In a difficult market in which to execute merger and acquisition transactions, strategic and financial buyers aggressively compete for investment opportunities and look for creative advice to help them achieve their objectives. Even more noteworthy, cross-border transactions and investments in emerging markets in Asia and elsewhere are taking on a greater prominence in the M&A marketplace by offering companies an opportunity to build scale and realize the greatest returns on investment.
The M&A team at O’Melveny guides sophisticated companies and financial investors through the complexities of merging, acquiring, investing in and disposing of businesses, whether public or private, domestic or international.
In 2007, our clients entrusted us with more than 175 announced M&A transactions with an aggregate value of over US$100 billion. Large, complex deals require the coordination of lawyers across various disciplines and geographies, and our M&A team, more than 150 strong across the United States, Europe, Japan, and China, is adept at delivering world-class legal services while managing cultural differences. From the preliminary structuring of a transaction through its closing, our clients enjoy a partnership focused on achieving their strategic objectives.
In today’s environment, regulatory issues, national security concerns, and political considerations can play a critical role in getting deals done. In fact, transactions often succeed or fail based upon negotiating an ever changing political and regulatory framework. Our government relations team includes lawyers who previously held senior positions in the White House, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission—lawyers skilled at navigating issues that are key to accomplishing the most challenging transactions.
Key Facts
- Chambers Global 2008 recognizes our Corporate M&A and Private Equity Practices in China and Hong Kong, stating that clients believe our strong reputation and in-house tax capability are major plus points of our formidable practice.
- Chambers USA 2008 recognizes our Corporate M&A Practices in New York, California and Washington, D.C., stating that our New York team has a "broad command of corporate affairs" as well as a "willingness to go the extra mile." Our Northern and Southern California practices are noted as "preeminent in Asia" and our Washington, D.C. team is recognized as having "impeccable standards of work."
- Legal 500 United States 2008 ranked our M&A Practice in the top tier for Mergers, Acquisitions and Buyouts among national firms handling large deals, stating that clients appreciate the team's "business acumen" as well as its "practical, realistic and sound advice."
- Bloomberg ranked us 4th for the first half of 2008 for announced M&A deals in Hong Kong and China (ranked by deal count).
- MergerStat ranked us 6th for the number of U.S. and U.S. Cross-Border M&A Transactions announced in the first half of 2008.
- Mergermarket ranked us 7th for the first half of 2008 for United States Buyouts (ranked by deal volume).
- Project Finance International named our representation of Orient Overseas (International) Limited in the US$2.35 billion sale of its Terminal Division to Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board “North America Acquisition Deal of the Year” in 2007.
- Private Equity Analyst ranked our M&A Practice 8th based on the number of private equity and venture capital deals we negotiated and closed in 2007.
Practice Strengths
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"Going Private" Transactions
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Asset Purchases and Sales
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Auctions
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Contested Transactions
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Financial Advisor Representations
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Health Care Mergers and Acquisitions
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Joint Ventures
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Leveraged Buyouts
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Mergers
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Proxy Contests
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Recapitalizations
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Spin-Offs and Split-Offs
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Stock Purchases and Sales
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Takeover Preparedness and Advice
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Tender Offers