Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP accompanies clients across all stages of the M&A process, helping to craft strategies that mitigate the risk of subsequent litigation, but also representing clients where shareholders launch appraisal requests and breach of fiduciary duty claims. The firm also has a strong track record in advising defendants in SPAC transaction-related disputes. John Neuwirth is sought after by boards of directors and C-Suites in the face of both shareholder suits and government investigations, and in June 2024 he, alongside Evert Christensen, was able to secure the dismissal of American Securities from a suit challenging its acquisition of Foundation Building Materials Inc. on the grounds that it aided and abetted breaches of fiduciary duties by Foundation and its majority stockholder, Lone Star. Neuwirth heads the practice alongside Caroline Zalka, whose expertise lies in advising boards on securities and disclosure litigation. Zalka represented Warner Bros. Discovery and achieved a dismissal of a class action that arose as a result of falling stock prices following the WarnerMedia – Discovery merger. All lawyers named here are New York-based.
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Profile

Key clients

  • AMC Entertainment
  • Warner Bros. Discovery
  • TripAdvisor
  • American Securities
  • Brookfield Asset Management
  • ATI Physical Therapy
  • The Gores Group
  • Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
  • VelocityEHS

Work highlights

Defended AMC Entertainment in stockholder litigation in Delaware Chancery Court arising from its planned overhaul of its capital structure.
Secured a motion-to-dismiss victory for Warner Bros. Discovery in a putative securities class action litigation following the $43bn merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc.
Secured the dismissal of American Securities from an ongoing lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery, challenging its acquisition of Foundation Building Materials.

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.

Next generation partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

John Neuwirth; Caroline Zalka

Other key lawyers

Evert Christensen