Michael Kennedy

Partner

Michael J. Kennedy is a partner in O’Melveny’s San Francisco office, and West Coast Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice.  He concentrates on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, corporate partnering, joint ventures and corporate governance, with an emphasis in the technology, emerging growth, healthcare, biotechnology and media industries.

Mike has extensive experience in the private equity and leveraged buyout industries, having been involved in numerous transactions involving a variety of industries (building products, automotive, defense, financial services, media, technology and healthcare).  He represents all major investment banks in their merger and acquisitions advisory practices.

Mike has practiced in the mergers and acquisitions area since 1984, and has significant experience in the debt (bank and high-yield areas) and restructuring areas.  He is frequently asked by boards to advise on hostile transactions, proxy fights and other governance matters.

Mike is a member of both the New York and California bars.  He is a frequent lecturer at corporate seminars and continuing legal education forums. 

Professional Activities

Speaker, Frequent lecturer at corporate seminars (e.g. Board Member magazine) and continuing legal education forums; Chairman, since 1997, of PLI's Mergers and Acquisition technology program
Professor, Adjunct Professor at Boalt School of Law, University of California at Berkeley in the topic of Mergers & Acquisitions (1997-present)
Author/Editor, "A Rising Tide for M&A", Corporate Board Member (2003 Special Supplement); "The End of Time - Delaware's Search for the Fiduciary GUT", M&A Lawyer (2003); "Whole Lotta Fiduciating Going On", M&A Lawyer (2002); "The Business Judgment Syllogism - Premises Governing Board Activity", PLI (1997-2002); "Public Private and Private Private Acquisitions", PLI, Securities Regulation Institute, Glasser Legalworks, M&A Lawyer (2001); "Pricing Terms in Stock and Cash Transactions", PLI - Corporate Governance Reporter (1997-2002); "Functional Fairness - The Mechanics, Functions and Liabilities of Fairness Opinions", PLI - Corporate Governance Reporter (1997-2002)
Chairman, PLI Technology Mergers and Acquisitions Program (1997-2002)
Co-Chairman, Glasser Legalworks, Mergers and Acquisitions Technology Program