Recognized for M&A achievement and excellence

Dechert is a premier law firm for mergers and acquisitions, renowned for navigating some of the largest, most complex transactions in the industry. Our lawyers represent buyers, sellers and advisers in sophisticated, intricate mergers and acquisitions around the globe. Our extensive portfolio spans public and private transactions, negotiated and hostile takeovers, and multibillion-dollar transactions across a wide array of industries, including financial services, life sciences, healthcare, technology, industrial, consumer, retail, energy, food and beverage, and travel and hospitality.

Recognized as a top M&A law firm in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America, Dechert has earned accolades by esteemed legal and business sources, such as Bloomberg, Chambers, Legal 500 and IFLR 1000. We are ranked among the leading law firms by Bloomberg, LSEG and The Deal for the total number and value of global M&A deals.

Our clients praise the practice for its innovative legal solutions and commercial acumen, noting “Dechert is our first choice on all matters. The firm provides excellent quality throughout” (Chambers USA 2024, Corporate/M&A). We provide comprehensive advice on the legal and technical aspects of complex transactions, as well as their financial and market implications. 

  • Dechert provides integrated services to meet our clients’ global needs. Our more than 225 corporate/M&A lawyers, located in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, negotiate and structure deals that conform to local and regional markets’ laws and practices. The M&A practice collaborates with Dechert’s tax, finance, intellectual property, antitrust, international trade, real estate, environmental, financial restructuring, employee benefits and labor teams so that all deal components and their complexities are handled flawlessly and efficiently. To ensure continuing successful collaboration, the firm holds interdisciplinary training sessions that educate deal lawyers on collateral legal issues and lawyers from supporting practices on deal perspectives.

  • Our experience with diverse M&A clients and transactions means that our lawyers can anticipate and spot deal issues from multiple sides of the table. For instance, because we know the requirements and tolerance levels of strategic and private equity clients, we can anticipate economic constraints, appetite for risk and other leverage points. We use our knowledge of market positions to avoid protracted debates and settle issues quickly.

  • The M&A practice represents leading private equity firms, public and private companies, global investment advisers and major investment banks. Our imperatives are to structure financeable deals, carry out speed-to-market execution and protect clients’ interests in every transaction phase. Our M&A lawyers offer seamless advice by utilizing local expertise, knowledge across scores of industries, commercial acumen, and refined transactional techniques to maximize deal certainty and achieve the desired value for our clients.

    Our work spans the full range of domestic and international public and private transactions, including:

    • Mergers
    • Acquisitions
    • Divestitures/auctions
    • Distressed mergers and acquisitions (e.g., bankruptcy)
    • Leveraged buyouts/management buyouts
    • Tender and exchange offers
    • Cross-border transactions
    • Going private-transactions
    • Joint ventures and collaborations
    • Strategic alliances
    • Proxy contests
    • Special committee assignments

    During the planning phase, we analyze tax and regulatory implications and assess risk. As parties prepare for transition, we explore alternative structures, consult with the client on tactics, negotiate competitive bids in auctions, manage closing details and advise on corporate governance. Because due diligence is crucial, we have established world-class capabilities to conduct thorough due diligence covering all relevant legal areas in every type of transaction. This includes addressing emerging issues related to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, ensuring compliance with specific regulations and mitigating potential legal risks associated with AI technology.