America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2009: Corporate/M&A
Chambers & Partners has compiled its independent and objective list of America's Leading Lawyers for Business based on comments gathered from thousands of interviews with clients and lawyers from Maine to Hawaii. This guide — which is designed to reflect market opinion — contains a view of the firms and attorneys who are considered leaders in their field.
In Chambers' 2009 review of national legal talent in the area of "Corporate/M&A," our Firm and our lawyers are listed among the best in the country.
Chambers' comments:
Nationwide Ranking: Tier 4
Kirkland & Ellis is best known for its expertise in the private equity realm and enjoys a privileged status due to its strength in leveraged finance. However, it has deep M&A experience and advises an impressive clientele on transactional matters. This includes representing Constellation Energy in its sale to MidAmerican Energy Holdings. Stephen Fraidin is one of the firm's foremost deal-makers, and Carter Emerson is another prominent member of the group.
Corporate/M&A: The Elite
New York Ranking: Tier 4
Private equity and leveraged finance lead the way at this firm, with work for the likes of Bain Capital having caused market commentators to sit up and take note. While current market conditions have seen a slowdown in leveraged finance transactions, the group continues to be busy. As well as representing CVC Capital Partners in the cross-border acquisition of Univar for EUR1.5 billion, it has been acting for Apax Partners in the $1.4 billion take private of The TriZetto Group. Among the leading lights of the firm, and "a superb deal-maker whether for private equity sources or public companies," Stephen Fraidin led the way representing Constellation Energy in its $4.7 billion sale to MidAmerican Energy Holdings. His reputation extends internationally, and he is highly regarded by market sources for his skill in proxy contests. Deeply respected senior partner David Fox recently joined Kirkland & Ellis from Skadden Arps. He advises some of the biggest companies in the USA.
Reprinted with permission from Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2009 — www.chambersandpartners.com.
