The team at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is geared to support clients in assessing and minimizing CFIUS risk, seeking approval of large transactions with minimal or no conditions, and complying with mitigation agreements. Remaining a first port of call for the private equity industry, the practice stands out for its representation of large asset managers before CFIUS on high-profile and complex acquisitions and investments, while representing a wide range of corporations, financial investors, and sovereign wealth funds. The group demonstrates proficiency across an array of sensitive industries, including technology, semiconductor manufacturing, and telecommunications. It is particularly well-placed to advise China and Hong Kong-based companies and investment firms on responding to non-notified inquiries and negotiating mitigation agreements. Malcolm (Mick) Tuesley leads the national security regulatory practice and is very experienced in the CFIUS arena, having provided guidance on highly sensitive investments. Another key team member is Mark Skerry, who has experience securing CFIUS approvals in sensitive industries and negotiating complex mitigation measures. Jennifer Ho is also of note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team is one of the best in DC for handling CFIUS matters and more generally FDI questions. We have very often recommended it to our clients on very substantial transactions that had CFIUS implications.'
- 'In every case, we were fully satisfied by the work done, the availability and dedication of the lawyers and outcomes of the mission. Last but not least, the team is a pleasure to work with.'
- 'Mick Tuesley is a very well-known and good practitioner, fully available to jump in the most complex cases.'
- 'Mark Skerry is excellent at carrying out complex assignments and has very good commercial skills. Jennifer Ho and Claire Di Mario are also exceptional from a technical and operational point of view. The rest of the team is outstanding.'
- 'Top of the market CFIUS practice with excellent value for money.'
- 'The team members are very knowledgeable and provide robust advice in a regulatory landscape full of uncertainties and dynamics.'
Key clients
- Antin Infrastructure Partners
- Apax Partners
- BC Partners
- BlackRock, Inc.
- Blackstone, Inc.
- CBRE Group, Inc.
- EQT AB
- Francisco Partners
- Global Infrastructure Partners
- Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
- Hellman & Friedman LLC
- IFM Investors
Work highlights
Representing Zayo Group and investment funds affiliated with EQT AB in connection with the proposed acquisition of the Fiber Solutions and Small Cells businesses of Crown Castle in a combined transaction valued at approximately $8.5 billion.
Represented investment funds managed by affiliates of Blackstone Inc. in connection with its take-private acquisition, together with Vista Equity Partners and other investors, of Smartsheet, Inc. in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $8.4 billion.
Represented Wells Fargo & Company on its agreement to sell the assets of its rail equipment leasing business to a newly formed joint venture between GATX Corporation and Brookfield Infrastructure for $4.4 billion.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Jennifer Ho
Practice head
Malcolm (Mick) Tuesley; Lynn Neuner; Jonathan Youngwood
Other key lawyers
Mark Skerry; Jennifer Ho; Claire DiMario; Abram Ellis