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Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense

USA Guide 2026 : New York

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Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

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To learn about our practice, please visit https://www.sullcrom.com/PracticeListing.

Chambers Review

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Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense - New York

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is an exceptional choice for high-stakes M&A and is regularly called upon by leading multinationals to handle their transactions. The corporate group is well supported by strong complementary departments such as antitrust, tax, litigation and employee benefits and executive compensation. The firm is frequently sought after by clients in the energy, financial services, healthcare and insurance industries. Sullivan & Cromwell's strong corporate governance and takeover defense expertise bolsters the team's transactional offering.
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Work Highlights

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  • Sullivan & Cromwell advised Discover on its $50.6 billion all-stock merger with Capital One.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Sullivan & Cromwell is top in terms of client service, sophistication and knowledge of M&A.

    Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

  • They have a really deep bench and their service levels are top-notch.

    Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

  • They consistently demonstrate the qualities we look for in outside counsel: technical excellence, commercial pragmatism and a deep commitment to client service.

    Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

  • The team is pragmatic, have a business sensibility and can help navigate complicated situations.

    Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • James C Morphy
    James C Morphy

    James C Morphy

    James Morphy possesses deep M&A and corporate governance experience. He remains a trusted adviser to a stable of corporates, special committees and financial advisers.
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  • Francis J Aquila
    Francis J Aquila

    Francis J Aquila

    Francis Aquila possesses a wealth of expertise that extends across high-profile M&A and corporate governance issues in a broad variety of industries.

    • He brings expertise, cutting-edge counsel and pragmatism. His presence in a meeting with management or the boardroom brings calm and confidence.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

    • Frank is a leading M&A practitioner who combines deep technical expertise and unparalleled experience with sound, pragmatic commercial judgment.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

    • Frank is a great business partner and a master at client relations and working with the C-suite and boards. His experience is second-to-none and his ability to deliver is world class.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

    • Frank is a preeminent adviser who has seen it all.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA
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  • H Rodgin Cohen
    H Rodgin Cohen

    H Rodgin Cohen

    Rodgin Cohen possesses market-leading corporate capabilities as part of his broad-ranging practice. He is particularly strong in the representation of financial institutions.
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  • Lawrence Elbaum
    Lawrence Elbaum

    Lawrence Elbaum

    Lawrence Elbaum attracts praise for his skilled defense of public companies against activist campaigns. He is co-head of the firm's shareholder activism practice.

    • Lawrence is very results-oriented and will come to a solution in a productive way.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

    • His level of expertise is unparalleled here. You are in great hands with him.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

    • Lawrence is much more than a lawyer to his clients. He is a classic strategic adviser with creative solutions and his exceptional quality is his ability to plot strategy.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

    • He is one of the best in the industry and a very good tactician.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA
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  • Melissa Sawyer
    Melissa Sawyer

    Melissa Sawyer

    Melissa Sawyer concentrates her high-quality practice on the representation of clients in M&A, joint ventures and other corporate matters across a variety of industries. She is also adept at advising on complex corporate governance mandates and activist defence campaigns.

    • She is very sophisticated in her analysis and broad in her thinking and recognition of commercial priorities.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

    • She is a market leader in public company M&A.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

    • Melissa is an excellent lawyer and partner to in-house legal teams. She is a superb leader and on the cutting edge of legal developments in M&A.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

    • Melissa is a superstar. She is so insightful, proactive and business-minded.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA
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  • Patrick Gadson
    Patrick Gadson

    Patrick Gadson

    Patrick Gadson serves as co-head of the firm's shareholder activism practice, and demonstrates excellence in representing public companies in takeover situations.

    • He is very good and responsive.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA
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  • Audra Cohen
    Audra Cohen

    Audra Cohen

    Audra Cohen exhibits strength across a number of corporate matters, including M&A, spin-offs and governance issues. She serves as co-managing partner of the firm's general practice group globally.

    • She is so creative and has great ability to understand what the other side needs and wants, which allows us to find a solution that works.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

    • She thinks like a businessperson and is willing to provide practical advice.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

    • Audra is thoughtful, calm under pressure and able to navigate complex situations. She has insights that help drive the business forward.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA
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  • Keith Pagnani
    Keith Pagnani

    Keith Pagnani

    Keith Pagnani offers deep expertise in domestic and cross-border M&A to a stable of clients consisting of corporates and financial advisers. He sits as co-head of the firm's healthcare and life sciences group.

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  • Stephen M Kotran
    Stephen M Kotran

    Stephen M Kotran

    Stephen Kotran is an experienced practitioner who receives particular praise for his representation of financial advisers in M&A.

    • I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. He is just fantastic.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA

    • He has broad experience in many different industries and areas of law.

      Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (10)

New York

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