Often retained for exceptionally complex M&A-related disputes, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is adept at defending clients facing both shareholder-led and regulatory lawsuits tied to pre- and post-merger issues, including alleged breaches of fiduciary duties by directors and officers and busted deals. William Savitt is tasked by both corporations and individual directors with representing them in class actions, governance-related suits and proxy contests. 2024 saw him represent Alex Rodriguez and others in arbitration proceedings relating to their purchase of the Minnesota Timberwolves and negotiated a settlement for Banco Santander following the sale of its US auto loans subsidiary, where minority shareholders alleged they were unfairly squeezed out. Ryan McLeod also assisted on the Santander matter, and has considerable experience in litigating transaction-based disputes in addition to those stemming from disagreements between boards and shareholders on governance and related proxy contests. Leading the practice alongside Savitt is Jonathan Moses, whose practice spans securities and financial services regulatory litigation. Further trial expertise comes in the form of Randall Jackson, who represented Omni in pushing Forward Air to complete its acquisition of the former; a settlement was reached in January 2024.
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Profile

Key clients

  • A-Rod Corp.
  • Analog Devices
  • Banco Santander
  • Boardwalk Pipeline Partners
  • Capri Holdings
  • Continental Resources
  • CRCM
  • Franchise Group
  • Hess Corp.
  • MaxLinear

Work highlights

Represented Omni Logistics in expedited busted deal litigation, ultimately obtaining concessions and closing the deal.
Represented the Haslam family and its affiliate Pilot Co. in litigation with Pilot Travel Centers regarding the purchase of the Haslam family's remaining 20% interest in Pilot Travel Centers.
Represented Boardwalk Pipeline Partners in overturning a November 2021 Delaware Court of Chancery decision ordering Loews to pay $690m in damages in connection with Loews’ take-private of Boardwalk Pipeline Partners.

Lawyers

Hall of fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

William Savitt

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Ryan McLeod

Practice head

William Savitt; Jonathan Moses

Other key lawyers

Ryan McLeod; Randall Jackson