Department profile
Kirkland & Ellis

Corporate/M&A

USA Guide 2026 : Texas: Austin & Surrounds

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Kirkland & Ellis

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Provided by Kirkland & Ellis

For more information about Kirkland & Ellis’ practices, please visit kirkland.com/services.


Chambers Review

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Corporate/M&A - Texas: Austin & Surrounds

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
Kirkland & Ellis has a talented corporate team with a firm presence in the Texas M&A market. The team handles an array of highly complex transactions, including M&A, tender and exchange offers and joint ventures, with particular expertise in debt restructuring for distressed energy companies. It is active in a number of industries, including chemicals and retail, with a notable focus on energy. The firm is noted for its market-leading representation of private equity clients.
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Work Highlights

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  • Kirkland & Ellis advised Kellanova on its $35.9 billion acquisition by Mars.

Strengths

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  • They are the best deal lawyers in the industry.

    Corporate/M&A respondentUSA

  • They've just got incredible horsepower that no one else has. The amount of people they can mobilize is so impressive.

    Corporate/M&A respondentUSA

  • Kirkland & Ellis has a strong set of attorneys with deep subject matter expertise, combined with a high degree of creativity, flexibility and commercial judgment.

    Corporate/M&A respondentUSA

  • They are very responsive and anticipate issues.

    Corporate/M&A respondentUSA

  • Kirkland & Ellis combine deep legal knowledge with a commercial mindset, which makes them invaluable on sophisticated matters.

    Corporate/M&A respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Andrew Calder
    Andrew Calder

    Andrew Calder

    Andrew Calder is well regarded for his strong energy-centric M&A practice. He is expert in handling private equity deals.

    • He is a superb lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA

    • Andrew is a force.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA

    • Andy is one of the best in the business.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
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  • John Pitts
    John Pitts

    John Pitts

    John Pitts handles a variety of complex transactions including M&A and private equity. He has a particularly strong practice in energy deals.
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  • Kim Hicks
    Kim Hicks

    Kim Hicks

    Kim Hicks frequently works on energy, infrastructure and technology deals. Her expertise covers M&A and joint ventures, among other deals.

    • Kim knows the ins and outs of every agreement. She is able to get up to speed on all changes and is proactive in letting us know about priorities and strategy.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA

    • She is very conscientious, very even-keeled and gives good advice.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
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  • Adam D Larson
    Adam D Larson

    Adam D Larson

    Adam Larson often works on acquisitions, dispositions and joint ventures. He has strong capabilities in private equity deals.

    • Adam is very smart and a good practitioner.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA

    • Adam is a fantastic individual and extremely talented.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
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  • John Kaercher
    John Kaercher

    John Kaercher

    John Kaercher is an impressive Austin-based partner who provides advice to corporate and private equity clients on a range of transactions.

    • He is incredibly responsive, commercial and constructive.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA

    • He is exceptional as an individual and as an attorney.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA

    • John has always delivered the highest level of service and sophistication.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
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  • Brittany Sakowitz
    Brittany Sakowitz

    Brittany Sakowitz

    Brittany Sakowitz has a growing practice that includes advising on private equity transactions and strategic M&A. She often handles sophisticated deals in the energy and consumer products sectors.

    • Brittany is a very good attorney and is highly sought after. She is really sharp.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
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  • Cyril Jones
    Cyril Jones

    Cyril Jones

    Cyril Jones advised private equity firms, and their portfolio companies, on significant transactions across a range of industries.

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  • Melissa D Kalka
    Melissa D Kalka

    Melissa D Kalka

    Melissa Kalka is an experienced private equity lawyer who exhibits strength in M&A and investments. Her industry expertise includes healthcare, manufacturing and technology.

    • She is exceptionally hardworking and always available, combining sharp intellect with unwavering focus. She sees the big picture in every deal and brings a calm and effective negotiating style.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
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  • Rhett A Van Syoc
    Rhett A Van Syoc

    Rhett A Van Syoc

    Rhett Van Syoc is an excellent choice for private equity clients seeking counsel on domestic and cross-border M&A. He is especially active in energy and infrastructure.

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  • William Benitez
    William Benitez

    William Benitez

    William Benitez focuses his practice on high stakes M&A, joint venture arrangements and equity investments. He is especially active in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

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  • Anthony Speier
    Anthony Speier

    Anthony Speier

    Anthony Speier has strong skills when it comes to advising on transactions involving upstream oil and gas clients. His expertise spans M&A, joint ventures and energy projects, among other matters.
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  • Doug Bacon
    Doug Bacon

    Doug Bacon

    Doug Bacon is a notable corporate practitioner with extensive experience advising on complex M&A. He splits his time between the Houston and New York offices of Kirkland & Ellis.

    • Doug is a good attorney. He is very sharp.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA

    • He shows extraordinary judgment in transactional settings and overall guidance.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Kirkland & Ellis (15)

Texas

Texas: Austin & Surrounds

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