Akin‘s M&A team is primarily active in the energy, tech and financial services sectors, leveraging integrated expertise from its tax, intellectual property and real estate teams, to advise on strategic platform acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, tender offers and take-private transactions. Co-leading the team out of Dallas are Wesley Williams and Thomas Yang, with Williams focusing on oil and gas sector clients, and Yang combining his M&A experience with capital markets expertise. Practice co-head Zachary Wittenberg is based out of the firm’s New York office, and specialises in distressed M&A transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Clients value the team’s partner‑level engagement, responsiveness, and strength in areas such as cross‑border deals, private equity, energy, and transactions involving regulatory or financial‑distress components.'
- ‘Sergio Urias and César Gimenez are a great duo. César is very hands-on and Sergio is great in negotiations; he brings focus and calmness to the table.’
- ‘Great team with Spanish-speaking capabilities and world-wide contacts.’
- ‘Amy Wollensack stands out as an exceptional partner. Her business judgment is sharp—she doesn't just identify legal risks, she helps us weigh them against commercial realities and make informed decisions. Amy is also remarkably responsive; even on tight timelines, I can count on her to be available and engaged. Working with her feels like a true partnership.’
- ‘Team does an excellent job of learning about and then tailoring service closely to client needs.’
- 'What I value most is the team’s consistency: they are engaged, solutions oriented, and deeply invested in delivering outcomes that align with clients’ strategic goals, all while maintaining a culture of respect, humility, and teamwork that makes even the most demanding transactions run smoothly.’
Key clients
- Elliott Investment Management
- Mattress Firm Shareholders
- Millrose Properties Inc.
- EOG Resources
- Viper Energy
- Point Energy Partners
- Innovex International, Inc.
Work highlights
Assisted Amber Energy in its proposed $7.286 billion acquisition of PDV Holding Inc.
Represented key shareholders including Centerbridge Partners Europe, LLP in Mattress Firm’s $5 billion merger with Tempur-Sealy International, which combined the largest manufacturer of beds with the largest specialty retailer of beds.
Advised EOG Resources in its $5.6 billion acquisition of Encino Energy.
Practice head
Zachary Wittenberg; Wesley Williams; Thomas Yang
Other key lawyers
Amy Wollensack; Sergio Urias; César Gimenez