Analysis of deal data reveals that White & Case and Kirkland & Ellis emerged as the leading law firms providing advisory services for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the consumer sector during the initial half of 2023.
GlobalData’s findings indicate that White & Case, the parent company of Just Drinks, excelled in terms of deal value, while Kirkland & Ellis showcased its expertise by advising on the highest number of transactions.
Aurojyoti Bose, the lead analyst at GlobalData, highlighted White & Case’s achievements, noting that their involvement in nine deals, including a significant $2.8 billion transaction, played a pivotal role in securing their top rank in terms of value. It’s noteworthy that White & Case’s position had significantly improved, rising from the 14th spot by value in H1 2022 to the leading position in H1 2023.
Bose also underscored Kirkland & Ellis’ continued success, as the firm maintained its top advisory position in terms of transaction volume, both in H1 2022 and H1 2023. Their performance was remarkable, falling only two deals short of reaching a volume of 20 transactions.
Shifting focus to deal value, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, a US-based law firm, made an impressive leap from twelfth place in the previous year to the second position in the first half of 2023. Their advisory involvement encompassed seven deals valued at a combined $3.3 billion, while they secured fifth place based on the number of transactions.
Davis Polk & Wardwell occupied the third spot in terms of deal value, trailed by Latham & Watkins and US-based firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.
In terms of transaction volume, Latham & Watkins claimed the second position, while CMS secured the third spot, and White & Case achieved the fourth position.
