We have substantial experience in representing businesses and private investors in negotiated mergers and acquisitions, asset purchases, divestitures and corporate reorganizations. We advise acquirors and target companies as to tactical, legal and structural matters relating to a wide variety of business combinations. Our practice is nationwide and involves the representation of both public and private companies. Transactions have ranged in size from between $1 million to over $1 billion.

We are one of the leading mergers and acquisitions law firms in the financial services industry. From 1994 through 2005, our attorneys have participated in more than 200 bank and thrift acquisitions. Our experience in the financial services industry extends to acquisitions of a variety of related businesses, including mortgage brokers, insurance agencies, finance companies and data processors.

Many of our mergers and acquisitions lawyers also work in our corporate and securities, financial services, and employee benefits and executive compensation practice areas. Our multi-disciplinary skills allow us to handle all aspects of complex transactions, including preparing U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, and negotiating employment and non-competition agreements for key employees.

We have advised many clients on structuring various takeover defense mechanisms, including the adoption of special charter and by-law provisions, shareholder rights plans (so-called "poison pills"), leveraged ESOPs and similar devices. We also counsel clients on dealing with activist shareholders and hostile acquirors.