Mergers and Acquisitions

2009 was a year dominated by overwhelming economic uncertainty, limited deal financings and little corporate confidence. The global markets experienced a liquidity crisis and broad recessionary pressures that resulted in the disappearance of large debt-driven public company LBO’s and strategic acquisitions requiring substantial debt financing; increased regulatory scrutiny on hedge funds and other investors; and an increase in distressed M&A activity. Our clients — and we together with them — faced the most challenging market conditions of this generation. Yet, we believe that positive signs are beginning to emerge. As we enter 2010, we continue to find creative ways to help our clients achieve their strategic and financial objectives, and we remain dedicated to expanding the depth and breadth of our practice in key markets around the world.

The M&A team at O’Melveny has continued to guide sophisticated companies and financial investors through the complexities of merging, acquiring, investing in and disposing of businesses in all contexts, whether public or private, domestic or international. We have also helped our clients capitalize on opportunities in the distressed arena through participation in prepackaged bankruptcies and distressed acquisitions.

In 2009, our clients entrusted us with more than 100 announced M&A transactions, placing us in the top 10 in the United States league table rankings according to each of Bloomberg, Mergermarket, and Mergerstat. Large, complex deals require the coordination of lawyers across various disciplines and geographies. Our M&A team, more than 120 strong, with nationally and internationally recognized lawyers resident in the United States, Europe, Japan, and China, is adept at delivering world-class legal services across cultural, language, and geographical boundaries. From the preliminary structuring of a transaction through its closing, our clients enjoy a partnership focused on achieving their strategic objectives.

In today’s environment, regulatory issues, national security concerns, and political considerations can play a critical role in getting deals done. In fact, transactions often succeed or fail based upon negotiating an ever changing political and regulatory framework. Our government relations team includes lawyers who previously held senior positions in the White House, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission—lawyers skilled at navigating issues that are key to accomplishing the most challenging transactions.

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