Brown Rudnick
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck was founded in 1968. Since then, it has expanded to 13 offices in in seven states.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is top tier in Nevada in M&A and also highly regard in Colorado for its work in the financial and corporate practice areas. Key partners include Nicole Ament who is the chair of the real estate practice.
Though the firm does outstanding work in Nevada and Colorado, it also maintains teams in Washington DC, California, Wyoming, New Jersey and New Mexico.
In Colorado, the firm does great work in banking and finance, real estate and M&A. The banking and finance team represents borrowers in project financing, capital markets investments and securitizations.
The real estate team represents property developers and investors in commercial and residential real estate development and acquisition transactions.
The M&A team represents private equity and strategic buyers and sellers in acquisition and joint venture related acquisitions.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Blue & Silver, Etkin Johnson Real Estate Partners, Brue Capital, the Colorado Rockies, Bow River Capital Partners, Nexus Technologies, Caesars Entertainment, AmTrans Expedite and Encore Consumer Capital.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Over the research period the banking team advised borrowers, many of whom were private equity clients in confidential financing matters.
The M&A team continued to represent mostly strategic buyers and sellers in acquisition related matters. It also worked with private equity firms on M&A agreements.
The real estate team continued to represent developers and investors regarding commercial and residential real estate development projects in Colorado, largely in Denver.
In terms of lateral movements, real estate partner Ana Tenzer left for Hogan Lovells, real estate partner Noelle Riccardella left for Williams Weese Pepple & Ferguson and real estate of counsel left for Otten Johnson. In the corporate practice area, partner Darryl Landahl was brought over after serving in-house. Partner Christopher Reiss left for Polsinelli. In banking and finance, of counsel Jason Larkin was brought over from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and partner Mark Oveson left to become a software engineer.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Colorado Rockies $300 million mixed use entertainment district project
Nexus Technologies acquisition of Notonsite
DLA Piper
Business firm DLA Piper was born in 2005 from the largest ever merger in the legal industry between Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, Piper Rudnick and DLA. The international law firm has offices in almost every region in the world. In the United States, the firm has 28 offices in every region of the country.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a plethora of teams spread out across the country. Its Baltimore, Maryland offices particularly have a top tier M&A practice.
Firm wide it has a notable projects practice. The projects team is especially focused on project financing, where it represents lenders in financing projects in the mining, power, energy and infrastructure industries. Most of its projects are cross border internatioanlly.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include CIT Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Coöperatieve Rabobank, ING Capital, Natixis, OPIC, IDB, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Central American Bank for Economic Integration, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Citibank and Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
During the research period the projects team represented multinational lenders in financing projects chiefly in the renewable energy and infrastructure industries. Solar and wind energy comprised most of the renewable energy projects. Most of the projects are based outside of the United States.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Amman East 400MW combined cycle power plant restructuring
Ruta del Cacao toll road
Zaporizhia 500MW wind farm
Duane Morris
Full-service firm Duane Morris got its start in Philadelphia but has since expanded to 29 offices over three continents. In the United States, the firm has 22 offices spread through the country. Though the firm is headquartered in Philadelphia, the New York offices are among the firm’s largest.
With 22 offices spread out across the country, it is safe to say that each of Duane Morris’ locations have different expertise. Throughout the firm, there are teams in the banking, capital markets, M&A and restructuring and insolvency practices.
The teams at Duane Morris are particularly active in
the banking, capital markets, M&A and restructuring and insolvency practices. The firm's banking department advised banks as agents and lenders, as well as borrowers on syndicated loans and senior credit facilities with a focus on the automobile industry.
Foley Hoag
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.”
Hogan Lovells
Hogan Lovells was formed in 2010 through the merger of Hogan & Hartson and Lovells. The full-service firm now has offices in North America, South America, Europe, Asia,
Australia and Africa. In the United States, it has 15 offices throughout the country. Within the United States, the firm is known for its work in capital markets, M&A and restructuring and insolvency.
In Boston, the firm’s M&A team works on complex carve-out acquisitions in the technology and healthcare sectors. It also advises on
novel joint ventures in the automotive industry.
McDermott Will & Emery
McDermott Will & Emery is an international firm founded and headquartered in Chicago. It has offices in 13 locations in the United States, and seven offices across five European countries.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm does notable work across many financial and corporate practice areas including banking, M&A, private equity, project finance and restructuring and insolvency.
In banking work the firm represents borrowers and lenders in term loans, secured and unsecured credit facilities, subordinated debt facility and refinancings.
The M&A team represents private equity and strategic buyers and sellers in acquisition, mergers and corporate reorganization related matters.
In real estate, the team represents lenders in mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, acquisition financing, joint ventures and acquisitions.
In restructuring and insolvency work the firm represents creditors, debtors and trustees in insolvency, financial restructuring, Chapter 11 and Chapter 9 bankruptcy cases.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Natixis Real Estate Capital, Apollo Global Management, Fireman Capital Partners, Rhône Group, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, US Bank, HIG Capital, Peak Rock Capital, Dogfish Head Brewery, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Premier and Wells Fargo Capital Finance.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Over the research period the banking team worked on numerous loans and credit facilities.
In M&A, the team worked on mostly acquisition related matters, representing both buyers and sellers across a wide variety of industries. The team represented a large amount of private equity acquirers.
The restructuring and insolvency team represented largely indenture trustee and debtors in financial restructuring and Chapter 11 cases.
The New York real estate team hired partners Pejman Razavilar, Stacie Trott and Todd Eisner in 2019.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Boston Beer Company / Dogfish Head Brewery merger
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico restructuring
Fireman Capital Partners initial investment in Garden Remedies Holdings
HIG Capital acquisition of Lipari Foods
Maefield Development $1.9 billion acquisition of 20 Times Square
PG&E Chapter 11 restructuring
Premier $1.35 billion credit facility
Morgan Lewis & Bockius
Since its founding in 1873, Morgan Lewis & Bockius has massively expanded from one office in Philadelphia to 31 offices across three continents. In the United States, there are 17 offices across 11 states.
The firm has market leading teams in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Firm wide, it is particularly well known for its work in the structured finance and securitization, hedge funds, oil and gas projects and power project practices.
Murphy & King
Murphy & King is a regional market-leading firm in restructuring and insolvency in Massachusetts. It was founded in 1980 and has since added an office in New York.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a top tier restructuring and insolvency team. It represents debtors, trustees, creditors and property owners in Chapter 11 and 7 proceedings, distressed M&A and out of court restructurings.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Cashman Equipment, KCST USA and Bright Star Ventures.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Throughout the research period, the restructuring and insolvency team advised mostly trustees in associated Chapter 7 and 11 proceedings as well as out of court financial insolvencies. It also advised clients in associated distressed asset and company sales.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Cashman Equipment Chapter 11 restructuring
Ropes & Gray
Ropes & Gray was founded in 1865 in Boston. It has since expanded globally to 11 offices in three continents. In the United States the firm has offices in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Washington DC.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is best known for its work in the United States for financial services regulatory, private equity and registered funds’ work.
The firm’s Boston office is market leader in the region in banking, capital markets and M&A.
In banking the firm represents borrowers and lenders in acquisition financing, refinancing and general corporate financing.
The capital markets practice has experience on both the issuer and underwriter side in debt, equity, derivatives and structured finance and securitizations matters. In the debt capital markets, the firm works on investment grade and high yield bond offerings. On the equity capital markets side, the team has experience in IPOs, share offerings, share buybacks and follow on offerings. In derivatives, the team works on hedges and regulatory CFTC compliance. Structured finance and securitizations work includes ABS’, CLOs and whole business securitizations.
In the investment funds practice the firm primarily works with private equity funds, hedge funds and registered funds in fund formation, investments and fund raising.
The private equity and M&A practices advise clients on the buy and sell side in acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures.
The restructuring and insolvency team represents creditors, debtors and trustees in out of court restructurings and Chapter 11 proceedings.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Bain Capital, Golden Gate Capital, Genstar Capital, IQVIA, Surgery Partners, Michaels Stores, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Beam Therapeutics, Wright Medical Group, Domino’s Pizza, Planet Fitness, Dunkin’ Brands Group, BlackRock, Paine Schwartz & Partners, CCMP Capital, Ashmore Investment Advisors, Athyrium Capital Management, PIMCO, Baring Private Equity Asia, TPG Capital, Audax Group, Deutsche Bank Securities, PJT Partners, Veeam Software, the Baupost Group, Elliott Management and Marathon Asset Management.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
In the most recent research period, the banking team largely represented private equity firms on the borrower side in acquisition finance matters.
The debt capital markets team worked on a mix of investment grade and high yield bond offerings, many of which were connected to acquisition financing.
The equity capital markets team worked on a lot of IPOs and follow on offerings, especially in the life sciences industry.
Most of the derivatives work was related to regulatory CFTC compliance.
In structured finance and securitizations, most of the work was related to ABS’ and whole business securitizations.
In investment funds the firm continued assisting with fund formations and investments for leading private equity, hedge and registered funds.
In M&A and private equity, the teams acted on both the buy and sell side in high value acquisitions.
The restructuring and insolvency team acted for many creditors in Chapter 11 proceedings and out of court restructurings. Firm wide, technology, healthcare and life sciences were big industries.
Regarding lateral moves the banking team brought over partners Andrea Hwang and Leonard Klingbaum from Willkie Farr & Gallagher. Partner Sunil Savkar left to join Debevoise & Plimpton. In private equity, the firm brought over partners Martin Ruhaak, Scott Abramowitz and Carolyn Vardi from Katten Muchin, Kramer Levin and White & Case, respectively. New York partner Cristine Pirro Schwarzman moved to Ropes & Gray from Kirkland & Ellis.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
ArcLight Capital Partners Fund VII
Avantor NYSE IPO
Bain Capital financing for acquisition of US Renal Care
Clarivate Analytics $4.2 billion acquisition of Churchill Capital
Dunkin’ $1.7 billion ABS
IQVIA €720 million 4.875% bond issueLine Corp / Yahoo Japan merger
PG&E Chapter 11 restructuring
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom
Full-service international firm Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom was founded in New York in 1948 and this branch remains its headquarters and largest office. It has since expanded to 22 offices across three continents. In the United States, the firm has offices in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, Washington DC and Wilmington.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s New York, Washington DC, California, Illinois and Massachusetts offices are market leaders in their regions across financial and corporate practices. It also has standout offices in Texas and Delaware.
The banking team acts on the lender and borrower side in acquisition finance, multicurrency finance, DIP finance, project finance and refinancing.
In financial services regulatory work the team advises banking and financial institutions in compliance matters related to investments and acquisitions.
The capital markets practice works on debt, equity and securitization matters on both the issuer and underwriter side. In debt capital markets work the firm acts on investment grade and high yield bond offerings. The equity capital markets side works on IPOs, tender offers, common and preferred share offerings, follow on offerings and recapitalizations. In securitizations the team works on commercial paper programs, receivables backed securitizations, ABS’, CLOs and mortgage backed securitizations.
The investment funds practice works with asset management and private equity firms in fund formations, fund IPOs, and fund investments.
The M&A team acts on the buy and sell side in high value private equity and strategic acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures.
The firm also has a private equity practice that assists with private equity buyout related acquisitions.
The project development team represents developers and financiers in projects in the oil and gas, infrastructure and energy industries.
The restructuring and insolvency team acts on behalf of debtors and creditors in out of court restructurings and Chapter 11 and 15 proceedings.
Though the firm is active across all industries, it is particularly active in technology, real estate, banking and financial services and pharmaceuticals.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include First BanCorp, Crédit Agricole, Banco Azteca, Centene, Zillow, Bank of America, Scotia Capital, Citigroup, CEMEX, Pfizer, Morgan Stanley, PayPal, Barclays, Eaton Vance, Fair Oaks Capital, AES, BlackRock, Tennenbaum Capital Partners, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, NextEra Energy Partners, Exact Sciences, Array BioPharma, DowDuPont, The Blackstone Group, Aflac, Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, UBS, Synergy Pharmaceuticals and Stearns Holdings.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Over the research period the financial services regulatory team advised banks and financial institutions in compliance matters stemming from high value acquisitions and investments. Much of the work that the banking team participated in was related to acquisition financing on the borrower side. It also did a significant amount of lender side work in DIP financing.
The investment funds team largely worked on fund formations, but also advised clients on fund maintenance matters including investments and regulatory compliance.
The M&A team acted on the buy and sell side in many of the country’s largest strategic acquisitions and mergers. It also worked on a significant number of important private equity acquisitions, with the assistance of the private equity practice.
The project development team was particularly active in the renewable energy and transportation infrastructure industries.
The restructuring and insolvency team largely represented debtors in out of court restructurings and Chapter 11 proceedings.
Firm wide, banking and financial services, pharmaceuticals, real estate and technology were big industries of deal acticity.
In 2019, New York based investment funds partner Lawrence Frishman retired. The Palo Alto office added M&A partner Michael Ringler, who came from Wilson Sonsini.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
BA Credit Card Trust $1.25 billion Class A 2019-1 ABS
Centene $7 billion triple tranche 4.750%, 4.250% and 4.625% bond issue
Fidelity National Information Services / WorldPay merger
Further Global Capital Management / Stone Point Capital $4.2 billion acquisition of Duff & Phelps
Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Chapter 15 bankruptcy
Newark Liberty International Airport ConRAC facility
Pinterest NYSE IPO
Zillow $1.5 billion financing
Weil Gotshal & Manges
Since its founding in 1931, Weil Gotshal & Manges has grown to become one of the country’s leading firms in M&A, private equity and restructuring and insolvency. It has also physically grown to 15 offices across three continents. There are eight offices in the United States: Boston, Dallas, Houston, Miami, New York, Princeton, Silicon Valley and Washington DC. The New York office serves as the firm’s headquarters and is also its largest.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is a market leader in M&A, private equity and restructuring and insolvency, but it is also well known for its work in the banking, structured finance and securitization and private equity funds practices. Overall it is a strong firm across all financial and corporate practices.
In regulatory financial services, the firm advises banking and financial institutions in matters related to acquisition and corporate compliance and governance. It also advises clients in monetary policies such the Volcker Rule, Dodd-Frank Act, National Bank Act and International Banking Act.
In banking, the firm acts on both the borrower and lender side in bridge loans, term loans, working capital facilities and credit facilities regarding acquisition financing, refinancing and DIP financing.
In capital markets, the firm advises issuers and underwriters alike in debt, equity and securitization related matters. In debt capital markets, the capital markets tea advises clients in investment grade and high yield bond offerings. On the equity side, the firm works on transactions related to tender offers, share offerings, secondary offerings and IPOs.
In structured finance and securitizations, the team advises clients in ABS offerings and CLOs. Many of these transactions on all sides of capital markets were used as a form of acquisition financing.
The M&A practice acts on the buy and sell side in high value strategic and private equity acquisitions.
The firm has a strong private equity practice that advises private equity firms in fund formations and acquisitions.
Additionally, the New York office has so much experience in the real estate industry that it has its own practice dedicated to advising clients related to development, financing and REITs in any matter regarding real estate. This includes acquisitions, management agreements, financing, development and related aspects of Chapter 11 proceedings.
Weil prides itself on its commitment to gender diversity, talent management and innovation. Most notably, it has an incredibly strong work-life balance as recognized through numerous accolades.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Citi, JP Morgan, Johnson & Johnson, Campbell Soup, Morgan Stanley, Brookfield Property REIT, Eli Lilly, Advent International, Ceridian HCM Holding, Guggenheim Securities, Atalaya Capital Management, Hertz, Genstar Capital, Brookfield Asset Management, Atlas Partners, Softbank, Willis Towers Watson and Total.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Over the research period, the banking team advised a mix of borrowers and lenders in high value acquisition financing and refinancing matters. It also worked on a couple of DIP financing matters related to larger Chapter 11 proceedings.
The debt capital markets saw a lot of investment grade bond issuances used for acquisition financing.
In equity capital markets, the team worked on mostly IPOs and secondary offerings.
The structured finance and securitization practice saw more ABS’, but also dealt with CLOs.
In M&A, the team continued to represent clients in high value acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures.
The private equity practice advised private equity firms in billion dollar fund formations as well as buy and sell side acquisitions.
In terms of lateral moves, the Houston office brought over private equity partner Jeff Malonson from King & Spalding. The New York office brought over real estate partner Evan Levy from Skadden.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Brookfield $13.2 billion acquisition of Johnson Controls’ Power Solutions
Brookfield Infrastructure Fund IV $20 billion fund formation
Capital One $9 billion acquisition of Walmart’s credit card portfolio
Ford Motor Company $16 billion financing
Hasbro $1 billion common share offering
Jack in the Box $1.3 billion ABS
Occidental Petroleum $13 billion fixed and floating rate bond offering
Client feedback: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Capital markets: structured finance and securitization
“High partner involvement. Well integrated across global offices. Strong associates.”
Investment funds
“Weil consistently demonstrates a deep and sincere commitment to client service. They treat our problems as their problems and work together with us as a team to solve them.”
M&A
“Excellent work ethic, efficient, great advice and execution.”
“I appreciate the small, consistent, dedicated core team. Very responsive and engaged.”
“The firm is collaborative, accessible and best in class. Single points of contact provide comprehensive advice in connection with issues that are practical and business efficient and thoughtful – facilitation is the focus.”
“Highly qualified legal professions who bring deep relevant experience in practice areas. Teams assigned are strong and appropriate for projects.”
“Very prompt turnaround, strong commercial acumen.”
“The Team at Weil are coordinated, available, practical and focused on delivering an end to end solution when issues arrive. We primarily deal with one key advisor in connection with an issue who coordinates with the Weil Team to provide coordinated and complete advice in connection with issues. They are best in class attorneys that make it a priority to learn and understand the business and its priorities to work effectively to help us achieve our goals.”
“Weil (particularly Craig Adas) makes a huge effort to know us well, to know what issues are most important to us when we acquire a company or engage in JV discussions, etc. Craig does an excellent job helping us focus on the issues that really matter and not wasting time on things that don't (he is not into winning deal points just to win). Weil's position in the market and deal volume also help us ensure we don't poison a deal by taking off market positions--they know the tech M&A market very well.”
Private equity
“Market leaders. Industry knowledge. Efficient team and service structure. Good at planning and strategy and making process efficient including working on tight deadlines.”
“Subject matter expertise, responsiveness, practical advice.”
Restructuring and insolvency
“Completeness of advice, legal actions, setting up negotiations and new financing.”
