Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense
USA Guide 2024 : New York
Band 1
Contact number
+1 212 839 5300About
Provided by Sidley Austin LLP
For more information on the practice, please visit the practice's page at: https://www.sidley.com/en/us/services/ma/
Chambers Review
Sidley Austin LLP handles a wide range of domestic and cross-border transactional matters, including joint ventures, tender offers and spin-offs. The corporate team represents clients working in a range of areas such as manufacturers, investment firms, financial services companies and real estate businesses. The New York office also houses market-leading expertise in shareholder activism defense. The firm is active on behalf of corporates and private equity sponsors.
Work Highlights
- Sidley Austin LLP represented Magna International in its acquisition of the Veoneer Active Safety business from SSW Partners for $1.5 billion.
- Sidley Austin LLP acted for The New York Times Company in its defense against an activist campaign by ValueAct Capital Partners.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Sidley Austin's responsiveness and service levels are exceptional."
"The client service and responsiveness of its lawyers is excellent."
"Sidley Austin is the best in the business at activism defence work."
"The Sidley Austin activism team have seen every possible situation and offer terrific insights on the most complex issues. They have unparalleled experience."
"Sidley Austin's responsiveness and service levels are exceptional."
"The client service and responsiveness of its lawyers is excellent."
"Sidley Austin is the best in the business at activism defence work."
"The Sidley Austin activism team have seen every possible situation and offer terrific insights on the most complex issues. They have unparalleled experience."
Notable Practitioners
Kai Liekefett cochairs the firm's shareholder activism practice, and retains a strong reputation for his defense work and proxy fight expertise. He is active in situations on both the domestic and international stages.
"Kai is a pioneer in the field of shareholder activism defense."
"He engenders real loyalty from his clients based on his personality, careful counsel and knowledge of the law."
"Kai is a consummate professional in this space. He's the fighter you want on your side. He has deep knowledge, experience and expertise."
Derek Zaba splits his time between the firm's Palo Alto and New York offices and cochairs its shareholder activism practice. He regularly advises on shareholder activism, contested M&A and corporate governance matters.
"Derek is extremely responsive, very knowledgeable and presents very well in front of the board and executives."
"Derek is one of the brightest defense attorneys in the business. He consistently delivers sound advice and as a result he's very well liked by boards."
"Derek is very creative, an excellent tactician, and a great listener."
"Derek has a great style about him. He's very even-keeled in how he delivers advice and he remains very calm and collected in negotiations."
Eric Goodwin is a standout associate who concentrates his practice on the representation of boards and management teams in sophisticated matters of corporate defense and governance.
"I find Eric to be extremely responsive and very bright."
Ranked Lawyers at
Sidley Austin LLP
New York