Freshfields continues to be active on large, multi-jurisdictional merger reviews, with the US team closely integrated into the firm’s wider global competition platform. The practice is regularly engaged on transactions that attract scrutiny across multiple authorities, with particular strength on matters involving European coordination alongside US filings. Sector coverage is broad, with a steady flow of work in life sciences, technology and regulated industries. Practice head Christine Wilson brings senior regulatory experience from the FTC alongside in-house and private practice experience, and is regularly instructed on high-profile merger control matters requiring close engagement with enforcement agencies. Mary Lehner remains a central figure for clients navigating complex merger control processes, while Meghan Rissmiller is noted for her work in telecoms and life sciences matters. Jennifer Mellott splits her time between Washington DC and Brussels, reflecting the team’s transatlantic focus on coordinated filings and agency engagement, and Justin Stewart-Teitelbaum brings further experience advising on matters involving European Commission review. The team was further strengthened by the arrival of Marin Boney from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, who advises private equity sponsors and corporate clients on cross-border merger reviews, regulatory risk and deal structuring across technology, energy and healthcare sectors. All mentioned attorneys are based in Washington DC.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Justin Stewart-Teitelbaum is my primary contact at Freshfields. Not only is he an expert in the areas of relevance, but his team provides excellent client service by listening carefully to what we are looking for, tailoring the work product, and ensuring I am kept up to date on other matters that would likely otherwise escape my notice. This is the kind of exceptional support that makes it easy to demonstrate the value of seeking external advice.'
- ‘Mary Lehner is excellent and pragmatic. Will Cooke is an excellent associate, pleasant to work with. Alan Ryan is efficient and helpful’
- ‘The team provides a white glove service - with great communication, good and clear planning, broader strategic thinking and precision on the details. They are commercial in their application of the law, and prompt in their advice; a great support for any in-house antitrust team.’
- ‘I think that Jenn Mellott has the work ethic and experience to provide her clients stellar counseling and representation on complex MA&A matters.'
- ‘Meghan Rissmiller and Kevin Yingling give practical, smart, sound advice. The team is highly coordinated, knowledgeable and solution-oriented.’
- ‘Experienced professionals with government experience and relevant experience with other clients. Practical advice.'
Key clients
- Viterra Limited
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE)
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
- DSV A/S
- Apple
- Subsea7 S.A.
- Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
- Cencora
- Sonoco Products Company
- Celsius Holdings, Inc.
- Universal Music Group
Work highlights
Advised grain company Viterra Limited, along with affiliates of Glencore PLC, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, on the global merger control and foreign investment regulation aspects of its $34 billion merger with Bunge Limited (“Bunge”), a global agricultural company, in a stock and cash transaction.
Advising Alphabet on Google’s $32 bn all-cash acquisition of Wiz, a leading cloud security platform headquartered in New York.
Acted as lead antitrust and regulatory counsel for Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) on its acquisition of Juniper Networks, Inc. for $14 bn.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Christine Wilson
Other key lawyers
Mary Lehner; Meghan Rissmiller; Jennifer Mellott; Justin Stewart-Teitelbaum; Marin Boney; Kevin Yingling; Will Cooke; Alan Ryan