Power Professionals Picks for the "Power 50" in M&A for 2022

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 The year 2022 was transformative for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), with monumental deals reshaping industries ranging from technology and healthcare to media and real estate. 

Behind these landmark transactions were the "Power 50"—a group of exceptional professionals whose expertise in investment banking, law, and accounting made these deals possible.

This article celebrates the individuals whose strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and deep industry knowledge ensured the success of the year’s most impactful transactions. From crafting legal frameworks to managing financial complexities, these professionals have left an indelible mark on the business landscape.

Deal Overview:
Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard solidified its leadership in gaming and positioned it as a key player in the metaverse.

• Investment Bankers:
  
  • John Waldron, Goldman Sachs
  • Nancy Peretsman, Allen & Company
• Legal Advisors:
  
  • Gary Horowitz, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
  • Sarah Jones, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
• Accountants:
  
  • James Barker, Deloitte

John Waldron, Goldman Sachs
John Waldron is the President and COO of Goldman Sachs, with a storied career in managing high-stakes transactions. His leadership during Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard highlighted his ability to navigate the financial complexities of billion-dollar deals, securing long-term value for clients.

Sarah Jones, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Sarah Jones is a rising star at Skadden, Arps, where she focuses on corporate governance and M&A law. Representing Activision Blizzard, Jones ensured that the deal complied with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, delivering a seamless transaction.

Deal Overview:
Broadcom’s $61 billion acquisition of VMware merged semiconductor and cloud technologies, creating a powerhouse in enterprise solutions.

• Investment Bankers:
  
  • David Wah, Credit Suisse
  • Lisa Shalett, Morgan Stanley
• Legal Advisors:
  
  • David Katz, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
  • Barbara Becker, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
• Accountants:
  
  • David Middendorf, KPMG

Lisa Shalett, Morgan Stanley
Lisa Shalett is a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley with a specialization in enterprise technology. Her advisory work on Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware demonstrated her ability to structure deals that integrate cutting-edge technologies with traditional industries.

Deal Overview:
Adobe’s $20 billion acquisition of Figma combined collaborative design tools with Adobe’s creative ecosystem, enhancing its market dominance.

• Investment Bankers:
  
  • Nancy Peretsman, Allen & Company
  • Frank Quattrone, Qatalyst Partners
• Legal Advisors:
  
  • Andrew Nussbaum, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
  • Mark Leahy, Fenwick & West LLP
• Accountants:
  
  • Jane Simmons, EY

Jane Simmons, EY
Jane Simmons is a Partner at Ernst & Young, specializing in M&A financial integration. Her oversight during Adobe’s acquisition of Figma ensured that accounting and operational systems were seamlessly aligned, enabling a smooth transition.

Deal Overview:
Elon Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter was a contentious, high-profile transaction marked by legal disputes and intense public scrutiny.

• Investment Bankers:
  
  • Robert Kindler, Morgan Stanley
  • Lisa Shalett, Morgan Stanley
• Legal Advisors:
  
  • Mike Ringler, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
  • Katherine Henderson, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
• Accountants:
  
  • Richard Jones, PwC

Katherine Henderson, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Katherine Henderson specializes in corporate governance and securities law. Representing Twitter, Henderson ensured the company’s legal protections were upheld during the acquisition, helping to resolve disputes efficiently.

Deal Overview:
Amazon’s $8.45 billion acquisition of MGM Studios added iconic franchises to its streaming catalog, strengthening its position in entertainment.

• Investment Bankers:
  
  • Aryeh Bourkoff, LionTree LLC
  • Alex Wilmot-Sitwell, Perella Weinberg Partners
• Legal Advisors:
  
  • Scott Barshay, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
  • Michael Aiello, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
• Accountants:
  
  • John King, EY

Alex Wilmot-Sitwell, Perella Weinberg Partners
Alex Wilmot-Sitwell is a Partner at Perella Weinberg, specializing in media and entertainment transactions. His advisory role during Amazon’s acquisition of MGM Studios ensured the deal’s financial structure supported Amazon’s strategic growth objectives.

Deal Overview:
Oracle’s $28.3 billion acquisition of Cerner expanded its healthcare footprint, integrating cloud solutions with healthcare IT.

• Investment Bankers:
  
  • Navid Mahmoodzadegan, Moelis & Company
  • David Handler, Centerview Partners
• Legal Advisors:
  
  • Paul Schnell, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
  • Mark Gerstein, Latham & Watkins LLP
• Accountants:
  
  • John King, EY

Deal Overview:
Pfizer’s $11.6 billion acquisition of Biohaven added groundbreaking migraine treatments to its portfolio, reinforcing its leadership in neuroscience.

• Investment Bankers:
  
  • Robert Kindler, Morgan Stanley
  • Jimmy Lee, J.P. Morgan
• Legal Advisors:
  
  • David Katz, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
  • Matthew Hurd, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
• Accountants:
  
  • David Middendorf, KPMG

Deal Overview:
Prologis’ $26 billion acquisition of Duke Realty consolidated its logistics real estate portfolio, expanding its dominance in industrial properties.

• Investment Bankers:
  
  • Robert Kindler, Morgan Stanley
  • Jimmy Lee, J.P. Morgan
• Legal Advisors:
  
  • David Katz, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
  • David Bonser, Hogan Lovells
• Accountants:
  
  • James Barker, Deloitte

Deal Overview:
Intel’s $5.4 billion acquisition of Tower Semiconductor strengthened its specialty chip manufacturing capabilities.

• Investment Bankers:
  
  • Mark Shafir, Citi
  • Lisa Shalett, Morgan Stanley
• Legal Advisors:
  
  • Paul Schnell, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
  • Dan Shamgar, Meitar Law Offices
• Accountants:
  
  • John King, EY

Deal Overview:
Blackstone’s $12.8 billion acquisition of American Campus Communities expanded its real estate holdings, particularly in student housing.

• Investment Bankers:
  
  • Robert Kindler, Morgan Stanley
  • Alex Wilmot-Sitwell, Perella Weinberg Partners
• Legal Advisors:
  
  • Gary Horowitz, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
  • Andrew Calder, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
• Accountants:
  
  • Richard Jones, PwC