Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acts as trusted advisor to global private equity sponsors on large-cap and market-leading buyouts. The group advises across the full investment lifecycle, from acquisition structuring and leveraged buyouts to portfolio company governance, financing strategy, and high-value exits, including sales and IPOs. The team is jointly led by Elizabeth Cooper and Marni Lerner from the New York office. Cooper is a renowned figure in private equity, known for her work on large-scale buyouts, public-to-private transactions and strategic platform investments. Lerner is a seasoned advisor to sponsors and their portfolio companies on complex buyouts, divestitures and strategic investments. Also based in the New York office, Anthony Vernace is active in high-stakes acquisitions, investments and contested situations; and Michael Holick demonstrates strength across sophisticated buyouts, add-ons and portfolio company transactions. The Palo Alto office also features key figures, namely Atif Azher, who is highly skilled in tech-focused mandates; and Naveed Anwar is experienced advising private equity sponsors on technology-driven buyouts, carve-outs and portfolio company transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘We found Simpson Thacher to be exceptional in high stakes corporate matters, including adjacent areas of complex debt and regulatory matters.’
- ‘Atif Azher is the best M&A attorney I've met. His quick processing and on-point communication capabilities are high-stakes Board of Directors worthy.'
- ‘Close to unsurpassed experience. ’
- ‘Super responsive. ’
- ‘Simpson's differentiation delivers excellence in all facets of the transaction as a comprehensive solution - they integrate all of their team members and all of their ideas better than peers. Elizabeth Cooper and Anthony Vernace are total stars who bring exceptional commercial insights and leadership to the deal teams.’
Key clients
- Blackstone
- Brookfield
- Centerbridge
- Charlesbank Capital Partners
- EQT
- GTCR
- Hellman & Friedman
- KKR
- New Mountain Capital
- Silver Lake Partners
- Stone Point Capital
Work highlights
Advised Blackstone in its acquisition of Jersey Mike’s Subs.
Advised Silver Lake Partners in its acquisition of Endeavor Group Holdings.
Advised KKR in its acquisition of OSTTRA.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Elizabeth Cooper; Marni Lerner
Other key lawyers
Atif Azher; Anthony Vernace; Naveed Anwar; Michael Holick