The takeover defense team at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP forms part of the firm’s broader M&A practice and regularly advises boards and senior management on activism-related matters and unsolicited acquisition proposals. The group is frequently engaged on governance strategy, preparedness planning, and responses to activist campaigns. Robert Townsend III concentrates on corporate governance and activist preparedness work. Faiza Saeed is a key advisor to public companies, boards, and special committees on complex M&A transactions, takeover defense mandates, and proxy contests. Daniel Cerqueira and Andrew Wark are noted for their experience with cooperation agreements, shareholder rights plan adoptions, and defense against unsolicited tender offers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Clear understanding — and willingness to learn — of the company’s business and governance practices. Deep subject matter expertise in shareholder activism. Strong ability to collaborate with both the company and other external advisors.’
- ‘Robert Townsend III was the primary Cravath partner supporting the activism work. His judgment, pragmatism, and even-keeled approach are real strengths.’
Key clients
- Evolent Health
- Frontier
- Illumina
- Kenvue
- Silvergate
Work highlights
Represented Kenvue in its cooperation agreement with Starboard.
Representing Frontier Communications in its dealings with JANA Partners and Glendon Capital.
Represented Illumina in its interactions with Carl Icahn and Corvex.
Practice head
Faiza Saeed; Mark Greene; Ting Chen; Aaron Gruber; Richard Hall; Robert Townsend III
Other key lawyers
Daniel Cerqueira; Andrew Wark