Skadden and Kirkland Lead M&A Legal Advisory in TMT Sector for 2024
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Kirkland & Ellis took the lead in providing legal advice for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the technology, media, and telecom (TMT) sector in 2024. GlobalData, a prominent data and analytics company, compiles a league table ranking legal advisors based on the total value and number of M&A deals they handle.
According to GlobalData, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom secured the top position, overseeing M&A deals valued at $123.5 billion. Meanwhile, Kirkland & Ellis became the leading firm in terms of volume, having advised on a total of 160 deals.
Aurojyoti Bose, a lead analyst at GlobalData, highlighted Kirkland & Ellis’ remarkable performance in 2024, having shown a substantial 29% year-on-year growth in the number of deals managed. This growth positioned Kirkland & Ellis as the sole advisor to have handled a three-digit deal volume throughout the year. In addition to its volume accomplishments, Kirkland & Ellis ranked third in terms of deal value.
On the other hand, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom was one of only two advisors to exceed the $100 billion mark in total deal value for the year 2024. Although the number of deals it took on remained relatively stable, Skadden showcased an extraordinary surge in total deal value compared to the previous year. Notably, the average deal size for Skadden escalated from $1.9 billion in 2023 to approximately $3 billion in 2024.
GlobalData’s insights emphasize the vital contribution of these leading legal advisors in shaping the TMT industry’s M&A landscape. Both Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Kirkland & Ellis played pivotal roles in facilitating high-value deals while showcasing expertise and efficiency in managing a significant number of transactions.
The league table reflected the competitive edge and strategic prowess these legal firms exhibited throughout the year. Skadden’s accomplishment of surpassing the $100 billion threshold and Kirkland & Ellis’ triple-digit deal volume underscore their dominance in the TMT sector’s M&A activities.
Navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions demands nuanced legal expertise and a deep understanding of the industry landscape. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Kirkland & Ellis have demonstrated their proficiency in managing high-stakes deals and navigating intricate transactions within the TMT sector. Their performance in 2024 solidifies their positions as top-tier legal advisors in the M&A space, setting a benchmark for excellence and strategic acumen in the industry.
