Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is widely recognized for its sophisticated handling of executive compensation and employee benefits in major corporate transactions. The firm plays a pivotal role in structuring management incentive programs, carried interest arrangements, and equity-based compensation plans, particularly in private equity buyouts, IPOs, and strategic mergers.The team is frequently engaged by leading private equity sponsors and Fortune 500 companies, advising on the design and implementation of executive pay structures, severance protections, and post-merger benefits integration. Recent highlights include advising Blackstone on its $16.1bn acquisition of AirTrunk, and Paramount Global on its $28bn merger with Skydance. The New York-based team includes Gregory Grogan, Brian Robbins, Andrew Blau, and David Rubinsky, all of whom are sought after for their expertise in structuring executive compensation in complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'The STB team is solid all the way around. Their counsel is always timely, thorough and well-reasoned. Importantly, they have in depth knowledge of SEC-related executive compensation matter.’
‘Jeannine McSweeney and Gary Tashjian are two stand out attorneys.’
‘Within the firm the group has equal stature with other larger practice groups like M&A and, as a result, the group attracts high quality lawyers.’
‘ David Rubinsky is fun, practical and smart. ’
Key clients
- Alight, Inc.
- Blackstone
- Blackstone Real Estate
- Blue Yonder
- Brookfield Asset Management
- BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII
- Bumble
- Circana
- Goldman Sachs
- Hilton Grand Vacations
Work highlights
- Representation of Paramount Global in connection with its proposed merger with Skydance Media, LLC.
- Representation of Blackstone and the buyer consortium formed with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in connection with the acquisition of AirTrunk, a leading Asian data center operator, for an implied enterprise value of A$24 billion.
- Representation of funds managed by Stone Point Capital LLC in connection with their agreement, together with funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC, to purchase Truist Bank’s insurance brokerage business in a transaction valuing the business at $15.5 billion.
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
Greg Grogan
Other key lawyers
Brian Robbins; David Rubinsky; Andrew Blau; Jeannine McSweeney; Jeannine McSweeney; Gary Tashjian