Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP’s antitrust merger control team works hand-in-glove with the firm’s corporate and litigation practices across the US and Europe, advising on complex, high-profile transactions alongside investigations and contentious proceedings. Spearheading the team is Barry Nigro, who splits his time between Washington DC and New York and brings former DOJ Antitrust Division leadership experience to large-scale merger reviews and contested clearance strategies. In New York, Aleksandr Livshits is particularly active on technology-driven and software transactions, while Lexi Michaud regularly advises on HSR strategy and filings. Kathy O’Neill joined the team from Cooley LLP, having previously held senior leadership roles at the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, and brings enforcement-side perspective to merger clearance work and contested review.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Barry Nigro is a highly experienced antitrust lawyer who brings an extremely valuable, practical perspective to help navigate front office dynamics.'
- ‘The merger control practice has a strong understanding of the DOJ review process and good relationships with staff. They bring a pragmatic approach to merger review that is very helpful to getting to the heart of matters quickly and effectively.’
- ‘The Fried Frank Merger Control team is exceptional because of the breadth and depth of its expertise. The partners have extensive government experience, enabling them to provide excellent advice and prepare the client for their transactions to be approved by the government.'
- ‘The individuals who stand out are Barry Nigro, Kathy O'Neill and Aleksandr Livshits. Their experience, knowledge, reputation in the bar and hardworking puts them head and shoulders above their competitors.’
- 'The Fried Frank team are incredibly responsive and are great communicators, who are able to describe complex issues clearly, leading to better decision-making.’
Key clients
- HPS Investment Partners
- BlackRock
- Thoma Bravo
- Viavi Solutions
- UnitedHealth Group
- Bally’s Corporation
- Stella Point Capital
- AEA Investors
- JetBlue Airways
- Charles Schwab
- New Mountain Capital
- Monroe Capital
Work highlights
Acted as counsel to HPS Investment Partners in its approx. US$12 billion sale to BlackRock, with 100% of consideration paid in BlackRock equity.
Advised BlackRock in connection with certain antitrust aspect relating to its US$12.5 billion acquisition of independent infrastructure manager Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).
Acted for UnitedHealth Group in settlement negotiations in connection with UnitedHealth Group’s proposed US$3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Barry Nigro
Other key lawyers
Aleksandr Livshits; Tobias Caspary; Lexi Michaud; Kathy O'Neill