Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has been ranked #5 legal adviser worldwide by deal value in the Mergermarket Q4 2016 TMT Trend Report, being the only non-US headquartered firm in the top 5.
The firm advised on TMT transactions with total value of US$162 billion.
Herbert Smith Freehills advised on 3 of the top 5 global TMT M&A deals, advising:
- Sky on a £18.5 billion recommended takeover offer from Twenty-First Century Fox, which was the second largest M&A deal announced in the UK market in 2016 and fifth largest TMT deal globally (second largest ex. USA);
- The Panel on Takeovers and Mergers on the Post-Offer Undertakings given by Softbank Group Corp on its recommended £24 billion takeover of ARM Holdings, the largest M&A deal in the UK in 2016 and fourth largest TMT deal globally (largest ex. USA); and
- On AT&T's US$105 billion (including debt) takeover of Time Warner, which was the largest transaction targeting any sector globally in 2016.
Commenting on the results, Tony Joyner, Lead Partner - TMT, said:
"2016 was another strong year for TMT M&A, accounting for an incredible 21.4% of all global M&A activity. We expect that exuberance to continue. Our strong focus on TMT, and our quality bench of talent across all areas relevant to the sector, means that Herbert Smith Freehills has been very involved in this activity, and continues to be recognised as one of the most trusted law firms in this area. We are grateful that our clients turned to us for advice in some of the most significant and high-profile deals in the market.
Looking ahead in 2017, we expect to see continued strong deal activity in Europe, particularly in technology and media, as well as activity in fintech, internet of things, artificial intelligence and big data, cybersecurity, augmented reality, content, advertising and disruptive technologies. There is no more exciting sector in the market, and we are thrilled to be part of it."
About Herbert Smith Freehills
Operating from over 26 offices across Asia Pacific, EMEA and North America, Herbert Smith Freehills is at the heart of the new global business landscape providing premium quality, full-service legal advice. We provide many of the world’s most important organisations with access to market-leading dispute resolution, projects and transactional legal advice, combined with expertise in a number of global industry sectors, including energy, natural resources, infrastructure, technology and financial services. www.herbertsmithfreehills.com
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