Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s M&A offering is closely aligned with its private equity practice, with the team arguably best known for its close links to serial acquirers, such as Blackrock, as well as portfolio companies. The group also routinely represents private and public companies in buy and sell-side transactions. The New York-based team is led by corporate chair Ernest Wechsler, whose recent work includes advising a broad spectrum of private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, strategic acquirers and sellers, and SPACs on M&A deals, minority investments and other corporate matters. As firm co-managing partner, Howard Spilko also enjoys a strong profile for M&A transactions, with a focus on middle-market deals in the insurance, human resources, and financial services spheres. Todd Lenson serves as deputy chair of the corporate practice and strikes a balance between strategic and private equity deals. Also recommended are Adi Herman, who is noted for deals in the healthcare, technology, consumer products, and financial services areas, and private equity specialist Eitan Tabak. In January 2024, M&A and private equity partner Arlene Ortiz-Leytte joined from Kirkland & Ellis LLP.