‘Particularly adept at litigating cases at the FTC and by the DOJ in merger-related investigations’, the merger control practice at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is made up of antitrust litigators handling the full range of analysis, HSR filings and second requests, and litigation. Its work advising Albertsons on the antitrust aspects of its acquisition by Kroger has been a standout example of this. Antitrust and competition co-chair Ted Hassi is ’clear and decisive’ in his work with large scale clients including Toyota Motor Corporation, Reddit, and Gentiva, while New York-based co-chair Michael Schaper  is a particular go-to for clients in the media sector. Leah Martin brings ‘great trial instincts’ to a practice spanning civil and criminal investigations, and merger clearance for transactions reviewed by U.S. antitrust agencies. The team was bolstered in May 2024 by the addition of Tim Cornell, formerly of Clifford Chance. All attorneys based in Washington DC unless otherwise indicated.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is particularly adept at litigating cases at the FTC and by the DOJ in merger-related investigations. ’

  • ‘Ted Hassi is a former FTC litigator and a first chair trial attorney who is knowledgeable particularly in retail transactions. He is clear and decisive.'

  • 'Leah Martin is a younger partner with great trial instincts.'

  • 'Michael Schaper is very good at working with the agencies on merger transactions and a pleasure to work with. ’

Key clients

  • Albertsons Companies, Inc.
  • Kelso & Co.
  • Gentiva
  • Cornerstone Building Brands
  • Clayton Dubilier & Rice and Portfolio Companies
  • StanCorp Financial
  • The George Robert Rawlings Trust
  • Pernod Ricard
  • TPG Capital
  • S&S Activewear

Work highlights

  • Provided antitrust advice to Albertsons Companies, Inc. on its sale to Kroger Co. for a total enterprise value of approximately $24.6 billion.
  • Advised Gentiva, a portfolio company of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in its acquisition of the Heartland hospice and home care business of ProMedica.

Lawyers

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Leah Martin

Practice head

Ted Hassi; Michael Schaper

Other key lawyers

Leah Martin; Tim Cornell; Erica Weisgerber