Without question, 2008 was the most tumultuous year in the financial markets that all market participants have ever experienced. The global financial crisis, the virtual shutdown of the credit markets, precipitous stock price declines, unprecedented volatility, liquidity challenges for all financial institutions, badly shaken consumer confidence and corporate scandals and widespread allegations of huge investment scams have cast a pall over the global economy. As we enter 2009, M&A activity has initially been dominated by distressed transactions, corporate restructurings and acts of survival by major institutions rather than by the leveraged private equity-led transactions and forward-looking strategic combinations that drove M&A activity for the last several years.
The M&A team at O’Melveny has continued to guide sophisticated companies and financial investors through the complexities of merging, acquiring, investing in and disposing of businesses in all contexts, whether public or private, domestic or international.
In 2008, our clients entrusted us with more than 160 announced M&A transactions, placing us firmly in the top 10 in the United States according to each of
Thomson Reuters,
Bloomberg and
Mergerstat. Large, complex deals require the coordination of lawyers across various disciplines and geographies. Our M&A team, more than 100 strong, with nationally and internationally recognized lawyers resident in the United States, Europe, Japan, and China, is adept at delivering world-class legal services across cultural, language, and geographical boundaries. 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."
- Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2008/2009 ranked our M&A Practice in the top tier for Corporate and M&A among foreign firms in China, noting that our group “is among the most proactive and knowledgeable around.”
- Mergerstat ranked us 6th for the number of U.S. and U.S. Cross-Border M&A Transactions announced in 2008.
- Mergermarket ranked us 9th in 2008 for United States Buyouts (ranked by deal volume).
- Bloomberg ranked us 7th in 2008 for announced M&A deals in Taiwan (ranked by deal count).
- 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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Distressed Mergers and Acquisitions
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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