A leader for middle-market M&A in Florida, Akerman LLP’s group also draws on corporate specialists from across its extensive national platform. Primarily active on behalf of private equity investors and their portfolio companies, the team also acts for a broad range of public and privately owned strategics and entrepreneurs in buy and sell-side M&A, spin-offs, leveraged recapitalizations and buyouts, and investment transactions. Miami-based Jonathan Awner co-chairs the overarching corporate department and is noted for his strong activity in the car dealership space. David Birke co-chairs the department from Fort Lauderdale and acted for a string of private equity clients on M&A deals during 2023/24, with a focus on the manufacturing and life sciences sectors. Rounding out the senior partners is Miami’s Carl Roston, who is a former corporate co-chair and has a significant private equity dimension to his practice. Additionally, West Palm Beach-based E. Paul Quinn, Fort Lauderdale’s Martin Burkett and Miami-based Kenneth Wiggins co-head the M&A and private equity area and are routinely involved in mid-market transactions. Miami partners Santiago Assalini and Sergey Kotelnikov are also key contacts for M&A work.

Arnold & Porter’s M&A offering sits within its broader corporate and finance practice, which sees it act for a range of strategic and financial buyers and sellers in mergers, asset acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and other transactions. Distinguished by its ability to plug into the firm’s signature regulatory expertise, the team demonstrates strong activity in deals involving heavily regulated industries. From New York, Derek Stoldt co-chairs the corporate and finance group and has an emphasis on representing life sciences companies and private equity funds. Denver-based Ronald Levine additionally co-chairs the corporate and finance area and handled several prominent aviation and technology deals in 2023/24. New York-based Tracy Belton co-heads the M&A team and advises strategic and private equity clients on transactions across a mix of industries, including technology and defense. The M&A unit is further co-led by Washington DC-based Andrew Varner and New York’s Thomas Yadlon and Lowell Dashefsky. Other names to note in Washington are healthcare expert Matthew Owens and M&A veteran Kevin Lavin, while key practitioners in San Francisco include Edward Deibert, whose work spans M&A and corporate governance, corporate finance partner Benjamin Fackler, and emerging companies specialist Stephanie Coutu. Marisa White is an up-and-coming partner in New York.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner continues to increase its market share of prominent corporate transactions, with the team handling an impressive volume of cross-border, high-value acquisitions during 2023/24. Acting for a diversified roster of public and private companies and private equity funds, the group is well versed in sell-side representations, carve-outs, minority investments, and governance matters. The overarching corporate and finance transactions practice is co-led from St Louis by regional leader Joel Lander and global head Todd Kaye; both contribute extensive experience in advising companies and private equity clients on domestic and cross-border acquisitions and disposals. Other key contacts in St Louis include seasoned partner John Welge, whose recent work spans technology and energy transactions; Stephanie Hosler, who is noted for her expertise in the telecoms, banking, consumer goods, and life sciences spheres; and Kristin Yemm, who routinely acts for mid-market companies on both buy and sell-side mandates. In Atlanta, Amy Wilson is recognized for her record in structured deals, including cross-border M&A and SPAC transactions, while Olivia Weber is a talented rising star. In Washington DC, Jonathan Nesher led on several matters worth over $500m during 2024. Seth Frederiksen left the firm in May 2024.

Dentons frequently utilizes its international network to resource cross-border, middle-market deals. The team is further characterized by its expertise in transactions involving regulated industries, such as manufacturing, energy, financial services, and healthcare, while it also leverages a significant private equity offering. From Chicago, Michael Froy spearheads the global corporate practice and serves as co-chair of the firm’s manufacturing group; he is recommended for his cross-border experience, which spans transactions in more than 50 countries. In Kansas City, Mitchell Albert represents buyers, sellers, and private equity clients on acquisitions, investments, and disposals, while Salt Lake City’s Russell Smith specializes in advising private companies, mainly start-ups and emerging companies, on corporate and M&A matters. Other key contacts include Jasper managing partner Bill Kaiser, who co-chairs the national corporate group; St George-based Rick Guerisoli, who is noted for real estate transactions; Birmingham-based healthcare specialist Joseph Ritchey; Pittsburgh’s Mark Stabile, who acts for a mix of private investors and private and public companies; and Jason Stone, who co-leads the national corporate practice from Des Moines.

Providing ‘impeccable support in a business-oriented manner’, Eversheds Sutherland stands out for its formidable cross-border capability, which uniquely positions it as a key contender for multi-jurisdictional middle-market transactions. Geared to support on the full scope of buy and sell-side M&A, tender offers, and private equity-linked deals, the team is also routinely involved in high-value, strategic matters in the upper mid-market sphere. Atlanta-based Robert Pile fronts the US corporate practice and recently advised G&L Holdings on the high-profile sale of Grain Craft to Redwood Holdings. From New York, Robert Copps heads the M&A area and is highly regarded for his record in cross-border work. On the private equity side, Atlanta’s Wade Stribling is frequently engaged by sponsors, and their portfolio companies, to advise on complex investment mandates, with strong recent showings in the infrastructure and life sciences fields. The Atlanta office also draws on private equity specialist Michael Voynich as well as talented next-generation partners Hill Jeffries and Rob Ellis. In Washington DC, William Dudzinsky co-heads both the TMT and automotive industry teams in the US and is sought after for deals involving those sectors.

A destination practice for middle-market M&A, Holland & Knight LLP’s prolific national group represents buyers and sellers across all 50 states, while its international platform further equips it to handle cross-border work. Widely regarded as a force in transactions at the intersection of healthcare and private equity, the team also shines in deals concerning the aerospace and defense, energy, technology, and automotive sectors. The wider corporate, M&A and securities department is led jointly from Miami by George Mencio, who focuses on corporate and international work, and corporate and private equity specialist David Barkus. The team also draws on the expertise of firm chair Robert Grammig, who splits his time between Tampa, Washington DC and New York. From Denver, Stephen Dietrich steers the practice for the Central West Region, where he is noted for his record in the automotive field. In Fort Lauderdale, Tammy Knight recently advised Conduent on four significant transactions totaling more than $1bn. Other key names include Tysons-based Adam August, who heads the team for the Mid-Atlantic Region, and Tampa’s Alyse Latour, whose experience spans the manufacturing, consumer products, technology and aerospace and defense areas. Paul Jaskot left the firm in August 2024.

Lawyers at Jones Walker LLP ‘provide highly personalized expertise that can be counted on’. Striking a balance between acquirer and target-side mandates, the M&A team acts on the full spectrum of mergers, disposals, negotiated stock purchases, asset acquisitions, and tender offers across all major industry sectors. Key names in the department’s New Orleans base include Marshall Page, who is recommended for transactions involving heavy industries; Britton Seal, whose recent activity encompasses the manufacturing, consumer goods, and retail sectors; and Kelly Simoneaux, who specializes in the corporate, tax, and securities aspects of executive compensation. Page, Seal and Simoneaux co-head the corporate, M&A, and private equity practice together with Birmingham-based Beau Grenier, who contributes strong experience in highly structured transactions. The New Orleans team also includes Curtis Hearn, who acts for a strong roster of private equity and venture capital clients, and Brett Beter. In Baton Rouge, Dionne Rousseau is noted for her expertise in corporate transactions and governance matters, while Katherine Herbert is a talented up-and-coming attorney.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s M&A offering is closely aligned with its private equity practice, with the team arguably best known for its close links to serial acquirers, such as Blackrock, as well as portfolio companies. The group also routinely represents private and public companies in buy and sell-side transactions. The New York-based team is led by corporate chair Ernest Wechsler, whose recent work includes advising a broad spectrum of private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, strategic acquirers and sellers, and SPACs on M&A deals, minority investments and other corporate matters. As firm co-managing partner, Howard Spilko also enjoys a strong profile for M&A transactions, with a focus on middle-market deals in the insurance, human resources, and financial services spheres. Todd Lenson serves as deputy chair of the corporate practice and strikes a balance between strategic and private equity deals. Also recommended are Adi Herman, who is noted for deals in the healthcare, technology, consumer products, and financial services areas, and private equity specialist Eitan Tabak. In January 2024, M&A and private equity partner Arlene Ortiz-Leytte joined from Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

The ‘best of the best in providing strategic support’, Loeb & Loeb LLP’s integrated capital markets and corporate team represents a diverse roster of clients, from entrepreneurs and emerging companies, through to established corporations and private equity funds. The firm’s TMT offering ensures that it is consistently involved in transactions involving the media and entertainment spheres, while it also excels in adjacent areas such as technology, digital content, and advertising. In New York, firm co-chair Mitchell Nussbaum is highly regarded for M&A and securities work, with a focus on the technology, life sciences, and energy sectors. Also in New York, department co-chair Lloyd Rothenberg specializes in supporting early-stage growth companies and mature companies in the TMT space. The New York group additionally draws on deputy department chairs Ronelle Porter, who represents a mix of public and private corporations and private equity funds, and Tahra Wright, who focuses on advising public companies. In Los Angeles, firm and practice co-chair Arash Khalili is well versed in M&A deals involving the media, entertainment, sports, technology and fashion industries, among others. LA-based deputy team chair Ann Chen and New York-based corporate specialist Megan Stombock are also recommended.

A regular fixture on mid-market M&A deals across the US, McGuireWoods LLP handles a steady stream of transactions for public and private companies and private equity funds. Primarily recognized for its strength in the healthcare and energy areas, during 2023/24 the team additionally demonstrated strong activity in transactions involving the consumer, industrials, technology, financial services, and real estate spheres. From Richmond, Michael Woodard chairs the M&A and energy transactions areas and has a focus on representing buyers and sellers of energy assets. Pittsburgh-based Thomas Zahn spearheads the corporate and private equity department and maintains a broad transactional practice that spans deals in the healthcare, energy, infrastructure, consumer products, and technology spaces, among others. Other notable practitioners in Richmond include Joanne Katsantonis, who is recommended for energy-related M&A; Patrick De Ridder, who brings to bear significant cross-border experience; and Brian Hager, who specializes in advising private and public companies on corporate and M&A transactions. The team also includes transactional energy specialist Jay Hughes, who splits his time between Houston and Richmond, and Charlotte-based corporate and private equity partner Chris Scheurer.

Venable LLP’s thriving M&A practice forms a key part of its wider corporate offering, where it frequently represents buyers and sellers on transactions in the technology, real estate, hospitality, life sciences, and entertainment sectors, among others. Standing out for its capability in large-scale matters, including cross-border and billion-dollar deals, the team acts for a varied mix of private and public companies and private equity clients. The team benefits from a strong platform in Washington DC, which draws on high-profile corporate co-chair Frank Ciatto, whose combination of M&A and tax law expertise marks him as a popular choice for highly structured transactions. The Washington office also includes fellow department co-chair Robert Bolger, who additionally co-heads the hospitality area, and Karen Hermann, who leads the group for the Washington and Tysons region. In New York, Mark Vecchio is noted for his experience in private equity and multi-jurisdictional deals, with a focus on the technology, telecoms, and heavy industry sectors. In Baltimore, office managing partner Charles Morton Jr, cross-border M&A specialist Anthony Rosso, and corporate and commercial partner Nicholas Collevecchio are names to note.

Ballard Spahr LLP handles a significant volume of middle-market M&A on behalf of both companies and private equity clients. Well weighted between buyer and seller-side mandates, the group handles deals in all key industry sectors, with a focus on the life sciences, TMT, manufacturing, financial services, energy, and consumer products industries. The M&A practice is led jointly by Philadelphia-based Brian Doerner and Minneapolis-based Barbara Rummel, both of whom are particularly recognized for their expertise in life sciences-related transactions. Nathan Seiler splits his time between Denver and Boulder and chairs the business and transactions department, where he specializes in advising high-growth companies on corporate matters. Other recommended names in Minneapolis include private equity specialist Maggie Tatton and Michael Kuhn, who acts for both companies and private equity funds. The national team also draws on Phoenix-based senior counsel Karen McConnell, who is a seasoned veteran in corporate and securities work, and Philadelphia’s Gregory Seltzer, whose practice spans M&A, venture capital and start-up matters.

Choate, Hall & Stewart’s Boston-based M&A practice is underpinned by its robust private equity prowess and it enjoys close relationships with major private equity funds, including Bain Capital, and their portfolio companies. The team is chiefly recognized for its experience in the technology and life sciences arenas, while it additionally brings to bear significant cross-border firepower, with a focus on deals involving Canada, Israel and Europe. John Pitfield specializes in advising private equity clients on M&A transactions and co-heads the team alongside seasoned senior counsel Brian Goldstein, who is noted for deals involving the life sciences, healthcare and medical device industries. The group also draws on corporate and securities partner Tobin Sullivan, who handles a mix of private equity and M&A work with an emphasis on the life sciences and technology spheres. In March 2024, the team welcomed a trio of M&A and private equity specialists from Lowenstein Sandler LLP: Chris Henry, Andy Erdmann, and Sabrina Cua all have experience in representing funds, companies, and investors in corporate transactions.

Katten’s M&A practice is characterized by its focus on supporting private equity clients on middle-market deals, including sponsors and management teams. The team’s sectoral knowledge spans the full range of industries, but it is predominantly associated with work in the life sciences, financial services, technology, sports, and food and beverage spheres. The global corporate practice is driven out of Chicago by Kimberly Smith, who is often engaged by private equity clients, family offices, independent sponsors, and companies to handle buy- and sell-side transactions. Christopher Atkinson, also in Chicago, co-chairs the M&A and private equity practice and is recommended for deals in the technology, life sciences, education, and manufacturing spheres. In Dallas, fellow M&A co-chair David Washburn stands out for his experience in complex contested M&A mandates. Other names to note are Chicago's Mark Grossmann, who fronts the business transactions team; Dallas-based Peter Bogdanow, who enjoys close relationships with mid-market clients, including private equity funds; and Chicago-based M&A specialist Thomas Lamprecht.

In March 2024, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton significantly bolstered its M&A offering in Chicago through a merger with local firm, HMB Legal Counsel. The move sees the arrival of ten partners and three counsel into the corporate practice including Jeffrey Hechtman, who stands out for his experience in advising privately held businesses and private equity funds. The growing group continues to shine in M&A involving regulated industries, with an emphasis on the financial institutions, private equity, energy, healthcare, and technology spheres. From Atlanta, Louis Barbieri steers the overarching corporate, M&A and securities department, where he acts for private equity funds, portfolio companies, founder owned-businesses and other corporate clients. Washington DC-based Christina Gattuso fronts the financial institutions team and specializes in banking M&A. The Atlanta office also includes veteran corporate specialist Richard Cicchillo, who is noted for his record in cross-border M&A; corporate chair Benjamin Barkley, whose work spans M&A, private equity, and securities transactions; Mick Cochran, who is recognized for his private equity prowess; and talented partner Kelsey Donnalley.

Leveraging close relationships with corporations, private clients, and private equity funds, Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP’s M&A practice stands as a key pillar of the firm’s wider corporate and securities offering. During 2023/24, the technology, real estate, financial services, and healthcare industries were key sources of work, but the Chicago-based group is active across the full suite of industry sectors. Managing partner Robert Gerber is a key name for corporate work; he is widely recognized for his expertise in advising private companies on M&A and private equity investments, while he also maintains a significant private client practice. Other senior contacts include Joshua Klein, who acts for buyers and sellers on M&A involving middle-market and large companies; Michael Gray, who fronts the private equity area; and Cristina DeMento, whose transactional expertise spans M&A, private equity and venture capital, with a focus on the technology, financial services, healthcare, and food and beverage spheres.

The dynamic M&A group at Nixon Peabody LLP secured a number of new clients in 2023/24. Most notably, it was engaged by entertainment giant Bally’s Corporation to advise on its $4.6bn acquisition by The Queen Casino & Entertainment. The team primarily handles deals worth less than $500m, with a focus on the manufacturing, technology, consumer products, life sciences, and energy industries. The corporate practice is driven out of Albany by Todd Tidgewell, who has a focus on private equity transactions. In Boston, David Martland is sought after by strategics, private equity funds, and healthcare not-for-profits to support on M&A deals, while business and finance chair Christopher Keefe handles a mix of corporate and finance work. Other recommended names include New York-based corporate veteran Richard Langan, who contributes extensive experience in cross-border transactions, and corporate and private equity specialist Brian Krob in Chicago. The department additionally benefits from a well-staffed platform in Rochester, which draws on M&A co-head Lori Green and M&A partner Eric Tanck.

Satisfied clients of Seward & Kissel LLP commend it as a ‘solutions-oriented practice that does everything possible to get the deal done’. The firm’s robust funds practice is reflected in its M&A work, with the team particularly active on behalf of private equity clients on buy- and sell-side transactions. Other sectors of focus include shipping, where it stands out for its ability to link up with its premier maritime and TMT offerings. The New York-based business transactions group is led jointly by Craig Sklar and seasoned corporate finance specialist James Abbott, both of whom represent a range of public and private companies, investment funds, business owners, and financial institutions on middle-market M&A deals. The team also benefits from the senior experience of Nick Katsanos, who is noted for M&A involving the TMT, broker-dealer, veterinary, and shipping industries, and Gerhard Anderson, who has a focus on financial services-related transactions. Danielle Lemberg is recommended for her growing activity in both strategic and private equity deals.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP possesses a full-service M&A group that acts for a broad scope of start-ups, multinational companies, and private equity funds on acquisitions, disposals, and investment transactions. The practice is historically recognized for its experience in the TMT, life sciences, manufacturing, and food and beverage sectors, while it additionally boosted its transactional energy capability with the recent hire of Houston-based Christopher Cottrell from Polsinelli PC. In Chicago, department co-chair Suzanne Saxman contributes diverse industry experience, with strong showings in M&A involving the gaming, financial services, and waste management spheres. Andrew Lucano co-chairs the team from New York and maintains a broad corporate practice spanning M&A, capital markets, and governance issues. In Houston, Paul Pryzant specializes in representing strategic buyers, private equity funds, and portfolio companies in middle-market deals, while Stanley Bloch is an experienced M&A partner in New York. The team additionally draws on up-and-coming practitioners Aaron Gillett and Breanne Vaclavik, both of whom are based in Chicago.

A middle-market stalwart, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP supports strategics, entrepreneurs, and private equity clients on buy- and sell-side M&A transactions. During 2023/24, the team delivered a dominant performance in media and entertainment-related deals, where it acted for major industry names such as Lionsgate Entertainment and Toho Company - it also recently handled matters in the healthcare, financial services, and aerospace and defense sectors. In San Diego, Jeralin Cardoso is sought after for her specialist expertise in healthcare transactions. Cardoso co-heads the national corporate practice together with San Diego-based John Tishler, whose practice encompasses corporate, finance, and capital markets work, and New York-based counsel John Hempill, who has an emphasis on M&A and venture capital. The practice also benefits from a strong platform in Los Angeles, which includes David Sands, whose practice intersects corporate, entertainment, technology, and advertising law; and Zachary Turke, who spearheads the M&A team, as well as the aerospace, defense and government services practice.

During 2023/24, Squire Patton Boggs’ thriving corporate practice secured a slew of new clients, including public entities such as Gladstone Land Corporation and SLM Corporation. The group handles M&A transactions for a variety of domestic and multinational companies, shareholders, management teams, and private equity clients, while its extensive sector focus spans the chemicals, defense, government services, life sciences and TMT areas, among others. In Cleveland, Americas corporate chair Cipriano Beredo possesses formidable international experience and has completed deals in over 30 countries. The Cleveland office also benefits from the expertise of global managing partner Michele Connell, who exhibits strong skill sets in cross-border transactions and M&A involving highly regulated markets. In Washington DC, Abby Brown serves as deputy leader of the corporate group, where she acts as relationship partner to more than 50 global clients. Also recommended are Los Angeles managing partner James Hsu, who is recognized for his record in deals involving Latin America and China, and Cleveland-based M&A and securities specialist Daniel Berick.

Impressing with its ‘depth of knowledge and experience’, Thompson Hine LLP’s national M&A practice serves the full spectrum of entrepreneurs, private and public companies, and private equity funds from its eight platforms across the US. The team’s sector expertise is equally comprehensive and it is regularly involved in deals in all key industry spheres, with a particular focus on the chemicals, life sciences, manufacturing, retail, and TMT areas. Corporate transactions and securities head Frank Chaiken operates from the Chicago and Cincinnati offices and brings to bear significant experience in life sciences and cross-border deals. In Cleveland, M&A head William Henry is recommended for his strong skill sets in middle-market M&A and private equity work. In New York, corporate and securities vice chair Stuart Welburn is dual England & Wales- and US-qualified and is noted for his track record in international transactions. The team also includes corporate and securities specialists Tony Kuhel and Todd Schild, who are based in Cleveland and Cincinnati respectively.

Valued for its ability to ‘craft unique legal strategies’, ArentFox Schiff’s close relationships with domestic and multinational middle-market companies and private equity funds translates into a robust M&A practice. The wider firm’s thriving healthcare and sports law offerings generate a steady stream of work in those areas, while the team also handles deals concerning the financial services, education, hospitality, and transport spheres, among others. The department is driven out of Chicago by David McHugh, who specializes in representing public and private companies on M&A and general corporate matters. The Chicago office also includes Steve Isaacs, who has a prominent record in life sciences-related transactions, and Matthew Galo, who focuses on representing private companies and their owners and investors in corporate deals. Additionally, corporate finance partner Jay Halpern is recommended in Washington DC, while Deborah DiVerdi Carlson is a key contact in Boston.

Noted for its significant private equity dimension, Bass, Berry & Sims PLC’s M&A practice had a banner year for healthcare-related private equity transactions during 2024. Other sector strong suits for the Nashville-based group include manufacturing, technology, and transport. Michael Holley chairs the overarching corporate and securities department and specializes in advising private equity clients, strategic investors, and portfolio companies on middle-market M&A deals. Ryan Thomas spearheads the private equity team and is noted for his formidable record in healthcare transactions. Angela Humphreys chairs the healthcare practice and focuses exclusively on M&A involving the healthcare and life sciences spheres. Page Davidson maintains a broad M&A practice, with experience in representing public and private companies on buy- and sell-side transactions across the life sciences, hospitality, technology, and retail sectors, among others. Riney Green, whose clients include companies and private equity sponsors, is also recommended.

Lauded for its ‘practical solutions and ideas’, Cozen O'Connor’s M&A practice counts a mix of start-ups, middle-market companies, and large-cap public corporations among its clients. The team also stands out for its growing cross-border capability, which utilizes the firm’s offices in the UK and Canada. In Philadelphia, Ira Gubernick has an emphasis on transactions concerning the healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and retail industries, while Larry Laubach is recognized for his work in the M&A and venture capital fields; together they serve as co-heads of the corporate department. From New York, Christian Moretti spearheads the M&A group and contributes ‘broad legal expertise and transactional experience’. Martin Schrier is a name to note in Miami, where he specializes in M&A, venture capital, and private equity, with a focus on technology, financial services, and life sciences-related deals. Minneapolis-based private equity chair Christopher Bellini also handles a significant volume of M&A work.

As a national firm focused on healthcare, life sciences, and employment work, Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. brings to bear niche expertise in heavily regulated healthcare transactions. The corporate group is routinely engaged by independent hospitals, physician groups, and health systems, as well as private equity sponsors, to provide assistance on a myriad of M&A deals, investment transactions, and strategic partnerships. In Washington DC, seasoned specialist Mark Lutes is highly regarded for his focus on healthcare transactions and associated regulatory matters. Lutes co-heads the department together with Washington-based healthcare litigator George Breen and Chicago-based corporate and regulatory partner Amy Dow, who places an emphasis on representing pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies on M&A and compliance issues. In Newark, Anjana Patel is sought after for healthcare transactions.

The ‘responsive, creative and engaged’ group at Foley Hoag LLP is geared to support on an array of acquisitions, dispositions, SPAC-related matters, and distressed M&A transactions. The technology sector proved a particularly fruitful area of work during 2023/24, with the team securing key roles on a string of sell- and buy-side mandates in this space. Other industry strengths include life sciences, energy, and manufacturing. Corporate veteran William Kolb co-heads the department and is equipped to handle middle-market domestic and cross-border deals. Up-and-coming partner Corey Brown co-leads the practice and counts a mix of strategics and private equity funds among his clients. The team further includes Erica Rice, who is recognized for her record in cannabis transactions; Peter Rosenblum, who is praised as being ‘in a league of his own’; and Mark Haddad, who is noted for his relationships with serial acquirers. All named lawyers are based in Boston.

Serving buyers, sellers, private equity funds, and boards of directors, Husch Blackwell LLP advises on a broad spread of M&A, hostile takeovers, exchange offers, and take-private transactions. During 2023/24, the team notched up strong activity in the healthcare and life sciences spheres, while it also handled M&A deals in the manufacturing, education, energy, and retail sectors, among others. Kirstin Salzman steers the department from Kansas City, where she specializes in M&A with a focus on the manufacturing, distribution, and healthcare industries. The Kansas City team also includes Edward Wilson, who is noted for his close relationships with private fund clients. In Milwaukee, Philip Koutnik maintains a comprehensive corporate practice that spans M&A, divestitures, reorganizations, and general commercial work. Also noted is Madison-based Thomas Shorter, who is recommended for healthcare-related transactions.

Distinguished by its record in the financial services space, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP also counts healthcare, technology, retail, and media and entertainment among its core industry specialisms. Active on behalf of private equity and strategic clients, the group acts for a diversified mix of domestic and multinational names on middle-market transactions. From Washington DC, Scott Schwartz spearheads the M&A, capital markets, private equity, and finance department and maintains a comprehensive corporate finance practice. In Orange County, Thomas Poletti is noted for middle-market M&A deals involving the technology, manufacturing, financial services, and consumer products spheres. In San Francisco, Craig Miller advises public and private companies and private equity funds on M&A, with a focus on life sciences and financial services. Rounding out the key partners is Los Angeles-based Veronica Lah, whose experience spans buy- and sell-side acquisitions, disposals, and business combinations.

Massumi + Consoli LLP’s middle-market focused M&A group is composed of an ‘immensely talented group of individuals’, according to a client. The increasingly prominent team added nine new clients during 2023/24, including multinational names such as Asahi Kasei and AGF Management. Among the stand-out practitioners in Los Angeles, co-founding partner Peter Massumi possesses a thriving transactional practice that encompasses M&A and private equity matters across the West Coast. Fellow founding partner Anthony Consoli is based in New York and, together with Massumi, is highlighted for his ability to provide a ‘level of care that rivals the biggest firms in the market’. The Los Angeles office also includes Michael Young, who enjoys close relationships with private equity funds as well as public and private companies; and Daniel Dubelman, whose practice is also weighted towards private equity.

With a marked focus on deals in the $10m-$250m bracket, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP’s M&A group is valued for its ability to ‘strike a balance between the client’s commercial goals and legal risks’. The sizeable national group draws on over 150 lawyers across the US, which equips it to handle transactions across all key industry sectors, with its recent highlights spanning the technology, healthcare, automotive, and financial services spheres. Columbia-based Gus Dixon co-chairs the department and maintains a broad corporate practice that intersects M&A, private equity, and corporate governance. The group is additionally co-led by Baltimore-based Colleen Pleasant Kline and Atlanta managing partner Michael Hollingsworth, both of whom focus on middle-market M&A. Also noted in Atlanta are William Ching, who chairs the private equity and venture capital group, and Brian Galison, who specializes in M&A involving the TMT, manufacturing, and financial services areas.

Nutter, McClennen & Fish, LLP is well positioned to support private equity clients, strategic buyers, and targets across a wide range of domestic and cross-border M&A transactions. Demonstrating adept handling of deals across all key industry spheres, the team recorded particularly strong showings in the financial services, food and beverage, technology, and manufacturing sectors during 2023/24. Shannon Zollo chairs the M&A and private equity practice; he recently teamed up with corporate partner Meghan Kelly and the banking department to advise Eastern Bankshares on its $528m merger with Cambridge Trust, and also on on a concurrent $510m sale transaction. The team further benefits from the senior experience of Thomas Rosedale, who chairs the corporate and transactions department, and Michael Kushnir, who is well versed in M&A, private equity, and venture capital work. Named attorneys are based in Boston.

Middle-market M&A is a mainstay at Troutman Pepper Locke LLP, with the team mainly recognized for its work advising public and private companies and private equity funds on deals in the technology and life sciences areas. Wilmington-based Matthew Greenberg chairs the corporate practice and assists clients with all aspects of M&A transactions, including corporate governance matters. From Richmond, Mason Bayler spearheads the transactional department and can turn his hand to deals across all major industry spheres, including recent mandates in the energy, transport, infrastructure, and technology sectors. In Philadelphia, Bruce Fenton is a key contact for private equity-related M&A, while corporate and securities specialist Joseph Kadlec has a focus on the healthcare, life sciences, technology, and food and beverage arenas.

Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP recently reinforced its New York-based M&A and corporate advisory practice through the hire of three new partners. Duo James Fang and Peter Rooney specialize in M&A and private equity and arrived from legacy firm Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, while Sarah Chen joined from DLx Law and focuses on M&A involving digital assets. The ‘responsive and approachable’ team continues to be led by Helene Banks, who acts for the full chain of sellers, acquirers, shareholders, and investors in middle-market M&A deals. The team also includes Donna Bryan, who maintains a robust corporate finance practice with a focus on the TMT,  financial services, healthcare, and retail industries; and Emeka Chinwuba, who contributes strong experience in energy and infrastructure-related work.

Supported by an extensive network of offices across the US and Canada, Dickinson Wright PLLC’s M&A team is engaged by clients across the healthcare and dentistry, financial services, food and beverage, manufacturing, and TMT industries. Particularly active in lower-value transactions, the group handles the full scope of acquisitions, disposals, share transfers, and investment transactions. Scot Crow spearheads the corporate, private equity, and M&A department; he splits his time between Columbus and Denver and possesses a broad corporate practice that also encompasses tax law matters. The group further includes Columbus-based Benton Bodamer, whose client roster encompasses private and public companies and private equity sponsors; Detroit-based Amy Kwiatkowski, who serves as deputy chair of the corporate and M&A practice; and Detroit-based private equity-focused partners Richard Bolton and Allison Bach.

Housing a full-spectrum corporate offering, Duane Morris LLP acts for entrepreneurs, small-to-large businesses, and private equity funds on mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, and associated corporate compliance matters. Chicago-based corporate finance specialist Brian Kerwin chairs the national department and his practice intersects M&A, finance, private equity, and venture capital transactions. In Los Angeles, Justin Santarosa is sought after by acquirers and sellers to support on deals in the consumer products, energy, financial services, life sciences, and transport areas. Michael Schwamm is a key contact in New York, where he specializes in M&A, securities, and technology law. Houston-based Shelton Vaughan, who fronts the energy industry group, is also noted for M&A deals.

Possessing an increasingly dynamic M&A practice, Greenberg Traurig added a raft of new clients during 2023/24, including consumer products platform Sweet Oak, which it represented in its $625m acquisition of Whole Earth Brands. The team also supports its broad base of domestic and multinational companies and private equity clients on sell-side M&A and investment transactions. A quartet of dealmakers heads up the national group including Bruce March, who is the key name in Fort Lauderdale where he focuses on private equity-related work, and Miami-based veteran Alan Annex, who frequently handles large-cap and middle-market M&A deals. The department is additionally co-led by Los Angeles-based Mark Kelson and New York’s Ejim Achi, whose work centers on private equity.

Primarily active in lower middle-market transactions, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP’s M&A group represents both public and private companies, while it also secures a growing volume of mandates from private equity clients. From Chicago, Timothy Lavender steers the overarching corporate practice, where he leverages experience across the complete life cycle of corporate transactions. Also recommended in Chicago are M&A head Andrew Pillsbury, who specializes in transactions in the transport and logistics areas; Jennifer Norkus, who is increasingly involved in many of the group’s most high-profile deals; and technology transactions head Michael Ryan. Key names in New York include securities and capital markets lead Michael Adelstein and India practice chair Deepak Nambiar.

Lawyers in Moore & Van Allen, PLLC’s M&A group are commended for being ‘clear and crisp in their thinking’. The wider firm’s energy and natural resources practice is a significant driver of transactional work, with the department’s close relationship with Nucor providing a steady stream of M&A mandates. The Charlotte-based team is led jointly by Jeremy Godwin, who handles a mix of M&A and capital markets work, and energy industry expert Joe Fernandez, who specializes in representing traditional and renewable energy clients as acquirers and sellers. Other key practitioners include Bill Zimmern, who focuses on private equity-related M&A, and Rob Rust, who is noted for transactions involving manufacturing and private equity clients.

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP’s Atlanta-based M&A practice finds favor for its ability to provide ‘small focused teams that really know the client’s business’. The team’s work is particularly concentrated in the technology area, where it acts for both strategics and private equity clients on M&A, joint venture, and investment transactions. Other industry specialisms include fintech, healthcare, and financial services. The department is led by David Calhoun, whose practice encompasses corporate, M&A, and private equity work. Scott Allen, Chris Maxwell and Nick Reuter left the firm in January 2025.

Routinely tasked with supporting companies and investors, Pryor Cashman LLP assists with the full M&A process, from preparing bids through to negotiations and proxy fights. The firm’s formidable IP and TMT offerings are reflected in its corporate practice, and it is a popular choice to advise on matters involving the media and entertainment, life sciences, and technology industries. From New York, a quartet of partners co-head the team: John Crowe splits his practice between corporate, banking and finance, and media and entertainment law; Ali Panjwani additionally chairs the securities and corporate finance area and advises a panoply of public and private companies, banks, funds, and venture capitalists; Lawrence Spector’s work intersects corporate and finance transactions; and Michael Weinsier is recommended for M&A and private equity.

An ‘entrepreneurial firm’, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth stands out for its ‘good business judgement’, which can be attributed to its decision to staff its teams with former investment bankers and in-house counsel. The group serves a multitude of early-stage start-ups, public companies, and private equity clients, with a marked focus on deals in the life sciences, technology, retail, and consumer products arenas. Chris Ivey and Tom Waldman jointly lead the team from Newport Beach and Los Angeles respectively; both represent companies and private equity clients on buy- and sell-side transactions. Additionally, Los Angeles-based Shoshana Zimmerman is recommended for her growing emerging companies practice, while Newport Beach-based Arash Lessantiz provides dedicated practice support.

Among Sullivan & Worcester LLP’s key assets, the M&A team stands out for its ability to act alongside the firm’s premiere fintech practice to pack a punch in cutting-edge transactions in the online payments and cryptocurrency fields. The group’s international network, which spans offices in the UK and Israel, is also a significant draw for multinational clients. From Boston, Lewis Segall steers the corporate department, where he leverages experience in representing companies and private equity clients in deals across the energy, life sciences, TMT, and manufacturing sectors. Boston-based Benjamin Armour spearheads the standalone M&A group and has an emphasis on cross-border matters. Corporate finance partner Avinash Rao and fintech and blockchain group chair Natalie Lederman are also recommended in Boston.

An array of public and private companies, family offices, and private equity funds rely on Wiggin and Dana LLP for support on middle-market M&A deals. The team demonstrates adept handling of transactions across the full spread of industry sectors, but it is chiefly associated with matters concerning the life sciences, financial services, TMT, manufacturing, and consumer products areas. In Stamford, Mark Kaduboski is ‘always thinking about the big picture’; he co-chairs the M&A practice together with Stamford-based corporate and private equity specialist Heather Rahilly, and New York-based M&A and emerging companies partner Andrew Ritter. The Stamford office also includes seasoned corporate head William Perrone, who is recommended for his vast experience in advising emerging technology companies.