Foley Hoag was founded in 1943 in Boston. That office remains the firm’s headquarters and largest office. However, since its founding, it has added offices in New York, Washington D.C. and Paris. In addition to its physical global presence, the firm is a part of LexMundi. 

Focusses / specialisms

The firm’s Boston office is a market leader in M&A in the region, but also does great work in banking. In banking, the team advises borrowers in term loans and credit facilities for general financing, project financing and acquisition financing. In M&A, the team represents private equity and strategic buyers and sellers in acquisition, merger and joint venture related matters. Though the firm has experience in a variety of industries, it is particularly prevalent in healthcare, life sciences, pharmaceuticals and technology. 

Key clients

Key clients for the firm include Biogen, Sensata Technologies, Indigo Ag, Thermo Fish Scientific, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Recorded Future, OnShape, New-Indy Containerboard, Entegris, JMC Capital Partners at ezCater.

Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)

Throughout the research period, the banking team worked as borrowers’ counsel for mostly general financing and acquisition financing. It also worked on a couple of project financing transactions.

The M&A team represented largely strategic acquirers and sellers in acquisitions. It did also represent a couple of private equity firms. Across all practice areas, the firm maintained strongholds in biotech, healthcare and life sciences.

The firm brought over partners Alison Bauer and William Gray from Torys in 2019. Both partners specialize in distressed M&A and bankruptcy. 

Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)

Alexion $1.2 billion acquisition of Achillion 

Biogen $1 billion revolving credit facility

Thermo Fisher Scientific $1.7 billion acquisition of BrammerBio

Client feedback: 30th edition (2019/2020)

Capital markets: debt

“The partner and associate we worked with were extremely knowledgeable, insightful and supportive throughout the process. They did the work efficiently and promptly which enabled us to meet an important deadline.”