Ropes & Gray LLP fields a comprehensive merger control practice with deep strength in antitrust-sensitive sectors including life sciences, healthcare, private equity and technology, regularly guiding clients through complex, high-stakes regulatory reviews. The team’s bench is bolstered by former FTC, DOJ and international agency officials and a dedicated HSR group, giving it depth in navigating multi-jurisdictional clearance and enforcement risk. The team is jointly led from Washington DC by Jonathan Klarfeld, who advises clients on complex U.S. merger reviews and antitrust investigations, bringing particular strength to high-stakes, closely scrutinised transactions, and Mark Popofsky, who is a go-to for bet-the-company antitrust and merger disputes across tech, life sciences and telecoms.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Key clients
- Advocate Aurora Health Inc.
- Bain Capital
- Becton, Dickinson and Company
- Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Eli Lilly
- Exact Sciences Corporation
- JenaValve Technology, Inc.
- Lantheus Medical
- Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Nippon Steel Corporation
- Pfizer Inc.
- Sarepta Therapeutics
- TPG Capital
- Xerox Holdings Corporation
Work highlights
Served as antitrust counsel to Pfizer in a $10 billion deal for obesity drug developer Metsera, capping a fierce biotech bidding war between Pfizer and Danish rival Novo Nordisk.
Representing JenaValve Technology, Inc. in its proposed acquisition by Edwards Lifesciences.
Leading the antitrust, foreign direct investment, and foreign subsidy process in connection with the historic, $14.9 billion merger between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel.
Practice head
Jonathan Klarfeld; Mark Popofsky