Davis Polk & Wardwell ranks first in consumer M&A law-firm rankings

Data analysis from GlobalData reveals that Davis Polk & Wardwell and Kirkland & Ellis have taken top positions in the consumer mergers and acquisitions (M&A) sector. Davis Polk & Wardwell was reported as the leader in terms of deal value, with transactions accumulating to a total of $7.25 billion. In comparison, Kirkland & Ellis topped the rankings for the number of deals handled. This revelation, outlined in league tables by GlobalData, shed light on key players within the consumer M&A landscape.

Aurojyoti Bose, lead analyst at GlobalData, highlighted the exceptional performance of Davis Polk & Wardwell in the first half of 2025. Remarkably, the firm was not positioned among the top 10 in terms of value during the same period in 2024 but managed to ascend the rankings in 2025. Bose noted that the inclusion of billion-dollar deals in their portfolio played a crucial role in securing the top spot by value. On the other hand, Kirkland & Ellis, which led in deal volume in the first half of 2024, maintained its position in 2025.

Davis Polk & Wardwell notably advised PepsiCo in its $1.95 billion acquisition of Poppi, a US prebiotic soda business, in March 2025, contributing significantly to their overall deal value. Following closely behind in terms of value was Paul Hastings, which advised on transactions totaling $5.3 billion. Cravath Swaine & Moore, who also worked on the Poppi deal, handled three transactions worth $4.94 billion. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer came in at $4.12 billion, followed by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom with $3.48 billion.

Furthermore, when considering deal volume, Latham & Watkins secured the second position by advising on nine transactions. A&O Shearman and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Jones Day, and Mayer Brown followed closely, with each handling six deals. These comprehensive league tables provided by GlobalData are constructed through real-time tracking of numerous company and advisory firm websites, ensuring accuracy and reliability. A dedicated team of analysts verifies each deal along with associated adviser details.

In conclusion, the data analysis from GlobalData showcases the impressive performance of Davis Polk & Wardwell and Kirkland & Ellis in the consumer M&A sector. Through their strategic counsel on significant deals, these firms have solidified their positions at the top of the rankings, highlighting their expertise and influence in the industry. The league tables serve as a valuable resource for tracking key players in the M&A landscape, offering insights into trends and developments within the consumer sector.