Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP boasts a robust transactional practice, advising clients on high-value domestic and international M&A deals and license and collaboration agreements. New York-based Adam Golden leads the practice, advising emerging and established life sciences companies on M&A, licensing and collaborations, venture capital financings, and commercial transactions. Vinita Kailasanath, based in Silicon Valley, is experienced in strategic intellectual property and transactions at the convergence of life sciences and tech. The team saw significant expansion in 2024, with the arrivals of private capital-focused Eva Mak in Silicon Valley, and M&A expert Steven Li in New York from Kirkland & Ellis. On the private equity side, Neal Reenan and Ian Bushner joined the New York office, while capital markets expert Phillip Stroup arrived in Silicon Valley – all from Latham & Watkins LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • Johnson & Johnson
  • AstraZeneca
  • Roivant
  • Cencora, Inc. (fka AmerisourceBergen)
  • CVC Capital Partners
  • Grünenthal
  • Merz Therapeutics
  • Novartis
  • AbbVie
  • Cartography Biosciences

Work highlights

  • Advised Johnson & Johnson’s $13.1 billion acquisition of Shockwave Medical.
  • Advised Roivant Sciences Ltd. on the $1.2 billion sale of Dermavant Sciences Ltd. to Organon & Co.
  • Successfully represented AstraZeneca and two of its officers in a stockholder class action in Delaware Chancery Court, alleging that AstraZeneca was Viela Bio’s controlling stockholder in connection with Viela’s sale to Horizon Therapeutics.

Lawyers

Next generation partners

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

Practice head

Adam Golden

Other key lawyers

Kristen Riemenschneider; Vinita Kailasanath; Eva Mak; Steven Li; Neal Reenan; Ian Bushner; Phillip Stoup