Providing ‘good commercial guidance on CFIUS processes and likely sensitivities’, WilmerHale’s formidable government-side experience ensures adept handling of complex filings, including mitigation negotiations. Alongside an existing strength in mid-market M&A, its premier CFIUS expertise makes the group a regular fixture on reviews for large-scale, cross-border transactions—across all key industries. Highly regarded department chair Benjamin Powell is a former associate counsel to the president and GC to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Among Powell’s recent cases, he represented chemical company Univar Solutions during the successful CFIUS review of its $8.1bn acquisition by Apollo Global Management and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. A former senior counsel to the Deputy Attorney General, Jason Chipman also contributes extensive government-side experience and specializes in regulatory matters connected to cybersecurity, CFIUS and related export controls. In a highlight example of his practice sweet spot, Chipman is acting as CFIUS counsel to Intel regarding a $9bn transaction involving semiconductor memory technology. Other key contacts in the Washington DC-based team include Stephen Preston, who chairs the defense, national security and government contracts practice; and the ’very strategic’ Robert Kimmitt, who previously served as Deputy Secretary of the US Department of the Treasury.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Wilmer has a very strong CFIUS practice – creative and insightful with deep experience in handling CFIUS matters across some of the most important M&A.’
‘The depth of the practice means that its lawyers provide practical advice on how to navigate specific potential purchasers, including the range of outcomes that these buyers have accepted in prior deals. This market knowledge is invaluable.’
‘Benjamin Powell and Jason Chipman are fantastic – creative, responsive, thoughtful and deeply experienced. They are a pleasure to work with.’
‘I think the team is very strategic and has skilled professionals, who are very experienced and provide strong counsel. Ambassador Robert Kimmitt, in particular, is very strategic and has great relationships and experience.’
‘A strong, experienced team which gives good commercial guidance on CFIUS processes and likely sensitivities. Jason Chipman is very experienced, gives clear guidance and analysis and is very responsive and hands-on.’