Recognized as ‘experts’ in the M&A space, WilmerHale works across the financial services, life sciences, and tech sectors, and frequently serves a client base comprising start-ups and investment banks. Offering an interdisciplinary service by liaising with the firm’s IP, tax, and employment teams, the group is co-led by Boston-based duo Hal Leibowitz and Joseph Conahan, who are well-versed in corporate and securities law, and divestitures and acquisitions, respectively. In New York, Andy Alin concentrates on representing financial institutions in SPAC transactions, Mike Gilligan advises private equity funds in cross-border buy- and sell-side M&A, while the ’terrific’ Chris Barnstable-Brown has ample tech sector M&A expertise, and Tal Hacohen focuses on joint ventures and corporate restructurings. From Washington DC, the ‘highly experienced’ Stephanie Evans covers business expansions and strategic investments, while Boston-based Andrew Bonnes handles public company counseling. In Denver, Keith Trammell is proficient in guiding clients through hostile acquisition proposals and leveraged buyouts, while Will Myer is recommended for his strengths in financing transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Super pleasant to work with, very knowledgeable, and capable deal makers who are pragmatic. The quality of the firm's output is A+.'
‘The WilmerHale M&A team are domain experts in nuanced and complicated (both technical and corporate structure) transactions that include publicly listed companies. They have a deep bench of legal, tax, human resource/compensation, regulatory and corporate law expertise and a diligent team with an attention to detail that is much appreciated.’
‘Chris Barnstable-Brown was a terrific thought partner and a very clear thinker who put forward well-reasoned arguments and positions that proved invaluable during the negotiation process and was a very reassuring voice of reason.'
‘Strong cross-functional practice with, in particular, very capable and commercial M&A lawyers who maintain very high standards of client service and are a pleasure to work alongside.’
‘Stephanie Evans is a highly experienced, effective and commercial partner. She leads her teams adeptly and takes responsibility for the output of the firm as a whole for the relevant client. She is very personable and very committed to securing great outcomes for her clients.'
Key clients
- Marley Spoon
- Blue Apron Holdings, Inc.
- Medtronic
- Dedrone
- Alliance Strategies
- TechTarget
- Penn Mutual Life Insurance
- BioCatch
- Casella Waste Systems
- Nomura Securities International/Instinet
Work highlights
Advised Marley Spoon SE in connection with a $1.4bn strategic transaction with FreshRealm, Inc.
Advised BioCatch in its investment by Permira Growth Opportunities, in which Permira acquired a majority stake in the client, in a secondary transaction valuing the company at a total enterprise valuation of $1.3bn.
Advised Medtronic in connection with a strategic transaction with Cosmo Pharmaceuticals NV and its wholly owned subsidiary, Cosmo Artificial Intelligence – AI Limited, for a purchase price of up to $1.5bn.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Hal Leibowitz; Joseph Conahan
Other key lawyers
Andy Alin; Chris Barnstable-Brown; Mike Gilligan; Tal Hacohen; Stephanie Evans; Keith Trammell; Andrew Bonnes; Will Myer