Baker McKenzie leverages its deep cross-jurisdictional presence to assist both domestic and international clients on a range of transactional matters, including acquisitions, carve-outs, spin-offs and divestitures. The team is well regarded for its proficiency in leading transactions in the energy, retail and technology sectors. Based in New York, the practice is spearheaded by Alan Zoccolillo, who is a key port of call for a host of notable clients in the healthcare sector. The team can also rely on Chicago-based Michael DeFranco, whose expertise includes private M&A as well as contested and negotiated public acquisitions and divestitures. David Malliband specialises in cross-border transactions, with experience practising in the US, UK and Australia. Aarthi Belani, based out of Palo Alto, focuses on the life sciences and technology sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The global reach and understanding of carve-out requirements in each jurisdiction are extraordinary. The US lawyers are sensitive to international issues and were good at helping us plan ahead. The ability to primarily utilize paralegals as international project managers is also a huge cost savings that makes my life easier but doesn't blow up my budget.’
- ‘Aarthi Belani is particularly notable for her handling of complex M&A transactions, particularly ones in foreign jurisdictions.’
- ‘Reasonable billing and good international coverage.’
- ‘Aarthi Belani is absolutely stellar, and has been able to maintain a high level of performance and responsiveness on a variety of matters over more than a decade. She is also willing to effectively brainstorm on novel issues and find solutions, carving new pathways, on high-risk deals. She is extremely effective at explaining risks and their impact to the company, and consistently delivers advice that is influential and impactful.’
- 'They have extensive experience across different industries and deal sizes, so also can uniquely contribute to the business risks and analyzing them in ways that other firms have been unable to. They are also willing to fight for what is important to the company, and let go of other items, which also helps control billing for cost-sensitive companies.'
- ‘This practice is incredible because it is willing to meet the client "where they are" and dynamically work with various companies and personalities, taking the lead or the backseat where requested, assisting with diligence wherever and however required, and pointing out risks that the company may have inadvertently overlooked, gently pointing it out without being condescending or acting superior.'
Work highlights
Advised Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), on the carve-out and reorganization aspects of its c. USD 23.7 billion acquisition by Sycamore Partners.
Advised Thoma Bravo as international and carve-out counsel on a definitive agreement to purchase USD 10.55 billion of digital aviation assets from The Boeing Company in ~25 jurisdictions.
Advised Intel Corporation on the sale of its NAND memory business and Dalian, China memory manufacturing facility to Seoul-based SK hynix for a total of USD 9 billion.
Practice head
Alan Zoccolillo
Other key lawyers
Michael DeFranco; David Malliband; Aarthi Belani