Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP > New York, United States > Firm Profile
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP Offices

425 LEXINGTON AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10017-3954
United States
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Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP stands out for its work in securities and derivatives litigation, defending prominent banks in litigation related to residential mortgage-backed securities, IPOs, and corporate transactions, as well as in antitrust disputes. A standout matter in 2020 was the team's handling of several high-profile matters for Deutsche Bank, including class actions alleging anti-competitive practices in securities markets. The team is led by global litigation co-chairs Paul Curnin and Jonathan Youngwood, both of whom are highly experienced in regulatory and securities litigation matters. Other key figures include Susannah Geltman and Joseph McLaughlin, both of whom have experience in class actions, and Craig Waldman, who focuses on securities litigation. Mick Tuesley was promoted to partner in January 2020.
Practice head(s):
Paul Curnin; Jonathan Youngwood
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
The Blackstone Group, L.P.
Countrywide Financial Corporation
Deutsche Bank Group
Goldman Sachs
Gramercy Property Trust
JPMorgan Chase
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.
RBS Securities Inc. (n/k/a NatWest Markets Securities Inc.)
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Sterling Partners
Velocity Financial
Work highlights
- Defeated class certification in Hilton ERISA action.
- Obtained dismissal of securities litigation related to Gramercy Property Trust’s $7.6bn acquisition by an affiliate of Blackstone
- Obtained summary judgment for NatWest Markets Securities Inc. (f/k/a RBS Securities Inc.) in RMBS litigation
Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 1
With an excellent standing in the financial services, technology, pharmaceuticals and insurance sectors, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's New York team is well positioned to handle major disputes on behalf of global and domestic clients. In a recent highlight, Jonathan Youngwood led the team that represented SeaWorld Entertainment in a series of high-profile disputes, including a federal securities class action in California. Bryce Friedman has an impressive record in fraud and False Claims Act litigation, and is also noted for his experience in insurance disputes. Friedman has also recently handled a number of business interruption disputes on behalf of insurance companies following the outbreak of Covid-19 in the US. Lynn Neuner is a go-to partner for clients involved in securities, M&A, insurance and false advertising disputes. Linton Mann III is highly regarded for his role in major securities and M&A litigation, and Paul Curnin is recognized for his representation of the outside directors of PG&E in matters relating to the 2017/18 California wildfires.
Practice head(s):
Paul Curnin; Jonathan Youngwood
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Alibaba
Bumble
Deutsche Bank
Foot Locker
Hilton Worldwide Holdings
Micron Technology
Pacific Alternative Asset Management Co., Prisma Capital Partners
Pfizer
SeaWorld
TD Bank
The Travelers Companies and its affiliates
UBS AG
Valeant Pharmaceuticals (n/k/a Bausch Health Companies, Inc.)
Work highlights
- Represented various insurance companies in connection with insurance claims and commercial litigation arising from Covid-19.
- Defeated class certification in Hilton ERISA action.
- Represented a top five pharmaceuticals company in a fully virtual, three-week arbitration arising out of the decision to discontinue the development of one of its drugs.
Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the most high-profile firms for the representation of issuers and their boards of directors, special committees, private equity firms and other financial sponsors, having frequently won the dismissal of high-value cases in both federal and state courts. Its presence in both transactional and contentious M&A matters stems partly from its work for major private equity funds, among them Blackstone and Silver Lake Partners, as well as for their portfolio companies. Paul Curnin and Jonathan Youngwood in New York are global co-chairs of litigation department, which is 'outstanding, with terrific senior litigators'. Among them is New York-based Peter Kazanoff, who defended First Data’s board of directors in a challenge to the company's $22bn merger with Fiserv. Also recommended are James Kreissman and Stephen Blake in Palo Alto who are defending Silverlake in a case brought by shareholders of Dell Technologies. Up-and-coming partner Craig Waldman in New York worked with Youngwood to secure the dismissal of a complaint against Gramercy Property Trust that alleged the proxy statement filed in connection with its $7.6bn sale to an affiliate of Blackstone was materially misleading.
Practice head(s):
Paul Curnin; Jonathan Youngwood
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
The Blackstone Group L.P.
CBS Corporation (n/k/a ViacomCBS)
Digital Colony Partners
Envision Healthcare Corporation
Gramercy Property Trust
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Silver Lake Partners
Sirius XM Holdings Inc.
TD Bank Group
Vivint Solar, Inc.
Work highlights
- Obtained dismissal of securities litigation related to Gramercy Property Trust’s $7.6bn acquisition by an affiliate of Blackstone.
- Representing CBS in concluded expedited proceedings in a Section 220 Demand in the Delaware Court of Chancery related to the CBS and Viacom stock-for-stock merger; also represented the merged company, ViacomCBS, against a related derivative action.
- Defending Silver Lake Partners in a consolidated securities class action against Dell in Delaware Court of Chancery.
Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York has 'great litigators with strong experience and good knowledge of the industry'. The firm continues to add to its long list of victories for both corporates and financial institutions, and last year successfully resolved long-running cases against SeaWorld Entertainment including a securities class action and shareholder derivative litigation in Delaware; plaintiffs in the class action alleged that SeaWorld made misrepresentations regarding the impact of the documentary film Blackfish on its attendance. Jonathan Youngwood, who is 'super-smart, easy to work with and practical', led that matter. He is global co-chair of the litigation department along with Paul Curnin, who worked with emerging talent Craig Waldman to defend Bausch Health Companies, formerly Valeant Pharmaceuticals, in a class action alleging fraudulent misstatements prior to a fall in the company's market capitalization. Palo Alto-based James Kreissman and Stephen Blake frequently handle cases in hi-tech and emerging industry sectors, among them the defense of Chinese online micro-lender Qudian in cases arising from a fall in its stock price. Susannah Geltman in New York is also making her mark in high-profile cases.
Practice head(s):
Paul Curnin; Jonathan Youngwood
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Strong experience, great litigators, good knowledge of the industry.’
‘Jon Youngwood is a rock star. Super smart, easy to work with, practical.’
Key clients
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd
Allakos Inc.
Bausch Healthcare (f/k/a Valeant Pharmaceuticals)
The Blackstone Group, LP
Deutsche Bank AG
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Micron Technology, Inc.
Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.
ProAssurance Corporation
SeaWorld
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
UBS Group AG
Velocity Financial
ViacomCBS Inc. (f/k/a CBS Corporation)
Work highlights
- Successfully resolved high-profile lawsuits against SeaWorld Entertainment.
- Obtaining dismissal of Kentucky Retirement Systems derivative litigation on behalf of Pacific Alternative Asset Management Co. and Prisma Capital Partners.
- Obtaining dismissal of multiple fraud suits against Valeant Pharmaceuticals (n/k/a Bausch Health Companies).
Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's DCM group is consistently engaged at the forefront of the investment grade and high-yield debt spaces, and is also rated for structured finance and mezzanine finance. It continues to rank highly in US and global investment grade corporate debt, particularly on the manager side, but also has a thriving and growing issuer-side practice; indeed, it advises a range of Fortune 500 issuers and private equity sponsors. Arthur Robinson is global head of the capital markets practice and has an outstanding record in debt offerings, both investment grade and high-yield, and particularly those that are connected to high-value acquisitions. Roxane Reardon is an experienced team member, noted for convertible note offerings and exchangeable debt offerings. Marisa Stavenas is a leading name in liability management transactions. Silicon Valley's William Brentani and Daniel Webb are also key names in the DCM space, the latter of whom is recognized for his growing profile in investment grade, high-yield and convertible debt offerings for technology businesses.
Practice head(s):
Arthur Robinson
Other key lawyers:
Roxane Reardon; Marisa Stavenas; William Brentani; Daniel WebbDavid Azarkh; Kevin Kennedy
Testimonials
‘This team is rock solid, client friendly, business savvy and tireless.‘
Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a very well-established reputation in equity offerings, most notably on the issuer side, though it also wins an impressive market share of big-ticket underwriter engagements. The firm has achieved prominence in traditional industries, and has become a key player in equity offerings by the life sciences, healthcare and tech businesses, in part thanks to its solid presence in Palo Alto. It has excellent connections to corporates and benefits from the firm's leading private equity practice, which brings the team a number of private equity-backed mandates. Of recent note, the team advised Academy Sports and Outdoors (the KKR portfolio company) on its $200m IPO; that deal was led by Joseph Kaufman, a senior figure in the group with an outstanding track record. Joshua Ford Bonnie is another seasoned practitioner, noted for big-ticket equity offerings. Palo Alto partner Kevin Kennedy has played a key role in gaining major engagements from tech and life sciences businesses. Arthur Robinson is a key name for underwriter engagements. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.
Practice head(s):
Arthur Robinson
Other key lawyers:
Finance > Capital markets: global offerings
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has an outstanding record in global debt and equity offerings, notably those originating from Latin America, Europe and Asia. Global bond offerings, including investment grade and high-yield debt is a particular forte, with the firm operating across the issuer and underwriter divide. The firm is also at the forefront in high-value IPOs and equity offerings, acting for both issuers and underwriters. Given the firm's impressive standing in high-yield debt, it has extensive experience in representing first-time issuers in both debt and equity offerings. It also frequently advises private equity sponsors on exits and fund raisings for their portfolio companies. Arthur Robinson leads the global capital markets team and is a leader in high-yield debt offerings. Ryan Bekkerus is another key figure, while David Williams and Todd Crider are the senior names in the firm's market-leading Latin America team, which is especially active in Brazil offerings.
Practice head(s):
Arthur Robinson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Gil Strauss and his team set the benchmark for excellence, expertise, service, and value for money.’
‘Gil Strauss combines extensive knowledge of the market with a creative flair for developing the best solution for our commercial and legal needs.’
‘Good US capital markets lawyers with good local language capabilities and good price. ’
‘Alan Cannon is a very analytical and impressively smart lawyer. Taki Saito is client-friendly and always there to help when in need.’
‘I know Alan Cannon and Taki Saito for over 15 years. They have been always helpful and commercially reasonable in terms of pricing.’
‘Alan is very capable and knowledgeable in the area of US securities law. ’
‘Deep bench of thoughtful lawyers who draw upon full firm resources in advising us; firm observes high standards of diligence on our behalf when representing us in securities underwriting; high quality of associates who form the backbone of quality deal execution’
‘Roxane Reardon is a rock star, having worked on some of our most challenging and often high profile deals. Art Robinson is also a longtime trusted advisor on our most challenging deals, with core expertise in supporting our bankers’ financial due diligence. Other trusted advisors – John Ericson, Lesley Peng, David Azarkh, Todd Crider, Grenfel Calheiros, Jaime Mercado, Juan Francisco Mendez.’
Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP continues to win a sizeable market share of issuer and underwriter engagements in high-yield debt offerings. Indeed, the firm sits comfortably in the top five by deal count and value in the various deal league tables. It has a tightly concentrated capital markets team that has an excellent record with first-time issuers, making good use of its strong connections to investment banks, private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, and a range of other corporates. Arthur Robinson is global head of the capital markets group and has a rich history in the high-yield debt space. John Ericson is another prolific advisor on high-yield debt transactions; he led the team that advised the initial purchasers, led by JP Morgan Securities, on the debut $830m Rule 144A/Reg S offering of senior secured notes by Smyrna Ready Mix Concrete.
Practice head(s):
Arthur Robinson
Other key lawyers:
John Ericson; Richard Fenyes; David Azarkh; Ryan Bekkerus; Marisa Stavenas
Key clients
Acelity
American Tire Distributors
APX Group Holdings, Inc. (a/k/a Vivint Smart Home)
Aramark
AssuredPartners, Inc.
Avantor, Inc.
Axis Specialty Finance LLC
BofA Merrill Lynch
BC Partners
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.
BMC Software, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of Boxer Parent Company Inc.)
BMO Capital Markets
The Carlyle Group
Cedar Fair, L.P.
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.
CNO Financial Group, Inc.
Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc.
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
Dell Inc.
Deutsche Bank Securities
First Data Corporation
First Reserve
Garda World Security Corporation
Gates Industrial Corporation
GFL Environmental Inc.
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
HCA Inc.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
Hub International Limited
Ingersoll Rand Inc. (f/k/a Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc.)
J.P. Morgan Securities
Jefferies
K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
KKR Financial Holdings
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Masonite International Corporation
Morgan Stanley
Finance > Commercial lending
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the dominant players in the debt finance market; it is equally adept at advising leading banks on complex leveraged transactions as working with major private equity firms looking to finance acquisitions. On the lender side, the firm is known throughout the market for its relationship with JP Morgan, for which it handles a litany of transactions every year; in a recent highlight, William Sheehan acted for the client in relation to a $15bn senior unsecured revolving credit facility for General Electric Company. Much of the firm's borrower work involves advising private equity firms such as Blackstone on leveraged buyouts. Patrick Ryan leads the team, which operates almost entirely from the New York office and includes highly reputed partners such as Jennifer Hobbs, James Cross and Alexandra Kaplan. Matt Einbinder is a name to note in Houston.
Practice head(s):
Patrick Ryan
Other key lawyers:
James Cross; Jennifer Hobbs; William Sheehan; Alexandra Kaplan; Alden Millard; Brian Steinhardt; Matt Einbinder
Key clients
Airbnb, Inc.
Aramark Corp
Avantor Performance Materials Holdings Inc.
Blackstone
BrightSpring Health Services
Cigna Corporation
Dillard’s, Inc.
EQT
Garda World Security Corporation
KKR
Mars, Incorporated
Patricia Industries
PetVet Care Centers Management LLC
Red Ventures LLC
Refinitiv
SBA Communications Corporation
SS&C Technologies Inc
The E.W. Scripps Company
Waystar
WW International Inc.
Yageo Corporation
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bank of Montreal
Citigroup
Crédit Agricole
Credit Suisse
Deutsche Bank
Goldman Sachs
HSBC
JPMorgan
KeyBank National Association
Morgan Stanley
MUFG Union Bank
Royal Bank of Canada
Scotiabank
Société Générale
Toronto Dominion (Texas)
Wells Fargo
Work highlights
- Advised JPMorgan on a $15bn senior unsecured revolving credit facility for General Electric Company
- Advising Hellman & Friedman and its portfolio company Polaris Parent Corp. on the financing related to the proposed $11bn merger of Polaris with Churchill Capital Corp III.
- Advising Garda World Security Corporation on the committed debt financing related to its announced offer for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of G4S plc.
Industry focus > Insurance: advice to insurers Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s insurance practice advises on a broad range of coverage matters, including bad faith, technology, data breaches, and hurricanes and natural disasters. The firm is trusted by major insurance groups, with practice head Mary Beth Forshaw‘s continued success in handling Traveler’s lawsuit against Northrop Grumman’s multimillion-dollar coverage claims for pollution-related losses. The team also conducts investigations into allegations of fraud, tortious interference, false claims, and acts on behalf of clients in shareholder lawsuits. Bryce Friedman advises insurers on Covid-19-related claims and serves as national litigation counsel for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. Susannah Geltman and Summer Craig represent clients in high-stakes coverage litigation. The team has strengthened its position by promoting Josh Polster to partner in January 2021. With a focus on cyber insurance issues, he has represented major insurance companies, such as Lloyd’s of London, in high-stakes commercial litigation. All lawyers are based in New York.Practice head(s):
Mary Beth Forshaw
Other key lawyers:
Bryce Friedman; Josh Polster; Summer Craig; Susannah Geltman; Andrew Frankel
Key clients
AIG
American Family Insurance
American Property Casualty Insurance Association
AmGUARD Insurance Company
AXA XL
Beazley Group
Berkshire Hathaway insurance subsidiaries, including National Indemnity
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Insurance Company Ltd.
Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s London
FM Global
IFG Insurance Group
New York State Superintendent of Financial Services
Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation and its affiliates
Travelers
Utica Mutual Insurance Company
Work highlights
- Represented various insurance companies, including AmGUARD Insurance Group, Utica National Insurance Group, American Family Insurance Group, FM Global Insurance, in connection with insurance claims and commercial litigation arising from COVID-19.
- Acted for American Property Casualty Insurance Association to challenge COVID-19-related litigation and regulation.
- Defending Travelers against Fortune 500 companies seeking insurance coverage for creating public nuisances and allegedly injuring people through toxic torts.
Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advises on some of the largest private equity fund launches in the market, with recent highlights including the establishment of Lexington Capital Partners IX, which raised a total of $14bn in commitments, and the formation of Platinum Equity Capital Partners V, which closed at its hard cap of $10bn. Michael Wolitzer heads the practice, and is highly experienced in transactional work, including acquisitions of investment firms and GP-led secondaries. He also maintains a strong fund formation practice, having recently advised Patria on the establishment of its $2bn infrastructure fund IV. Barrie Covit is another key figure within the team, representing several large-scale funds, along with more sector specific clients such as Corsair, which he assisted with the formation of its fifth financial services-focused fund, which met its $1bn target. Thomas Bell is one of the most experienced attorneys in the industry, advising several of the market's best-known names on management and fundraising issues. Glenn Sarno is recommended for a wide range of matters including fund-of-funds, feeder funds, separately managed accounts, and employee securities companies, in addition to more traditional private equity work. The practice has also seen several partner promotions at the start of 2021, with Ryan Brizek, Rony Rothken, Linda Tieh, and Ryan Williams making partner. All named lawyers are based in New York.
Practice head(s):
Michael Wolitzer
Other key lawyers:
Barrie Covit; Thomas Bell; Parker Kelsey; Michael Nooney; Crystal Frierson; Robert Guo; Glen Sarno; James Hays; Peter Vassilev; Steven Klar; Benjamin Wells; Ryan Brizek; Rony Rothken; Linda Tieh; Ryan Williams
Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advises a healthy roster of private equity funds, their portfolio companies and corporate clients on the employee benefits and executive compensation considerations of high-value M&A transactions and IPOs. Practice head Brian Robbins routinely advises on ERISA Title 1, deferred compensation and severance packages, while Gregory Grogan has notable expertise in assisting boards of directors with CEO succession matters. Laurence Moss is a name to note for leveraged buyout transactions. Andrew Blau, Jeannine McSweeney and David Rubinsky regularly advise on deferred and other non-qualified retirement plans, retention agreements, and securities and tax-related issues. In the Palo Alto office, Tristan Brown has noted strength in advising private equity funds and companies in the technology, retail, entertainment and financial services sectors on a wide spectrum of executive compensation issues, particularly on SEC-governed disclosure rules connected to IPOs. Apart from Brown, all named lawyers are based in New York.
Practice head(s):
Brian Robbins
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
AEA Investors
Alibaba Group
AMP Capital
Ant Financial
Apax Partners
The Blackstone Group
BlackRock LTPC
BMC Stock Holdings
BorgWarner
BrightView
The Carlyle Group
CBRE
Centerbridge Partners
Corsair Capital
Daiichi-Sankyo
Dell Technologies
EQT Partners
First Reserve Corporation
Grocery Outlet
Harsco
Hellman & Friedman
Hilton Worldwide
Ingersoll Rand
Johnson Controls
JPMorgan Chase
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
KSL Partners
Laureate Education
Lightyear Capital
Lindsay Goldberg
Mars, Incorporated
Masonite
Mass Mutual
Melrose Industries
Meridian Capital
Microsoft Corporation
Nielsen Holdings
NN, Inc.
Northwood Investors
Owen & Minor
Palladium Equity Partners
Patricia Industries
People’s United Bank
PetSmart
PPD, Inc.
PPL Corporation
SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.
Silver Lake Partners
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
StonePoint Capital
Teleflex Inc.
Toronto Dominion Bank
TPG Sixth Street Partners
USAA
Vivint Smarthome
Vivint Solar
Walgreens
Weight Watchers
Yaego Corporation
M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's experienced team forms a key part of an integrated service group capable of handling all aspects of large-scale, complex transactions, including domestic and cross-border M&A, with expertise in key areas including financial services, energy, and private equity, complemented by recognized tax and regulatory capabilities. The team is led by the vastly experienced Mario Ponce and Alan Klein, who are active in high-profile M&A. Ponce acted on deals for BorgWarner and Harsco Corporation during 2020, while Klein represented Microsoft in its major $7.5bn acquisition of Zenimax. Lee Meyerson is another key team member with a major profile within the M&A space, and advised TD Bank on the $26bn sale of TD Ameritrade to Charles Schwab. Eric Swedenburg is recognized for his broad range of expertise across domestic and cross-border M&A, corporate governance advice, and securities issues, while Elizabeth Cooper bolstered her record with the representation of Refinitiv in its $27bn sale to London Stock Exchange. Katie Sudol is also noted for her growing profile, advising clients such as Borgwarner, while Anthony Vernace remains highly active across public and private M&A. All named lawyers are in New York.
Practice head(s):
Mario Ponce; Alan Klein
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
American Electric Power
Aramark
Avantor Performance Materials Holdings LLC
Best Buy Co. Inc.
BMC Stock Holdings
The Boeing Company
BorgWarner Inc.
Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc.
CSL Behring
Cypress Semiconductor
Dell Technologies
Fifth Third Bancorp
First Data Corporation
Gates Corporation
Gerdau S.A.
Harsco Corporation
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
IBERIABANK Corporation
Ingersoll Rand, Inc.
J2 Global, Inc.
Johnson Controls International
L3 Harris
La Quinta Holdings Inc.
Mars, Inc.
McKesson Corporation
Melrose Industries PLC
Microsoft Corporation
The Mosaic Company
NN, Inc.
Owens-Illinois, Inc.
Owens & Minor, Inc.
People’s United Bank
PetSmart, Inc.
PG&E Corporation
Refinitiv
RPM International Inc.
Sirius XM Radio Inc.
Teleflex Incorporated
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
USAA
Vistra Energy Corp.
Vivint Smart Home, Inc.
Vivint Solar, Inc
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Waste Management, Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented Refinitiv in its definitive agreement to be acquired by London Stock Exchange Group in an all share transaction for a total enterprise value of approximately $27bn.
- Represented TD Bank in its sale of its share in TD Ameritrade to the Charles Schwab Corporation for $26bn.
- Represented Gardner Denver Holdings Inc in its merger with Ingersoll-Rand plc’s Industrial segment, valued at $15bn.
M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP remains a destination firm for bulge-bracket private equity work, advising an array of top funds including Blackstone, BC Partners, and the Carlyle Group on major buyouts, investments, portfolio M&A, and exits. Standout work for the team in 2020 included representing the Brookfield and GIP-led consortium in a $20.7bn energy infrastructure deal with The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and advising Digital Colony Partners and the EQT Infrastructure IV fund on the $14.3bn acquisition of Zayo Group Holdings. Marni Lerner leads the team, and is a deeply experienced private equity practitioner with a strong profile at the top of the market. Elizabeth Cooper is noted for her work with Blackstone and KKR, while Gary Horowitz is another senior practitioner with a broad client base. Anthony Vernace remains involved in marquee deals for the likes of Blackstone and BC, and Caroline Gottschalk is an emerging force in the market, advising clients such as TPG and Centrebridge on domestic and cross-border buyouts, strategic investments, and joint ventures. A contact in the firm's Palo Alto office is Robert Langdon, who was heavily involved in the Zayo acquisition. Aside from Langdon, all named lawyers are based in New York. Richard Capelouto retired from the partnership.
Practice head(s):
Marni Lerner
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Simpson is a leader in the M&A field, and has particular expertise in advising private equity funds on acquisitions and dispositions of portfolio companies. They understand and drive the market in this space – bringing together extensive knowledge about M&A terms together with top notch financing capabilities. They have a deep bench of talent.’
‘Marni Lerner is a true leader in the field. Her personality and approach are particularly well suited for private equity M&A, where there remains a partnership with management after acquisition and all players are usually repeat players.’
Key clients
AEA Investors
Alinda Capital Partners
Angeles Equity
Apax Partners
BC Partners, Inc.
BlackRock LTPC
The Blackstone Group
Calera Capital
The Carlyle Group
Centerbridge Partners, L.P.
Clearlake Capital
Corsair Capital
CVC Capital Partners
EQT Partners
First Reserve
Genstar
Global Infrastructure Partners
Hellman & Friedman
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.
KSL Capital Partners
Lexington Partners
Lindsay Goldberg LLC
New Mountain Capital
Oaktree Capital Group
Patricia Industries
Palladium Equity Partners, LLC
Platinum Equity Capital Partners
Primavera Capital Group
Riverstone Holdings LLC
Silver Lake Partners
Snow Phipps Group
Sterling Partners
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
Stone Point Capital LLC
Technology Crossover Ventures
True Wind Capital
Warburg Pincus
Work highlights
- Represented private equity backed Kronos Incorporated and Ultimate Software in their $22bn merger.
- Represented a consortium of investors, comprising Global Infrastructure Partners, Brookfield Asset Management, GIC, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, NH Investment & Securities and Snam in its $20.7bn energy infrastructure deal with The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
- Representing affiliates of Digital Colony Partners and the EQT Infrastructure IV fund in connection with their $14.3bn acquisition of Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.
Real estate Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP fields an ‘exceptional real estate team equipped to handle the industry’s most complex matters’. Its roster of clients includes several standout private equity firms and fund managers, opportunity funds and portfolio companies; most notably, The Blackstone Group, which frequently engages the group on a variety of multibillion-dollar portfolio transactions such as the recent $5.7bn acquisition of the industrial real estate assets of Colony Capital. Department chair Gregory Ressa holds a distinguished track record in the M&A of both public and private real estate companies and Krista Miniutti (‘exceptional and highly respected') is a star partner for joint venture, acquisition and disposition matters with a keen eye for public-to-private transactions. Scott Kobak is 'all over the details' when handling transactions on behalf of institutional investors, while at the more junior end of the partnership, Whitney Salinas has closed deals in aggregate of $15bn over the review period. Clients regularly note the real estate department’s ‘integrated and seamless solutions’ owing to its close co-operation with the firm’s capital markets, M&A, tax, financing and private funds practices. Named lawyers are based in New York.Practice head(s):
Gregory Ressa
Other key lawyers:
Scott Kobak; Sasan Mehrara; Krista Miniutti; Erik Quarfordt; Whitney Salinas
Testimonials
‘Their real estate practice is unique given their ability and expertise to work on normal single asset acquisition/financing real estate work, all the way up to the largest corporate real estate company transactions prevalent in the U.S. Complexity is something they tackle extremely well, driven by the talented staff from the most tenured partners down to the well-trained associates.’
‘Simpson Thacher has really strengthened their cross functional collaboration over the years, seamlessly blending for the client the inter-disciplinary skill sets between pure real estate, finance, M&A, tax, HR/benefits, compliance, and fund-level legal work. They have also enhanced their training of younger/mid-level associates to take on more responsibilities.’
‘Gregory Ressa has a tremendous amount of experience in large scale, corporate real estate M&A with the most complexity. He can communicate well from a practical business sense. A great, thorough partner that differentiates himself from his peers.’
‘They have a team with deep experience dealing with complex situations. The team is very well connected and are always incredibly responsive and easy to work with.’
‘They have a number of individuals with deep subject matter expertise and a huge passion for unpacking problems and finding creative solutions.’
‘Scott Kobak and his team are always available when we need them and catch things that other attorneys frankly miss. Mr. Kobak and his team are transaction-oriented and look for innovative ways to get deals done instead of trying to kill deals.’
‘The team brings the unique combination of deep legal understanding and nuance and always-on responsiveness with a commercial efficiency to surface all key issues but then focus on what matters most in a solutions-oriented manner. They also dive deep into knowing the client’s organization and do a lot of the cross-disciplinary thinking for the client.’
‘STB is differentiated in its collaboration with other functional experts across the firm (tax, litigation, corporate, fund raising, etc.) to provide an integrated and seamless solution to the client that is particularly valuable on large, complex transactions.’
Key clients
The Blackstone Group L.P.
KKR
The Carlyle Group
Hilton Worldwide Holdings
Northwood Investors
Centerbridge
Crown Acquisitions
Invitation Homes
BioMed Realty
CorePoint Lodging
Lindsay Goldberg
Westbrook Partners
Pure Industrial Real Estate
Great Wolf Resorts
Motel 6
Work highlights
- Representation of Blackstone in connection with its $14.6bn recapitalization of BioMed Realty.
- Representation of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust (“BREIT”) in connection with its acquisition of the real estate assets of Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand for approximately $4.6bn in a 50.1%/49.9% joint venture led by MGM Growth Properties and BREIT’s $4.25bn acquisition of the Bellagio real estate from MGM Resorts for approximately $4.25bn in a 95%/5% Blackstone-led joint venture.
- Representation of Blackstone in connection with the sale of a 100-property industrial logistics portfolio to Nuveen Real Estate for approximately $3bn and representation of Blackstone Real Estate in connection with the sale of a portfolio of 16 industrial properties to LBA Realty.
Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations) Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's New York-based team has an excellent track record in the tax-exempt area and provides a full-service offering to clients, leveraging its firm wide capabilities across intellectual property and litigation. David Shevlin leads the practice group which has strength in corporate tax issues, governance matters, and transactions for not-for-profit organizations, including private foundations and public charities. The core team includes senior counsel Jennifer Franklin who focuses on charitable gift-planning, particularly structuring endowment fund gifts. Newly elevated senior counsel John Bennet advises clients on investment activities and ongoing operational matters. Maura Whelan handles domestic and international grant-making matters. On the associate level, Jennifer Obus also supports the workload. The group provides significant international coverage - advising foreign charities on grant-making rules.
Practice head(s):
David Shevlin
Other key lawyers:
Work highlights
- Representation of the David and Lucile Packard foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation in connection with investments in PRIME Impact Equity Fund I, LLC.
- Representation of Maimonides Fund in its COVID relief program – the Jewish Community Response and Impact Fund, which is a $90 million plus interest-free loan and grant program providing financial relief to communal organizations to survive the pandemic.
- Representation of the Blackstone Chairman and CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman’s foundation in connection with the foundation’s £150 (US$188) million grant to Oxford University.
Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advises a range of clients, including energy and utility providers, financial institutions, asset managers and other well-known corporates on the tax aspects of corporate and financing transactions, fund formations and investment structuring strategies. The New York-based tax practice is led by Nancy Mehlman, who has broad expertise in a huge variety of corporate transactions and M&A, REITs and capital markets deals. Jonathan Goldstein is recommended for his experience in big-ticket sales and acquisitions, while Marcy Geller frequently acts on corporate restructurings and bankruptcies. Also recommended is Andrew Purcell, who has experience of financing, M&A and private equity transactions. Russell Light joined from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in August 2020, strengthening the team's capabilities in private equity deals and fund formation matters.
Practice head(s):
Nancy Mehlman
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Alibaba Group
Apax Partners
The Blackstone Group L.P.
The Carlyle Group
Centerbridge Partners
Digital Colony
EQT
GFL Environmental
Hellman & Friedman
Hilton Worldwide
Ingersoll Rand
Johnson Controls
J.P. Morgan
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., L.P.
Lightyear Capital
Microsoft Corporation
Patria Investments
Rockpoint Group
Silver Lake
SoftBank
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Versum Materials
ZoomInfo Technologies
Antitrust > Cartel Tier 2
Praised for its 'excellent multi-jurisdictional capability', Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has considerable experience representing both companies and individuals in global antitrust investigations, most of which involve allegations of collusion, price-fixing, and bid-rigging. Led by DC-based duo Sara Razi and John Terzaken as well as New York-based Peter Guryan, the group assists clients with internal investigations, leniency programs, criminal and regulatory investigations, inspections and dawn raids, and advice on global legal and communications strategies. Previously the director of criminal enforcement in the DOJ’s antitrust division, Terzaken has proven himself in investigations in the financial services, pharmaceutical, professional services, manufacturing, energy, shipping, and food and beverage sectors. Jeffrey Knox is also well equipped to handle DOJ, SEC, and other federal and state agency investigations; he also acts as co-managing partner of the firm's DC office.
Practice head(s):
Peter Guryan; Sara Razi; John Terzaken
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘John Terzaken provides practical advice and is trusted by clients.’
‘Excellent multi-jurisdictional capability. John Terzaken brings agency experience and a track record in major cartel and white-collar cases. Highly recommended.’
‘John Terzaken is an excellent and seasoned counsel with strong technical expertise and a very good broader perspective.’
Key clients
A National Healthcare Provider
A National Insurance Carrier
Tri-Union
Work highlights
- Represented a national insurance carrier in a criminal antitrust investigation involving alleged bid-rigging and market allocation.
- Obtained a declination for a Fortune 100 company in a DOJ antitrust investigation.
- Acted for a global financial institution in an investigation into alleged collusion involving certain exchange rate trading.
Antitrust > Merger control Tier 2
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a successful record in securing regulatory clearances for high-profile M&A deals, working in close collaboration with its global teams across Europe and the UK. Accordingly, the firm regularly represents clients in multi-jurisdictional clearance processes, a recent example of which was its work for Refinitiv in its $27bn acquisition by London Stock Exchange Group, requiring filings in 19 separate jurisdictions. Elsewhere, the firm has acted for clients such as Borg Warner and CSL Plasma in filings and merger approval proceedings before the DOJ and FTC, including second request responses and antitrust investigations. The team is led from New York by Peter Guryan and Washington D.C. by Sara Razi, who have previous experience working at the DOJ and FTC, respectively. The duo combine active merger filing practices with strong capabilities in civil and criminal litigation, allowing them to represent major clients in merger defense proceedings and regulatory investigations.Practice head(s):
Peter Guryan; Sara Razi
Key clients
Blackstone
Cypress Semiconductor
First Data Corp.
Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc.
Harsco Corporation
KKR
L3 Technologies
Refinitiv
Vivint Solar
Waste Management, Inc.
Work highlights
- Obtained multi-jurisdictional clearance for BorgWarner in its $3.3bn acquisition of Delphi Technologies
- Represented Refinitiv in an antitrust review related to its proposed $27bn acquisition by London Stock Exchange Group
- Represented Waste Management in its $4.6bn acquisition of Advanced Disposal.
Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense
With offices in key financial hubs throughout the US around the globe, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's government and internal investigations practice is an attractive choice for large-scale domestic and international investigations and criminal defense strategy. Headed by New York’s Stephen Cutler, a former director of enforcement at the SEC, the team advises financial institutions, multinational trading companies, professional services firms and senior executives on a range of criminal and regulatory matters. Another contact in New York is Brooke Cucinella, a former federal securities fraud prosecutor, who is rated for crisis management and cyber security matters. Names to note in Washington DC include Cheryl Scarboro, who advises on internal investigations and FCPA compliance programs, and Jeffrey Knox, an experienced trial and appellate lawyer. Sarah Eichenberger in New York and Meaghan Kelly in Washington DC were promoted to partner at the start of 2021.Practice head(s):
Stephen Cutler
Other key lawyers:
Paul Curnin; Cheryl Scarboro; Jeffrey Knox; Michael Osnato; Brooke Cucinella; Sarah Eichenberger; Meaghan Kelly
Testimonials
‘The team’s varied backgrounds gives them the unique ability to understand the point of view of all parties – from the government, prosecution, and client sides, they have a leg up on the competition’.
‘Stephen Cutler’s experience and leadership is unmatched – you cannot find a better lawyer to advise an in-house client’.
‘The team collaborates by working with lawyers from different backgrounds and experience to give the client the best team possible’.
‘Stephen Cutler’s background is unparalleled and he comes to the table with both government and in-house experience’.
‘Stephen Cutler is extremely smart, cares deeply about his clients, and has the highest level of integrity possible’.
‘Michael Osnato is extremely smart and knowledgeable, he has excellent instincts and the experience of the SEC.
‘Brooke Cucinella works incredibly hard, is dedicated to her clients, and brings the eye of a seasoned investigator and prosecutor’.
Key clients
Alibaba
AT&T
Bankrate, Inc.
Board of Eagle Bancorp
Board of Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Board of Portland General Electric
Deutsche Bank
Eagle Bank
Ericsson
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
Hain Celestial Group Inc.
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
The Natural Resources Defense Council
Valeant Pharmaceuticals (n/k/a Bausch Health Companies)
Senior executives of Odebrecht S.A.
Senior executive of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd
Work highlights
- Represented Ericsson in reaching agreements with the DOJ and SEC regarding allegations of FCPA violations.
- Representing the board of Pacific Gas and Electric Company in shareholder derivative lawsuits and investigations related to the California wildfires of October 2017 and November 2018.
- Representing Valeant in the resolution of an SEC investigation and in high-profile securities and RICO class actions.
Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 2
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's team of well-regarded practitioners is able to provide a full service to both creditors, and increasingly debtors, across the continuum of matters that arise in the context of restructuring, refinancing, reorganization and bankruptcy. To do so, the New York-based group regularly employs a cross-departmental approach which is much lauded by clients, drawing on the firm's considerable experience in the corporate, banking, capital markets, M&A, litigation and tax practice areas. Key contacts include practice head Sandeep Qusba, who is equally adept at handling restructurings, bankruptcies and distressed acquisitions; Michael Torkin, who is a founding member of the the private capital and special situations investment group; and Elisha Graff, who frequently assists equity sponsors with the restructuring of their portfolio companies and advises financial institutions on their loans to distressed companies. In May 2020, counsel David Zylberberg joined the team from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. Nicholas Baker made partner in January 2021.
Practice head(s):
Sandeep Qusba; Michael Torkin
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very practical and clearly delivered advice based on experience and understanding of our risk tolerance.’
‘They did a fantastic job guiding us through bankruptcy. They were technically extremely competent. Added to that they have great personalities and kept calm in a very stressful situation.’
‘Their team is fully integrated across various legal disciplines, which drives the provision of a seamless service and solutions to complex legal challenges. What does this practically mean? As you’re working through a restructuring, questions arise as to in court or out of court, there are capital markets elements with new and extinguishing debt and equity instruments both public and private; as well as, complex M&A elements. STB has a team across all the salient practice areas so there is no need to engage other firms as you already have the best where required.’
‘They have great expertise in each area of law. The partners also have the ability to advise as your attorney but also work to really understand the related business issues. They also have the ability to work 24/7 with you.’
‘The STB team is highly commercial. They have a deep understanding of our structure, key process concerns and are able to seamlessly navigate around us and our different constituent strategies and principals.’
‘The STB team is one that we would enlist where we have a “bet the bank” troubled credit. They are not only exceptionally knowledgeable on insolvency law but have a depth of experience and a practical approach which makes them an integral part of any workout for a lending syndicate or for a standalone bank. Sandeep Qusba and Elisha Graff are both the type of partners where if they needed to advise the CEO or General Counsel of this firm you would not have any qualms about placing them in that meeting or in a meeting with the Board to explain what can and cannot be accomplished in an insolvency matter.’
‘Outstanding and experienced team with practical commercial sense. Terrific partners for complex negotiations. Great connectivity across advisory community, which makes their advice particularly actionable.’
‘Super smart attorneys that provide elite customer service. Simpson is our go-to legal partner for our toughest, most complex restructuring cases.’
Key clients
Angelo Gordon
Apax Partners, L.P.
Arsenal Resources
Ascribe Capital
Bank of Montreal
Blackstone
Centerbridge Partners
First Reserve
Francisco Partners
G-III Apparel Group, Ltd.
Goldman Sachs
GSO Capital Partners
J.G. Wentworth
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc.
Pyxus International Inc.
Riverstone Holdings
Royal Bank of Canada
Silver Lake Partners
Solus Alternative Asset Management LP
Syncreon
Templar Energy
TNT Crane & Rigging
Wells Fargo Bank
Work highlights
- Representing Pyxus International and certain of its subsidiaries in their international reorganization and their Chapter 11 restructuring, which was implemented pursuant to a pre-packaged Chapter 11 plan that eliminated or restructured over $2bn of debt.
- Representing JPMorgan Chase Bank, as senior DIP administrative agent and sole lead arranger and bookrunner in $1.1bn of debtor-in-possession financing for California Resources Corporation in connection with its Chapter 11 case.
- Representing TNT Crane & Rigging and its affiliates in connection with its comprehensive pre-packaged Chapter 11 restructuring.
Industry focus > Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 2
Benefiting from numerous core energy and infrastructure-focused transactional lawyers based out of the firm's New York headquarters, and also able to resource matters utilizing practitioners with more generalist M&A and finance credentials, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is particularly well suited to advise private equity firms and infrastructure funds on their renewables investment strategies. The 'very knowledgeable' David Lieberman heads the team and, as well as handling M&A work for both strategics and financial sponsors, is also regularly involved in the capital markets and bank loan financing aspects of transactions in the sector. Lieberman is praised by clients for is ability to 'expertly manage the needs and questions' of deals often involving a diverse group of lenders.Practice head(s):
David Lieberman
Other key lawyers:
Brian Chisling
Testimonials
‘The very knowledgeable David Lieberman expertly manages the needs and questions of an often diverse group of lenders.’
Key clients
American Electric Power, Inc.
BlackRock Energy and Power Infrastructure Group
Blackstone
Citibank
Credit Agricole
Goldman Sachs
Global Infrastructure Partners
ITC Holdings
KeyBank National Association
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Morgan Stanley
MUFG
NextEra Energy
PPL Corporation
The Royal Bank of Canada
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Terra-Gen LLC
Vivint Solar
Industry focus > Energy transactions: conventional power Tier 2
Leveraging its overarching M&A, banking and capital markets expertise, New York-based transactional powerhouse Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is well-placed to advise funds, utilities, banks and IPPs across the spectrum of power-related corporate and financing work. Strong firm-wide institutional ties with leading private equity firms and infrastructure funds, including KKR, Blackstone and Global Infrastructure Partners, continues to inform much of the team's corporate and finance work, both in terms of renewables, as well as conventional-based power transactions. David Lieberman heads up the firm's energy and infrastructure practice and is able to add value to these sponsor clients, by virtue, not only of his ability to implement the most compelling and effective M&A and financing terms, but also to provide core underlying industry knowledge. Drawing upon both regulatory and transactional expertise in the power sector, Brian Chisling is also a key member of the team, for the firm's funds clients as well as electric and gas utilities, which he has, over the years, advised on many asset level acquisitions and disposals.Practice head(s):
David Lieberman
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
American Electric Power, Inc.
BlackRock Energy and Power Infrastructure Group
Blackstone
Citibank
Credit Agricole
Goldman Sachs
Global Infrastructure Partners
ITC Holdings
KeyBank National Association
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Morgan Stanley
MUFG
NextEra Energy
PPL Corporation
The Royal Bank of Canada
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Terra-Gen LLC
Vivint Solar
Industry focus > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 2
Leveraging its overarching market-leading M&A, banking and capital markets expertise and also benefiting from a deep understanding of the oil and gas sector throughout the value chain, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has 'its pulse on the latest market intel, terms, and strategies', and is thereby well positioned to provide a very effective service to banks, financial sponsors and energy companies on their financing, restructuring and investment requirements. The firm's institutional ties with marque private equity sponsors, including Blackstone, BlackRock and KKR, continues to generate substantial deal flow and while new money deals have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the firm has played a vital role advising portfolio companies on the stabilization of stressed balance sheets. Houston office head Robert Rabalais regularly advises key commercial and investment banks providing liquidity in the sector, including in relation to the structuring of upstream reserve-based facilities. 'Commercial, knowledgeable and creative' Houston-based partner Erland Modesto is well versed across a range of debt finance techniques, and is 'always eager to help find elegant solutions for clients' in oil and gas-related new money deals and restructurings. New York-based partner David Lieberman leads the firm's overarching energy and infrastructure group.
Practice head(s):
David Lieberman; Robert Rabalais
Other key lawyers:
Breen Haire; Eli Hunt; Christopher May; Matthew Einbinder; Erland Modesto; Brandan Still
Testimonials
‘As a result of the firm’s deal flow for both borrowers/sponsors and banks, the firm has its pulse on the latest market intel, terms, and strategies.’
‘The firm has industry experience that is second-to-none which bolsters efficiency vis-à-vis peers.’
‘Erland Modesto is extremely commercial, knowledgeable, and creative. He is upbeat and always eager to help find elegant solutions for clients.’
Key clients
Aqua America
Arsenal Resources (fka Mountaineer Keystone)
Bank of Montreal
BlackRock
The Blackstone Group
Brookfield Asset Management
Crestwood
Dixie Electric, LLC
Global Infrastructure Partners
Goldman Sachs
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Marathon Oil Corporation
Merrill Lynch
Morgan Stanley
Navigator Energy Services, LLC
NH Investment & Securities
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
Riverstone Holdings
Royal Bank of Canada
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
Templar Energy LLC
Tudor, Pickering & Holt
Union Bank, N.A.
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Industry focus > Environment: transactional Tier 2
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is recognized for providing cutting-edge environmental advice to a diverse range of clients active in environmentally-sensitive industries, which are looking to pursue business opportunities in the US and abroad. The practice benefits from close collaboration with the firm's corporate department, being routinely called upon to assist with the allocation of environmental risks, regulatory issues including those involving climate change and sustainability, and liabilities arising out of environmental impairment. Furthermore, the attorneys are regularly acting in M&A, capital markets and financing deals. Adeeb Fadil sits in the Washington DC office and has a strong background in cross-border transactions involving the energy, chemicals, manufacturing, waste management and pharmaceutical sectors. Fellow co-head Mike Isby focuses on environmental law compliance in major transactions and is based in New York.
Practice head(s):
Adeeb Fadil; Mike Isby
Key clients
AMERGINT Technologies
Apax Partners
The Blackstone Group LP
BorgWarner Inc.
Centerbridge Partners
Genesee & Wyoming
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Harsco Corporation
Hellman & Friedman
Hovnanian Enterprises
Ingersoll Rand
Johnson Controls International plc
J.P. Morgan Chase
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Microsoft Corporation
PPL Corporation
Quirch Foods Holdings
Silver Lake Partners
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
Snow Phipps
Vivint Solar
Waste Management, Inc.
Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 2
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a strong REITs practice providing comprehensive support on matters ranging from M&A, joint venture transactions and capital markets, through to compliance, fund formation, and corporate governance. The firm has worked extensively with Blackstone Real Estate partners, including representing the company in its $14.6bn recapitalization of BioMed Realty, its acquisition of The Bellagio assets from MGM, and the $4.6bn acquisition of other real estate assets of Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand. Brian Stadler has extensive experience in M&A transactions and acted on behalf of Blackstone in the above transactions. He co-heads the practice group from New York alongside Gregory Ressa and Edgar Lewandowski.Practice head(s):
Gregory Ressa; Brian Stadler; Edgar Lewandowski
Key clients
Blackstone
Invitation Homes
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust
Blackstone Mortgage Trust
Citigroup Global Markets
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust
BioMed Realty
Crown Acquisitions
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
CorePoint Lodging
Work highlights
- Represented Blackstone Real Estate Partners VIII L.P. and co-investors in the sale of BioMed Realty for $14.6bn to a group led by existing BioMed investors.
- Represented Blackstone real estate fund affiliates in the acquisition of all of Dream Global REIT’s subsidiaries and assets in an all-cash transaction valued at $6.2bn.
- Represented of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust in connection with its acquisition from MGM Resorts of the real estate assets of Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand for $4.6bn, and of the Bellagio assets for $4.25bn.
Tax > International tax Tier 2
Premier New York firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP fields a full-service international tax group, which is jointly led by newly elected practice head Nancy Mehlman, recent lateral hire Russel Light (from Kirkland & Ellis LLP), and newly promoted partner Sophie Staples. Leveraging a strong firm-wide private equity focus, the team regularly provides tax structuring advice on cross-border buyouts, M&A deals and minority investments for leading international funds. Involvement in headline IPOs for multinational technology conglomerates is reflective of the team’s capital markets expertise. The team draws its clients from Europe, Latin America and Asia, and is also routinely engaged in complex Canadian REIT transactions. Jonathan Goldstein is a go-to name for multibillion-dollar fund formations.
Practice head(s):
Nancy Mehlman
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Alibaba Group
Apax Partners
The Blackstone Group L.P.
The Carlyle Group
Centerbridge Partners
Digital Colony
EQT
GFL Environmental
Hellman & Friedman
Hilton Worldwide
Ingersoll Rand
Johnson Controls
J.P. Morgan
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., L.P.
Lightyear Capital
Microsoft Corporation
Patria Investments
Rockpoint Group
Silver Lake
SoftBank
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Versum Materials
ZoomInfo Technologies
Work highlights
- Advising Laborie Medical Technologies on its $680m strategic partnership with Urotronic.
- Advising Waste Management on its acquisition of Advanced Disposal and the sale of $835m in assets to GFL Environmental.
- Advised Silver Lake Partners on the establishment of a new long-term investment strategy including a $2bn minority investment by Mubadala Investment Company.
Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 3
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is active across the full life cycle of alleged antitrust violations, from investigation right through to litigation. Jointly led by New York-based Peter Guryan and Washington DC-based co-chairs Sara Razi and John Terzaken, the department emphasizes monopolization, price-fixing and tying claims. Terzaken’s strong suit is cartel-related litigation, and Razi is rated by clients as a ‘very seasoned and knowledgeable antitrust attorney’. Abram Ellis in D.C. has a burgeoning practice centering on antitrust litigation involving complex financial instruments.Practice head(s):
Peter Guryan; Sara Razi; John Terzaken
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘John Terzaken is professional and strategic.’
‘Sara Razi is a very seasoned and knowledgeable antitrust attorney. She has worked in government and in private practice, so she has the unique ability to give very practical advice about how regulators would react to matters in a way that is actionable by in house counsel.’
Key clients
21st Century Oncology
Blackstone
Covestro
Deutsche Bank
HCA Inc.
JPMorgan
Kenshoo
McKesson Corporation
Tradeweb
Tyson Foods
Work highlights
- Defending Tyson Foods in wage-fixing antitrust class action alleging a decade-long conspiracy to fix worker wages.
- Defending McKesson in dismissal of putative class action concerning alleged price-fixing conspiracy among manufacturers of generic pharmaceuticals.
- Defending Micron in a dismissal of a class-action lawsuit alleging that Samsung, Micron and Hynix conspired to fix prices of DRAM sold in the US.
Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 3
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP specializes in M&A, debt and equity investing, and other corporate transactions in the financial services industry. Banks, investment funds, and fintech companies are among the team's key clients. New York-based practice head Lee Meyerson has an outstanding track record of handling billion-dollar deals, with highlights in 2020 including his representation of Toronto-Dominion Bank in the $26bn sale of its affiliate, TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. Elizabeth Cooper is another key name to note in the New York office; she is active in the growing area of special purpose acquisition companies, advising Finance of America Companies on becoming a publicly traded company through a business combination with the SPAC Replay Acquisition Corp. Keith Noreika in the Washington DC office previously served as Acting Comptroller of the Currency and focuses on the regulatory aspects of transactions.
Practice head(s):
Lee Meyerson
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA)
Blackstone
Bridgepoint Advisers
Centerview Partners Llc
Clearlake Capital Group
Corsair Capital
Fifth Third Bancorp
Goldman Sachs & Co.
IBERIABANK Corporation
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
Morgan Stanley
Oak Hill Capital
People’s United Financial, Inc.
Refinitiv
Riverstone Holdings
SoftBank Group
TCF Financial
TD Bank Group
The Carlyle Group
The Charles Schwab Corporation
Work highlights
- Advising TD Bank in the announced $26bn sale of its affiliate TD Ameritrade to The Charles Schwab Corporation.
- Advised consortium led by Stone Point Capital in $4.2bn acquisition of Duff & Phelps.
- Advising Finance of America Companies on its proposed $1.9bn business combination with Replay Acquisition Corp. that will result in Finance of America Companies becoming a publicly listed company.
Finance > Project finance
Praised for its 'knowledge of client requirements and ability to focus key issues', Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP regularly advises banks, underwriters, energy companies and public bodies on financings across the energy and infrastructure sector. The group has continued to develop in 2020; Ravi Purohit joined the team in March, having previously served as managing director at Blackstone Infrastructure Partners. David Lieberman leads the department from New York and frequently advises infrastructure funds established by leading commercial banks and private equity firms on the acquisition of and investment in renewable energy projects.
Practice head(s):
David Lieberman
Other key lawyers:
Ravi Purohit; Amy Beller
Testimonials
‘We work with David Lieberman. He is very knowledgeable of documentary requirements of client. He is also very good at managing diverse lenders and ensuring consensus on key legal and business points‘
‘Knowledge of client requirements and ability to focus key issues’
Key clients
BlackRock Energy and Power Infrastructure Group
Blackstone
Citibank
Credit Agricole
EQT Infrastructure
Goldman Sachs
Global Infrastructure Partners
JPMorgan
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Morgan Stanley
MUFG
NextEra Energy
The Royal Bank of Canada
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
Terra-Gen LLC
Work highlights
- Advised Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners on the financing related to its $1.3bn investment in Venture Global LNG, Inc.’s 10 million tonnes per annum Calcasieu Pass LNG export facility.
- Advising a consortium of investors on its investment in ADNOC gas pipeline.
- Advised funds managed by Blackstone Infrastructure Partners on the acquisition of an approximately 42% stake in Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P.
Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 3
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's securitization group has an active ABS practice and also has experience in the securitization of esoteric assets requiring complex an innovative structuring. Recent highlights in this space have included data center revenue and airline ticket receivables securitizations. The securitization group is headed by John Schueller in New York, who acts for a number of underwriters and issuers, and also has experience of CLOs.
Practice head(s):
John Schueller
Key clients
Barclays
BofA Merrill Lynch
Citigroup
Clearlake Capital Group, L.P.
ExteNet Systems
GSO Capital Partners
HSBC
Invitation Homes
J.P. Morgan Securities
Mizuho Securities
MUFG
Portman Ridge Finance Corporation
RBC Capital Markets
Sierra Crest Investment Management LLC
TD Securities
Vantage Data Centers
Vertical Bridge Holdings
Wells Fargo Securities
Work highlights
- Advised Vantage Data Centers Ussuer and Vantage Data Centers Canada as co-issuers in connection with the offering of $1.3bn secured data centers revenue term notes.
- Advised the initial purchasers of various rental car asset-backed notes issued by Avis.
- Advised Clearlake Capital Group on its acquisition of a majority stake in WhiteStar Asset Management, including its management interest in a number of CLOs.
Industry focus > Insurance: non-contentious Tier 3
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP handle transactions in the property and casualty, life and annuity, health, brokerage and services subsectors of the insurance industry. The firm is particularly strong in advising on M&A transactions, with practice head Gary Horowitz focusing on this area, representing private equity firms with their investments in insurance holding companies, brokers and other intermediaries. Lee Meyerson jointly heads the practice and specializes in capital market transactions for financial institutions. Both lawyers are based in New York.
Practice head(s):
Gary Horowitz; Lee Meyerson
Key clients
AXIS Capital Holdings
CNO Financial Group, Inc.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Sedgwick, Inc.
Sumitomo Life Insurance Company
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Employment > Tier 3
M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 3
At Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, the New York-based dedicated public company advisory department routinely acts as outside counsel to both US and foreign companies in relation to compliance with US securities regulations and various listing requirements. Forming a part of the firm’s corporate and regulatory groups, the team also specializes in the corporate governance considerations of high-value M&A, joint ventures and capital markets transactions. 2020 also saw the team handle a large volume of disclosure and governance issues relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. Karen Hsu Kelley heads up the practice, where Brad Goldberg is also a key contact for private equity mandates.
Practice head(s):
Karen Hsu Kelley
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s attorneys are some of the very best, particularly for corporate governance / public company work and securities litigation. Each of the partners and associates I work with have incredibly deep knowledge and technical skills. All are very good at advising on risk and take a practical approach with an even-keeled risk tolerance.’
‘Ken Wallach and Brad Goldberg provide a unique mix of in-depth knowledge and expertise in corporate governance and securities, coupled with a sensitivity to, and understanding of, the inner workings of a corporate board room and the challenges of navigating this area by general counsel and other in-house counsel.’
‘Karen Kelley is an absolute leader in the public company / corporate governance space. Always on-the-mark advice on a moment’s notice and always available.’
Key clients
Academy Sports and Outdoors
AEP
Affiliated Managers Group
Allegion
Amneal Pharmaceuticals
Aramark
Ares Management
Avantor
Axis Capital
Bentley Systems
Best Buy
The Blackstone Group
Blackstone Mortgage Trust
Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust
Brightview Holdings, Inc.
Catalent
Caterpillar
The Carlyle Group
Change Healthcare
Cigna
Cohen and Steers
Cooper Standard
CorePoint Lodging
Dillard’s
Ericsson
Evercore
Frontdoor
Gates Industrial Corporation
Herc Rentals
Hilton Hotels
Hovnanian Enterprises
Ingersoll Rand
Invitation Homes
ITC Holdings
Johnson Controls
KKR
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust
Laureate Education
Masonite International
Mr. Cooper Group
National Vision Holdings Inc.
The Nielsen Company
Oaktree Real Estate Income Trust
PJT Partners
PPL Corporation
Schnitzer Steel
SeaWorld Entertainment
Sirius XM Radio
Summit Materials
Taylor Morrison
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
TransUnion
The Travelers Companies
Work highlights
- Advised Finance of America Companies on governance and disclosure considerations related to its proposed business combination with Replay Acquisition Corp., which will result in Finance of America Companies becoming a publicly listed company with a projected $1.9bn equity valuation.
- Advised ZoomInfo Technologies Inc. on governance and disclosure considerations related to its initial public offering of Class A common stock.
- Advised Genesee & Wyoming Inc. on governance and disclosure considerations related to its sale to affiliates of Brookfield Infrastructure and GIC in a transaction valued at approximately $8.4bn.
Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 3
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has 'an incredibly strong technology team', which is headed up by Lori Lesser, 'one of the outstanding lawyers practicing in this field'. Indeed, Lesser and her team have a strong track record in tech-related corporate and commercial transactions across the country. A good chunk of the work revolves around M&A and capital markets, but the team also handles plenty of standalone IP and technology transactions for its clients. Based in New York, the team also includes several experienced counsel, including Genevieve Dorment and Christopher Sprigman.
Practice head(s):
Lori Lesser
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The technology practice is lead by Lori Lesser, one of the outstanding lawyers practicing in this field. She has been involved in some of the most complex technology transactions, investments and acquisitions in the US. She is trusted by some of the world’s largest investment banks.’
‘An incredibly strong technology team who are also very approachable.’
‘Lori Lesser is a terrific senior advisor in the technology space.’
Key clients
Blackstone
Centerbridge
CSL Behring
Dell
Equinox/SoulCycle
Great Minds
Johnson Controls
Microsoft Corporation
Refinitiv
Travelers
Work highlights
- Advising Microsoft Corporation on its announced $7.5bn acquisition of ZeniMax Media.
- Advising Blackstone on its announced $4.7bn acquisition of Ancestry®.
- Advised Blue Yonder and Blackstone on the secondary sale of shares of Blue Yonder valued at $5.5bn to Panasonic Corporation.
Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal) Tier 4
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s team in New York places an emphasis on handling the appellate stage of class actions, commercial, and securities litigation; this strength manifested itself in its recent victories in federal courts of appeal as well as state supreme courts. Paul Curnin and Jonathan Youngwood share leadership of the global litigation department, where Joseph McLaughlin is also a noteworthy figure.
Practice head(s):
Paul Curnin; Jonathan Youngwood
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Alibaba
Best Buy
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.
JPMorgan Chase
Pacific Alternative Asset Management Co. / Prisma Capital Partners
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners LP
Travelers
Vivint, Inc.
Work highlights
- Acted for Pacific Alternative Asset Management Co. and Prisma Capital Partners in the dismissal of Kentucky Retirement Systems derivative litigation brought before the Kentucky Supreme Court.
- Scored a pro bono win for Maxmillian Sloley in a Second Circuit appeal of a Fourth Amendment case.
Dispute resolution > International trade Tier 4
The national security regulatory department at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is led by Malcolm Tuesley, whom clients laud as ‘an expert in FOCI mitigation issues and a creative problem solver’. Indeed, the group is highly experienced in handling regulatory concerns relating to investments in US businesses; its wide-ranging work spans reviews before both the DCSA and the CFIUS. In addition, the group assists clients with internal investigations relating to their OFAC and FCPA compliance; Abram Ellis and George Wang are both noted in this respect.
Practice head(s):
Malcolm Tuesley
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Mick Tuesley is an expert in FOCI mitigation issues and a creative problem solver.’
‘Individuals in this group give pragmatic and clear advice.’
‘Mick Tuesley is creative, responsive, and easy to work with.’
‘Mick Tuesley is outstanding, pragmatic and quickly grasped my institution’s risk profile.’
Key clients
Apax Partners
BlackRock Infrastructure
Blackstone Group, L.P. / Blackstone Infrastructure Partners / Blackstone Real Estate Partners
Corsair Capital
Hellman & Friedman
Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets
Oaktree Capital Group
Microsoft Corp.
Refinitiv
Cypress Semiconductor
Garda World Security Corporation
Primavera
EQT
T-Mobile
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Cypress Semiconductor Corp. on securing CFIUS approval for a bid by Infineon Technologies AG to acquire it for approximately $10bn.
- Representing Garda World Security Corporation in its takeover bid of private security services giant G4S plc.
- Providing regulatory advice to Refinitiv and Blackstone in connection with worldwide foreign investment filings relating to a proposed $27bn acquisition by the London Stock Exchange Group plc.
Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 4
The New York-based team at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP specializes in over-the-counter and equity-linked derivatives. Working in conjunction with specialists across the firm's capital markets, tax, funds and financial institutions groups, the team in able to provide comprehensive support to clients involved in myriad derivative contracts. The team also advises on interest rate, currency and commodity hedges. Jonathan Lindabury heads the group, with a practice spanning transactional and regulatory issues.Practice head(s):
Jonathan Lindabury
Other key lawyers:
Caitlin Wood
Key clients
Affiliated Managers Group
Alibaba
Apax Partners
Aramark
BC Partners
Best Buy
BlackRock
Blackstone
Citibank
Dell Technologies
EQT
Essential Utilities
First Reserve
Garda World Security Corporation
GFL Corporation
Goldman Sachs
GSO
Hellman & Friedman
Hilton Worldwide Holdings
Invitation Homes
JPMorgan
KKR
Mars Inc.
Morgan Stanley
Qudian
Silver Lake
SoftBank
Stonepeak
Teleflex Incorporated
Warburg Pincus
Work highlights
- Advised Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, HSBC Bank USA, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A and Citibank, N.A., among others on convertible note hedge transactions and warrant transactions relating to shares of Class A common stock of Square, entered into concurrently with Square’s $1.15bn convertible senior notes offering.
- Advised American Electric Power Company on an SEC-registered at-the-market equity program pursuant to which shares of AEP’s common stock having an aggregate sales price of up to $1bn may be sold from time to time
- Advised Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners on hedging transactions relating to its definitive agreement to acquire Astound Broadband, the sixth largest US cable operator in the US.
Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers
Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is highly active in the registered funds space, particularly for large PE houses that are diversifying into registered products, with recent work for clients including Blackstone, KKR, The Carlyle Group, and Apollo Global Management, primarily in connection with the launching of BDCs. Of note over the review period, practice head Rajib Chandra helped launch Blackstone Private Credit Fund and the Carlyle Group's TGC BDC. David Blass is another key figure within the team, focusing primarily on regulatory matters, including broker-dealer regulations, SEC examination and enforcement, and 1940 act compliance. New York-based Benjamin Wells is also recommended for fund formation and structuring, as well as for ongoing governance and compliance matters. Steven Grigoriou joined the firm in 2020 from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, and Ryan Brizek make partner at the start of 2021. All lawyers are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.
Practice head(s):
Rajib Chanda
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘David Blass is a well-rounded lawyer that gives excellent business advise combined with strong legal foundation.’
‘Through Simpson we have been able to advance the flexibility the SEC is willing to give as it relates to co-investment.‘
‘Chris Healey has an unparalleled knowledge with respect to the 40 Act.‘
Key clients
Affiliated Managers Group
American Investment Council
Apollo Global Management LLC
AR Capital, LLC
Ares Management
AQR Capital Management
BC Partners
Blackstone Alternative Asset Management
Blackstone / GSO
Blackstone Real Estate Income Funds
BofA Merrill Lynch
Capital Research Group (American Funds)
The Carlyle Group
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
CNO Financial Group, Inc.
The Coalition for Asset Management
Corsair Capital
Deutsche Bank
EIG Global Energy Partners
Fact Set Research Systems
First Eagle Credit
First Eagle Investment Management
First Pacific Advisors
HarbourVest Partners
The India Fund, Inc. and The Asia Tigers Fund, Inc.
Investment Company Institute
Institutional Shareholder Services Inc.
KKR Asset Management
KKR Real Estate
Legg Mason Closed-end Funds
Levin Capital
Magnetar Capital
MFS
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
New Mountain Capital
Oaktree Capital
People’s United Bank, N.A.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
Riverstone H
Latin America: International firms > Capital markets Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has one of the largest teams of senior Latin America specialists, spread across its New York and Sao Paulo offices. Capital markets offerings have accounted for a significant proportion of the broader Latin America practice with the team landing many of the headline IPOs and equity offerings engagements in Brazil; in 2020 alone, the team advised on nine Brazilian IPOs and five other equity offerings, including the IPOs of Grupo Mateus and Hidrovias do Brasil. It also advised the underwriters on the SEC-registered IPOs of Pátria Investimentos, Vasta Platform and Intercorp Financial Services, the latter being the first Peruvian IPO on the NYSE in six years. Beyond its core market of Brazil, the group has an outstanding record in the Southern Cone, Peru and other Latin American jurisdictions. It has also successfully leveraged the firm’s global reputation in high-yield debt to advise on a multitude of these deals in the region. Sovereign debt offerings is another forte for the group. Splitting his time between New York and Sao Paulo, Todd Crider heads the Latin America group, and has an outstanding record in big-ticket equity and debt offerings across Latin America. Grenfel Calheiros heads the Sao Paulo office and has emerged as one of the leading figures in Brazil IPOs, equity offerings and debt offerings. Juan Francisco Méndez is another key member of the team with a broad geographic coverage and is noted for his experience in PIPE investments, while Jaime Mercado is noted for sovereign debt deals across the region. Juan Naveira is another emerging talent. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise. Since publication, the firm has further strengthened its Sao Paulo office with the promotion of counsel Paulo Fernando de Menezes to partner, effective as of Decmber 2021.Practice head(s):
Todd Crider; Jamie Mercado; Juan Francisco Méndez; Grenfel Calheiros; Juan Naveira; David Williams
Key clients
Ambipar Participações e Empreendimentos
Albanesi
América Móvil
Aura Minerals
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones
Banco do Brasil Securities
Banco Hipotecario
BBVA
BNP Paribas
BofA Merrill Lynch
Boa Vista Serviços
Braskem
BRF
BTG Pactual
Burger King Brasil
Celulosa Arauco
Citigroup
Cofra Holding
Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE)
Corp Group Banking
Credit Suisse
Cury Construtora e Incorporadora
C&A Modas
Despegar.com
Deutsche Bank
Embotelladora Andina
FIBRA Prologis
FIBRA Macquarie México
Fondo Mivivienda
Genneia
Goldman Sachs
Grupo Sura
Republic of Guatemala
HSBC
INCAS
Interbank
Intercorp Financial Services
InRetail
Itaú
JP Morgan
LOG Commercial Properties e Participações
Morgan Stanley
Neogrid Participações
Pan American Energy
Pátria Investimentos
Republic of Peru
RBC Capital Markets
Santander
Sinqia
Silver Lake Sumeru
Standard Chartered Bank
Sura Asset Management
UBS
Unigel Participações
Via Varejo
Vivara Participações
YPF Luz
Work highlights
- Advised MPM Corpóreos (Espaçolaser) and certain selling shareholders on the initial public offering of Espaçolaser on the São Paulo Stock Exchange.
- Advised the underwriters, on the SEC-registered IPO by Patria Investments.
- Advised Neogrid Participações on its IPO on the São Paulo Stock Exchange.
Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP remains one of the benchmark firms in Latin America for cross-border M&A, private equity and other transactions such as PIPE deals. These are fortes for the firm globally, but the core Latin America team has built its own elevated standing in these areas. It has assembled a mightily impressive client list of multinationals, multilatinas and private equity houses. Todd Crider is head of the Latin America practice and has emerged as a true leader in private equity and strategic M&A in the region. Head of the Sao Paulo office Grenfel Calheiros has played a pivotal role in extending the firm’s status in Brazil, notably in both M&A and private equity, and in key sectors such as FinTech and financial services. Juan Francisco Méndez and NewYork/Sao Paulo partner Jaime Mercado are also key senior names, along with emerging partner Juan Naveira and counsel Borja Marcos. Founder of the Latin America group David Williams has retired from the partnership. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.Practice head(s):
Todd Crider; Jamie Mercado; Juan Francisco Méndez; Grenfel Calheiros; Juan Naveira; David Williams
Key clients
Actis Capital
Advent International
APAX
Avianca Airlines
AVINTIV
Banco Caja Social
Banco Comafi
Blackstone and Blackstone Real Estate Partners
Blue Water Worldwide
The Boeing Company
Braskem
Carlyle
Compañía Cervecerías Unidas
Celulosa Arauco
Centro Financiero BHD
Certares Management
Colbun
Compañía de Petróleos de Chile COPEC
CorpBanca
CORPESCA
Credit Suisse
CVC
Despegar.com
Ecopetrol
Embotelladora Andina
Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones
Encourage Capital
Gerdau
Goldman Sachs
Grupo Axo
Grupo Phoenix
Grupo Romero
Inversiones Alxar
Inversiones Piuranas
JP Morgan
KKR
Laureate Education
Localiza Rent a Car
Mercantil Colpatria
Minsur
Netshoes
Pátria Investimentos
Quiñenco
Riverwood Capital
SAAM
San Miguel Industrias PET
Santo Domingo Group
Softbank
Sura Asset Management
Vinci
Work highlights
- Represented Conductor Technology in connection with a $150m equity investment round led by Viking Global Investors.
- Represented leading Latin American travel agency Despegar.com in its renegotiated $56m acquisition of Best Day Travel Group.
- Advised Laureate Education on its definitive agreement to sell its Brazilian operations to Ser Educacional.
Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance Tier 2
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has one of the most experienced and versatile Latin America groups amongst the international firms. While most of its Latin America partners operate across multiple practice areas, they have genuine banking and finance pedigree. Situated in New York and Sao Paulo, the group has an extensive record in syndicated loans, acquisition financings, structured export financings, securitisations, project financings and restructurings. Its hugely impressive client list is illustrative of the firm's standing in the Latin America market. The group remains best known for its expertise in acquisition finance and corporate loans, with growth in financings related to the Covid-19 crisis. Juan Francisco Méndez is a key figure in acquisition financings and bilateral and syndicated facilities. Jaime Mercado is also noted for acquisition and leveraged finance, and Juan Naveira is a regular adviser to Latin American corporates in connection with various debt facilities. David Williams, founder of the Latin America practice and one of the pioneers in the market, has retired.
Practice head(s):
Todd Crider; Jaime Mercado; Juan Francisco Méndez; Grenfel Calheiros; Juan Naveira
Testimonials
‘Simpson has a very strong team in the banking and finance area. Although internally we were structuring a loan, Simpson’s collaboration made it quick and effective to negotiate. They stand out in terms of the speed in responding and the high level of knowledge.’
‘The team is made up of people who adapt to the business framework of their client, clearly understanding the needs of each transaction.’
‘Juan Naveira is a good successor to David Williams.’
Key clients
Abengoa
Administradora de Electromovilidad
Albanesi Energía
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior
Bank of America
Celulosa Arauco y Constitución
Citibank
Compañía de Petróleos de Chile Copec
Despegar.com
Empresa Copec
Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (Entel)
FIBRA Macquarie México
Grupo Cinemex
Grupo Phoenix
Grupo Monge
Ingeniería Estrella
JPMorgan
Morgan Stanley
Pan American Energy
Rabobank
Scotiabank
Unigel Participações
YPF Luz
Work highlights
- Represented JPMorgan Chase in connection with a $375m secured bridge loan financing to InRetail Consumer, a subsidiary of InRetail Peru Corp.
- Advised Electromovilidad as borrower on the review and negotiation of its new credit agreement with BNP Paribas and Société Générale as joint mandated lead arrangers, green loan coordinators and lenders.
- Represented JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley on a committed debt financing to StoneCo in connection with the proposed merger of STNE Participações with Linx.
Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy Tier 3
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is principally focused on financings and fund raising for energy and infrastructure businesses in Latin America. This includes a multitude of equity and debt offerings, such as representing the placement agents in the follow-on offering by Petro Rio and the placement agents in 3R Petroleum Óleo e Gás's IPO. New York and Sao Paulo partner Todd Crider leads the Latin America practice and is supported by a number of experienced Latin America specialists, including Sao Paulo office head Grenfel Calheiros and New York partner Juan Francisco Méndez. Founder of the Latin America team David Williams has retired from the partnership.
Practice head(s):
Todd Crider; Jamie Mercado; Juan Francisco Méndez; Grenfel Calheiros; Juan Naveira
Key clients
Abengoa
Administradora de Electromovilidad
Albanesi
Aura Minerals
BBVA Securities
Braskem
Celulosa Arauco Y Constitucion
Compañía de Petróleos de Chile Copec
CPFL Energias Renováveis
Empresas Copec
Goldman Sachs
Grupo Romero
Hokchi Energy
Intercorp Financial Services
JP Morgan Securities
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Morgan Stanley
OHL Concesiones
Pan American Energy
Sudamericana, Agencias Aéreas y Marítimas
Transportadora de Gas del Norte
Unigel Participações
Volcan Compañía Minera
XP Investimentos
YPF Luz
Work highlights
- Represented the placement agents in the follow-on offering by Petro Rio.
- Represented the placement agents in 3R Petroleum Óleo e Gás’s IPO.
- Advised the underwriters in the global offering by BNDES Participações.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is widely recognized as one of the pre-eminent law firms in the world. The firm devotes to its clients the legal talent and skill of over 1,000 lawyers with a commitment to hard work, excellence and integrity. The firm takes a business-like approach to advising its clients worldwide across a broad spectrum of corporate transactions and litigation matters by offering straightforward, pragmatic advice that recognizes the business needs of clients in light of prevailing commercial and legal realities. The firm has played a substantial role in many of the most complex and noteworthy transactions and litigations of the last decade.
Areas of practice
M&A: Simpson Thacher is recognized globally for its role on behalf of parties on all sides of complex M&A transactions, buyouts, stock and asset purchases, restructurings, spinoffs, joint ventures and contested transactions. Simpson Thacher also counsels clients on a broad range of corporate governance and control matters, including proxy contests and challenges by activist investors. The firm was named an ‘M&A Practice Group of the Year’ by Law360 in four of the past six years, including 2020.
Private equity: Simpson Thacher is the world’s leading legal advisor in the private equity sector. Since the earliest days of private equity, clients have sought Simpson Thacher’s advice across the spectrum of private equity activity and the firm continues to be the counsel of choice for many of the world’s most sophisticated private equity firms. Simpson Thacher’s scale and depth of experience give it insight into the needs of every participant in private equity transactions – private equity sponsors, senior bank lenders, subordinated and bridge lenders, management and financial investors and underwriters. The firm has ranked among the top two law firms in Global Private Equity Announced Deals (by value) by Bloomberg in 12 of the past 15 years, and has been named a ‘Private Equity Practice Group of the Year’ by Law360 for nine consecutive years.
Capital markets: Simpson Thacher is a leader in capital markets transactions worldwide. The capital markets practice is prized for its reach and range – from Manhattan to Silicon Valley, from London to Hong Kong, São Paulo and beyond. With a uniquely balanced practice, representing both issuers and underwriters, the firm enjoys a premier standing in advising on IPOs and other equity capital markets transactions, as well as high yield debt, convertible debt and investment grade offerings. Clients rely on Simpson Thacher’s mastery of intricate deal structuring and its experience across the full spectrum of products and industries. The firm has been named a ‘Capital Markets Practice Group of the Year’ by Law360 in each of the past seven years.
Banking and finance: With a widely recognized top-level practice, Simpson Thacher counsels clients on their most sophisticated credit transactions. The firm ranked #1 as legal counsel for eight of the past ten years based on financing volume by Loan Pricing Corporation. Clients rely on Simpson Thacher to advise on an array of complex credit transactions and financial instruments at all levels of the corporate capital structure. The firm’s practices focus on many areas of the bank and syndicated lending market, including: leveraged finance, acquisition finance, including bridge financing, investment grade finance and project and energy finance.
Litigation: Clients seek the practice’s advice on high-stakes litigation, cross-border disputes, as well as government and internal investigations in the Americas, Europe and Asia. With more than 200 litigators, the practice offers a substantial bench of talent to resolve a wide array of legal issues. Clients benefit from the practice’s ability to leverage its broad experience and versatility to address their unique legal and business interests.
The litigation practice includes:
- Antitrust and trade regulation
- Asia litigation
- Bankruptcy litigation
- Complex commercial litigation
- ERISA litigation
- False advertising litigation
- Funds regulatory and investigations
- Government and internal investigations
- Insurance and reinsurance
- Intellectual property litigation
- International arbitration
- International regulatory and compliance
- Mergers and acquisitions litigation
- Product liability and mass Tort
- Securities litigation
- Whistleblower & False Claims Act
- Private funds: Simpson Thacher has one of the world’s pre-eminent private funds practices. The practice is global in scope and covers funds with a wide variety of investment criteria, including buyout, hedge, real estate, energy/ infrastructure, credit, secondary, venture capital, fund-of-funds and other types of funds pursuing ‘alternative investment’ strategies. The team provides comprehensive advice to many of the world’s best-known institutional alternative asset managers, as well as smaller first-time funds and independent boutiques.
- Real estate: The firm’s global real estate practice spans all areas of the real estate industry, including sophisticated real estate finance, sales and acquisitions, restructurings, real estate development, joint ventures, co-investments and partnerships. Simpson Thacher’s synthesis of real estate experience with its leading corporate practices – M&A, capital markets, banking and restructuring – allows the firm to offer institutional real estate investors a single source of advice for their most complex real estate matters. The firm has been selected as a ‘Real Estate Practice Group of the Year’ by Law360 in seven of the past eight years.
Restructuring and bankruptcy: Simpson Thacher’s depth of experience in some of the largest and most complex bankruptcies and out-of-court restructurings allows the firm to provide effective, strategic advice to clients across every part of the capital structure, from holders of senior secured debt, to unsecured and subordinated debt, to equity. In addition, the firm’s multidisciplinary Private Capital and Special Situations Investment Group (PSIG) executes complex and bespoke strategic credit, opportunistic equity and rescue finance transactions for a broad range of clients. While the team excels at crafting creative and consensual out-of-court solutions to the thorniest disputes, when circumstances demand, the firm’s bankruptcy litigators have extensive experience and sophistication to successfully prosecute complex bankruptcy cases.
Energy and infrastructure: Energy companies and their lenders and investors turn to Simpson Thacher for cutting edge legal advice on a broad range of activities throughout the world. The firm is at the forefront of developments across the energy and infrastructure sector, giving the firm the unique perspective necessary to advise a diverse group of clients in all phases of their energy and infrastructure businesses. The practice’s clients work in electric power and transmission; renewable and clean energy, including wind, solar and geothermal; telecom and digital infrastructure, electric, gas and water utilities; exploration and production, midstream, refining and petrochemicals, energy services and all other segments of the infrastructure sector. The firm was selected as an ‘Energy Practice Group of the Year’ for 2020 by Law360.
Financial institutions: We offer clients unique insight into issues relating to the financial services industry, gained through our extensive deal experience and deep knowledge of the complex and changing regulatory framework. We have represented clients in many of the largest and most complex mergers of the past decades, as well as important and innovative capital raising transactions and regulatory matters ranging from compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations to chartering new institutions and obtaining regulatory approvals for expanded banking powers. The firm was named ‘Financial Services Law Firm of the Year’ and won ‘Financial Services Deal of the Year’ at The Deal Awards 2020.
Healthcare: Major players across the healthcare industry – pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, medical device and equipment manufacturers, health insurance companies, hospitals and other providers – turn to Simpson Thacher for deep experience navigating the complexities of the industry. From structuring multibillion dollar mergers and obtaining antitrust approval to advising on disputes and investigations, our healthcare group combines industry-specific experience with unrivaled excellence in the legal disciplines that most affect healthcare companies.
Technology: Simpson Thacher is known as a global technology powerhouse that provides practical legal advice with an appreciation for the nuances and subtleties in the economy’s most complex and fast-changing sector. The firm has led some of the most significant and high profile tech matters in recent history, including acquisitions, financings, IPOs, shareholder disputes, cybersecurity issues, government investigations and other litigation matters. Our clients include both well-known players and emerging companies in technology, media and telecommunications, as well as investors, lenders and underwriters. We understand the industry dynamics and challenges faced by companies in this highly competitive space, and render advice tailored to each client’s circumstances and reflective of their key priorities, business model and operations, proprietary IP and the competitive landscape. The firm was named a ‘Technology Practice Group of the Year’ by Law360 in three of the past six years, including 2020.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
M&A | Kathryn King Sudol | ksudol@stblaw.com.com | +1-212-455-3232 |
M&A | Eric Swedenburg | eswedenburg@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-2225 |
Private Equity | Marni Lerner | mlerner@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3443 |
Private Equity | Elizabeth Cooper | ecooper@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3407 |
Capital Markets | Joshua Ford Bonnie | jbonnie@stblaw.com | +1-202-636-5804 |
Capital Markets | Roxane Reardon | rfreardon@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-2758 |
Capital Markets | Kenneth Wallach | kwallach@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3352 |
Banking and Credit | Patrick Ryan | pryan@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3463 |
Litigation | Paul Curnin | pcurnin@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-2519 |
Litigation | Jonathan Youngwood | jyoungwood@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3539 |
Private Funds | Michael Wolitzer | mwolitzer@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-7440 |
Real Estate | Greg Ressa | gressa@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-7430 |
Restructuring and Bankruptcy | Sandy Qusba | squsba@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3760 |
Energy and Infrastructure | David Lieberman | dlieberman@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3545 |
Financial Institutions | Lee Meyerson | lmeyerson@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3675 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Ryan Bekkerus | With twenty years of experience in corporate finance transactions, Ryan Bekkerus regularly… | View Profile |
![]() | Thomas Bell | Partner specialising in investment management. Heads the Firm’s Private Funds Practice. Advises… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Blau | A Partner in the Firm’s Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Practice, Andrew… | View Profile |
![]() | Joshua Ford Bonnie | Josh Bonnie is a leading capital markets practitioner and regularly advises companies… | View Profile |
![]() | Brian Chisling | Partner in the Firm’s Corporate department, focusing on corporate and regulatory matters… | View Profile |
![]() | Elizabeth Cooper | Corporate Partner focusing on M&A for financial institution clients. Significant transactions include… | View Profile |
![]() | Barrie Covit | Focuses on private funds and other facets of ‘alternative asset management’. Has… | View Profile |
![]() | James Cross | Partner in Firm’s Corporate Department, where he concentrates on debt financing, with… | View Profile |
![]() | Brooke Cucinella | Partner in the Firm’s Litigation Department, Brooke is a former federal securities… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Curnin | Co-Chair of the Firm’s Litigation Department. He concentrates on government and internal… | View Profile |
![]() | John C. Ericson | John represents underwriters and issuers in a wide variety of capital markets… | View Profile |
![]() | Mary Beth Forshaw | Commercial litigator with deep experience representing insurers and reinsurers in coverage and… | View Profile |
![]() | Bryce Friedman | Litigation Partner with focus on complex commercial disputes. Represents financial services, insurance,… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Goldstein | Tax partner concentrating on private investment fund formation, tax aspects of mergers… | View Profile |
![]() | Jennifer Hobbs | Corporate Partner who focuses on acquisition finance and advises on a broad… | View Profile |
![]() | Gary Horowitz | Corporate Partner concentrating on M&A for private equity firms and corporations, and… | View Profile |
![]() | Alexandra Kaplan | Alexandra Kaplan represents leading financial institutions and investment banks in connection with… | View Profile |
![]() | Joseph Kaufman | Corporate Partner advising clients on public and private offerings of debt and… | View Profile |
![]() | Peter Kazanoff | Partner focusing on M&A, securities, and derivative litigations. M&A representations include private… | View Profile |
![]() | Alan Klein | Co-Head of M&A Practice. Advised Microsoft on many transactions, including its acquisitions… | View Profile |
![]() | Scott Kobak | Scott M. Kobak is a Partner in the Real Estate Department of… | View Profile |
![]() | Marni Lerner | Co-Head of Private Equity Group. Represents a mix of private equity and… | View Profile |
![]() | Lori Lesser | Intellectual Property and Litigation Partner. Heads the Firm’s IP transactional practice and… | View Profile |
![]() | Edgar Lewandowski | Concentrating on capital markets, securities and corporate governance matters, Edgar Lewandowski is… | View Profile |
![]() | David Lieberman | Partner in the Firm’s Corporate Department and Chair of the Firm’s Energy… | View Profile |
![]() | Linton Mann III | Linton Mann III is a Partner in Simpson Thacher’s Litigation Practice. Linton… | View Profile |
![]() | Jeannine McSweeney | Jeannine McSweeney is a Partner in the Firm’s Executive Compensation and Employee… | View Profile |
![]() | Lee Meyerson | Head of global Financial Institutions Practice and previous head of global M&A… | View Profile |
![]() | Lynn Neuner | An experienced trial lawyer specializing in shareholder, commercial, insurance and false advertising… | View Profile |
![]() | Mario Ponce | Partner in the Corporate Department. Focuses on negotiated and hostile merger and… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Purcell | A partner in Simpson Thacher’s Tax Practice, Drew Purcell advises clients on… | View Profile |
![]() | Gregory Ressa | Greg Ressa is Head of the firm’s Real Estate Department and a… | View Profile |
![]() | Brian Robbins | Head of the Firm’s Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Practice Group. Practice… | View Profile |
![]() | Arthur Robinson | Partner representing clients in initial public offerings, high yield issuances, restructurings and… | View Profile |
![]() | Patrick Ryan | Partner in the Firm’s Corporate Department and Head of the Firm’s Banking… | View Profile |
![]() | Whitney Salinas | Whitney Salinas is a Partner in the Firm’s Real Estate Department. She… | View Profile |
![]() | David Shevlin | Head of the Firm’s Exempt Organizations Practice. Advises a variety of internal… | View Profile |
![]() | Brian Stadler | Represents corporations, private equity firms and financial advisors in a wide variety… | View Profile |
![]() | Anthony Vernace | A Corporate Partner in the Firm’s New York office, Anthony Vernace counsels… | View Profile |
![]() | Craig Waldman | Craig S. Waldman is a Partner in the Firm’s Litigation Department. Craig… | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Wolitzer | Head of Investment Funds Practice, focusing on private fund formation and other… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Youngwood | Co-Chair of the Firm’s Litigation Department. He has represented financial institutions and… | View Profile |
- Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation
- Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes
- Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense
- Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense
- Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings
- Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings
- Finance > Capital markets: global offerings
- Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings
- Finance > Commercial lending
- Industry focus > Insurance: advice to insurers
- Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital)
- Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional
- M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+)
- M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts
- Real estate
- Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations)
- Tax > US taxes: non-contentious
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Antitrust > Cartel
- Antitrust > Merger control
- Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense
- Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate
- Industry focus > Energy: renewable/alternative power
- Industry focus > Energy transactions: conventional power
- Industry focus > Energy transactions: oil and gas
- Industry focus > Environment: transactional
- Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
- Tax > International tax
Firm Rankings
- Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense
- Finance > Financial services regulation
- Finance > Project finance
- Finance > Structured finance: securitization
- Industry focus > Insurance: non-contentious
- Investment fund formation and management >
- M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance
- > Technology transactions
- Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal)
- Dispute resolution > International trade
- Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products
- Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers
- Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds
- Latin America: International firms > Capital markets
- Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance