Kirkland & Ellis named top M&A legal adviser in North America for 2024
In the realm of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) legal advisory, Kirkland & Ellis has solidified its standing as the prominent player in North America for 2024. This position was substantiated through a thorough examination of the latest league table provided by GlobalData, a reputable data and analytics firm.
Through data extracted from GlobalData’s Deals Database, it was discerned that Kirkland & Ellis clinched the paramount position by contributing legal expertise to 472 transactions valued at an impressive $343.9 billion in North America. GlobalData lead analyst Aurojyoti Bose shed light on this achievement, remarking on Kirkland & Ellis’ notable performance in both value and volume in 2023 and its continued success in holding the top spot in 2024. Bose emphasized the substantial lead Kirkland & Ellis maintained in deal volume and its near-miss of reaching a significant milestone of 500 deals within North America.
The high caliber of advisory services offered by Kirkland & Ellis was particularly evident in its involvement in several substantial deals throughout 2024, including 69 billion-dollar transactions, nine of which were classified as mega-deals, valuing over $10 billion. Following Kirkland & Ellis in the second position for deal value was Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, which provided legal counsel for transactions totaling $317.1 billion. Other notable entities in this regard included Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison at $277 billion, Cravath Swaine & Moore at $223.2 billion, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett at $182.8 billion.
Shifting the focus to deal volume, Latham & Watkins emerged in the second slot with 161 transactions, followed by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher with 156 deals, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison with 146 deals, and Ropes & Gray with 115 deals. The diversity of these law firms showcased the vibrant landscape of M&A activity in the region.
Ultimately, the success and performance of these legal advisory firms in North America exemplify the dynamic and robust nature of the M&A landscape in the region. Their strategic prowess and expertise were instrumental in facilitating complex deals and transactions, underscoring their critical role in the business ecosystem. It is a testament to their commitment to excellence and dedication to serving their clientele with the utmost proficiency and professionalism.
