’s ‘technically proficient’ practice is comprised of lawyers across the US who frequently collaborate with the firmwide network of specialists in Europe, Asia, and Latin America to handle multijurisdictional matters. The team has in-depth expertise in representing global and domestic companies within the retail, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, with Chicago-based chair of the M&A division Matt Stevens serving as an expert for cross-border acquisitions and investments. In Dallas, Matthew Stockstill co-chairs the private equity division alongside New York-based Brad Vaiana. From Los Angeles, Eva Davis primarily advises private companies and boards of directors, and Rick Martin focuses on joint ventures and financing transactions from Miami. Also based in Chicago, Matthew Bergmann is knowledgeable on capital markets, Oscar David concentrates on corporate governance issues, and Matthew Costigan specializes in divestitures. Meanwhile, New York’s Allen Miller consistently acts on behalf of private equity funds and financial institutions.

Operating out of New York, the Akin practice offers its roster of domestic and multinational corporate clients comprehensive advice in cross-border M&A and has a particular penchant for handling distressed transactions. In addition to its core expertise in corporate transactions, the team is capable of drawing on integrated firmwide knowledge of debt finance, capital markets, and executive compensation matters to handle the financial and employment aspects of acquisitions. Zachary Wittenberg leads the department and regularly handles M&A and restructuring matters in addition to advising on corporate governance. Sergio Urias focuses on leveraged buyouts, while Amy Wollensack assists with recapitalizations and divestitures.

Demonstrating vast experience handling transactions in the technology, media, and telecoms sector, the BakerHostetler practice regularly acts for Fortune 500 companies as well as financial institutions on multi-jurisdictional M&A, joint ventures, and de-SPAC deals. Operating out of New York, co-head Steven Goldberg specializes in advising on complex strategic investments and private equity deals, while Los Angeles-based co-head Will Chuchawat is noted for his experience in the healthcare, consumer, and financial services spaces. From Cleveland, John Allotta focuses on cross-border acquisitions and financing transactions, and New York-based Matthew Gases assists with corporate governance matters.

Displaying broad expertise across the whole spectrum of corporate transactions, including cross-border acquisitions, divestitures, and leveraged buyouts, the Goodwin team is heavily praised for its ‘extremely smart, capable, and well-informed’ approach. The practice frequently provides strategic counsel on various shareholder-related issues, including proxy contests, activism, and shareholder litigation, with Boston-based global chair of M&A Stuart Cable noted as an expert in the life sciences sector. Lisa Haddad routinely represents buyers, sellers, and financial advisors, while Jacqueline Mercier focuses on complex corporate governance issues. Also based out of Boston, John Haggerty and Deborah Birnbach co-chair the public M&A offering. From Silicon Valley, Lawrence Chu brings vast experience in handling joint venture arrangements and recapitalizations, while New York-based Joshua Zachariah is highly knowledgeable in the tech and private equity spheres. Alessandra Love Simons left the firm in November 2023.

Covering the full spectrum of M&A, joint ventures, and acquisition finance matters, the McDermott Will & Emery LLP team demonstrates strong cross-border capabilities in its advice to major pharmaceutical, beverage, and construction companies. Located in Miami, Harris Siskind, who is experienced with both corporate and private equity-backed transactions, co-heads the group with New York-based Todd Finger, who is noted for his expertise in leveraged buyout transactions and restructurings, and Miami lawyer Frederic Levenson, who focuses on private equity matters. Thomas Conaghan acts on behalf of tech and hospitality clients from both Washington DC and New York, while Chicago-based John Tamisiea and Ann Marie Brodarick focus on strategic investments and divestitures. From Boston, Brian Bunn advises early-stage companies on financing matters, and in Chicago, Heidi Steele concentrates on corporate securities affairs. In Dallas, Joanna Jung-Erh Lin handles multi-jurisdictional venture financings.

Representing leading middle-market private equity funds and portfolio companies in connection with M&A, divestitures, and venture investments, the Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP practice displays particular strengths in the automotive, financial services, and tech industries. Shareholder activism and securities law expert Eleazer Klein co-leads the New York based team with Brian Miner, who primarily handles private equity transactions and cross-border acquisitions. Benjamin Kozinn assists clients with middle-market buyouts and venture investments, Jeffrey Symons focuses on joint ventures and corporate finance affairs, and Adriana Schwartz is a regulatory specialist. Since joining the firm from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in October 2023, Damian Petrovic concentrates on SPAC transactions and carve-outs. Lauren Troeller and Ryan Post are further key contacts.

The ‘strong, very experienced team’ at WilmerHale delivers advice across a broad variety of transactional matters, including stock-for-stock mergers, cash mergers, and joint ventures, frequently leveraging its significant cross-border capabilities to advise on multijurisdictional M&A. Located in Boston, Hal Leibowitz and Joseph Conahan co-chair the practice and specialize in representing buyers, sellers, and boards of directors in joint ventures and securities law matters. In New York, Andy Alin regularly acts on behalf of financial tech companies and private equity sponsors, Chris Barnstable-Brown focuses on the tech and life science sectors, and Mike Gilligan is well-versed with providing buy-side as well as sell-side advice on transactional matters. In Washington DC, Stephanie Evans is knowledgeable on strategic alliances, while Denver’s Kieth Trammell acts on behalf of acquirers and buyout funds. In New York, Tal Hacohen is a further name to note, and Andrew Bonnes stands out for public company counseling and divestitures from Boston.

Demonstrating extensive experience in handling multi-jurisdictional M&A and complex SPAC transactions, the DLA Piper LLP (US) practice maintains a large roster of clients predominantly active in the tech, finance, and aerospace sectors. Operating out of New York, Christopher Giordano is an expert on topics ranging from divestitures to securities law affairs in addition to routinely advising on corporate governance matters. Located in Minneapolis, Kathleen Smith Ruhland focuses on cross-border restructurings and joint ventures, while New York-based Jon Venick specializes in assisting clients with stock transactions and asset deals.

The M&A practice at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is comprised of specialists in the competition, data protection, and tax law spaces who regularly providing bespoke advice to domestic and international companies in the life sciences, energy, and real estate sectors. The team shows significant strength in handling strategic acquisitions and divestiture programs, with Richmond-based co-head Steven Haas specializing in public company sales and corporate governance proceedings and Washington DC-based co-head Steven Patterson focusing on public and private securities offerings and compliance issues. Houston-based Michael O’Leary routinely negotiates complex partnerships and joint ventures, and in Miami, Fernando Alonso acts on behalf of financial institutions and corporations in connection with debt financings. From Richmond, Gary Thompson concentrates on handling divestitures and carve-out transactions. Peter Weinstock is a key contact in Dallas.

Renowned for its ‘leadership, expertise, and client responsiveness’, the Reed Smith LLP team offers deep industry insight, with a strong focus on the media, life sciences, and tech sectors. Robert McCann co-heads the M&A division from Chicago, bringing extensive knowledge on corporate governance issues and equity financing transactions to the practice, while Christopher Sheaffer and co-head Jennifer Cheng focus on asset and stock acquisitions as well as on cross-border mergers from New York. In Houston, Efren Acosta concentrates on joint ventures, and co-head Matthew Mohn handles venture capital fund investments from Pittsburgh.

Fielding a ‘very responsible and flexible’ team, Squire Patton Boggs specializes in corporate governance matters, multi-jurisdictional M&A, and complex joint ventures. The global corporate practice is supported by experts in the IP, employment, and real estate fields, with practice head Cipriano Beredo focusing on divestiture transactions and securities law issues from Cleveland, and Michele Connell, who is also based in Cleveland, regularly handling M&A in the fintech, transportation, and healthcare sectors. From Washington DC, Abby Brown focuses on securities compliance and governance matters, whilst Los Angeles-based James Hsu concentrates on public finance transactions.