Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s M&A practice regularly handles big-ticket M&A and private equity transactions, both domestically and in Europe and Asia. The team is frequently engaged by high-profile clients across a diverse range of sectors, including entertainment, financial services and consumer goods. Based in New York, the group is jointly spearheaded by Christopher Anthony and Kevin Rinker; the latter has a strong track record in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, advising on both strategic corporate and private equity transactions. The team can also rely on the experience of Jeffrey Rosen, who advises clients spanning a variety of sectors including telecoms, media and financial services. Spencer Gilbert is recommended for his experience in handling high-value transactions in the software, financial services and industrials spaces. Paul Bird brings extensive experience to a range of mandates including advising on cross-jurisdictional transactions, leveraged buyouts and takeover defenses.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Spencer Gilbert is my first call for any complex legal issue, M&A or otherwise. He is a true business lawyer - he is skilled at balancing legal nuance with driving financial and strategic goals to provide clear, actionable advice.'
- 'They have a unique ability to ensure a protective yet commercial outcome, balancing legal rigor with our business goals. Their work product is consistently top-tier, and their genuine dedication to our relationship makes them feel like a true extension of our own team.’
- ‘Working with Debevoise has been an excellent experience, especially when partnering with their M&A team. We consistently turn to them for our most complex and significant matters because we value their sharp judgment and deep expertise.'
Key clients
- Access Industries
- Accession Risk Management Group
- American Express
- American International Group
- Ariel Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor
- BradyPLUS Holdings
- Brighthouse Financial
- Cerberus Capital Management
- Guardian Life Insurance
- International Paper
- J.P. Morgan Securities
- Mitsui
- Prosperity Life Group
- Redwood Services
- Resolution Life
- Schneider Electric
- StanCorp Financial Group
- Stefano Pessina, Executive chairman of Walgreens
- Tractor Supply Company
- Warner Music Group
Work highlights
Advised Access Industries, a significant shareholder in Calpine Corporation, in Calpine’s $26.6 billion sale to Constellation.
Advised Stefano Pessina in the sale of Walgreens Boots Alliance to Sycamore Partners in a transaction valued at up to $23.7 billion.
Advised BradyPLUS in its merger with Imperial Dade.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Christopher Anthony; Kevin Rinker
Other key lawyers
Jeffrey Rosen; Spencer Gilbert; Paul Bird