Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s M&A offering is closely aligned with its private equity practice, with the team arguably best known for its close links to serial acquirers, such as Blackrock, as well as portfolio companies. The group also routinely represents private and public companies in buy and sell-side transactions. The New York-based team is led by corporate chair Ernest Wechsler, whose recent work includes advising a broad spectrum of private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, strategic acquirers and sellers, and SPACs on M&A deals, minority investments and other corporate matters. As firm co-managing partner, Howard Spilko also enjoys a strong profile for M&A transactions, with a focus on middle-market deals in the insurance, human resources, and financial services spheres. Todd Lenson serves as deputy chair of the corporate practice and strikes a balance between strategic and private equity deals. Also recommended are Adi Herman, who is noted for deals in the healthcare, technology, consumer products, and financial services areas, and private equity specialist Eitan Tabak. In January 2024, M&A and private equity partner Arlene Ortiz-Leytte joined from Kirkland & Ellis LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Key clients

  • Nuveen Asset Management and Avenue Capital
  • The special committee of the board of directors of Thoughtworks
  • Focus Financial Partners
  • SunFireMatrix Inc.
  • Vensure Employer Services, Inc.
  • Strategic Management Solutions LLC
  • Tree Line Capital Partners
  • Prima Capital Advisors
  • BlackRock
  • VICI Properties, Inc.

Work highlights

Advised the majority shareholders of Energy Harbor (funds of Nuveen Asset Management and Avenue Capital) on its $6.5bn acquisition by Vistra and also on a $3.5bn equity investment in Vistra Vision.
Advised the special committee of the board of directors of Thoughtworks on a merger agreement pursuant to which an affiliate of funds advised by Apax Partners will complete a $1.7bn take-private of Thoughtworks.
Advised Stone Point Capital and SunFireMatrix on SunFire’s acquisition by funds managed by KKR.

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.

Ernest Wechsler

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Howard Spilko

Practice head

Ernest Wechsler

Other key lawyers

Howard Spilko; Todd Lenson; Adi Herman; Eitan Tabak; Arlene Ortiz-Leytte; Colin Bumby; Jon Goodman; Zachary Jacobs