News & Events

Simpson Thacher M&A partner Robert E. Spatt was named "Dealmaker of the Week" by The American Lawyer for leading the Simpson Thacher team representing Smithfield Foods in connection with its definitive merger agreement with Shuanghui International Holdings Limited, valuing Smithfield at US$7.1 billion including the assumption of debt.  If completed, it would be the largest-ever Chinese takeover of an American company.  Simpson Thacher’s and Mr. Spatt’s relationship with Smithfield dates back over a decade, including having represented Smithfield in connection with a bid for IBP Inc., a beef and pork producer, in 2000 and its $810 million acquisition of Premium Standard Farms in 2007, and the Firm having provided antitrust advice to Smithfield during that period on numerous additional matters.

Mr. Spatt is also leading the team representing the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Clearwire Corporation in connection with the outstanding proposals from Sprint and Dish to acquire the company. Last week, Dish increased its offer to $4.40 per share, attempting to top Clearwire’s existing merger agreement with Sprint at $3.40 per share.

Working with Mr. Spatt in leading the Smithfield team is M&A partner Patrick Naughton, and working with Mr. Spatt leading the Clearwire team is M&A partner Marni Lerner.

To read the full profile, please click here. For more information on the Smithfield/Shuanghui transaction, please click here.  For more information on the Clearwire transaction, please click here.