Kirkland & Ellis LLP pulls together a robust transactional offering in the entertainment space, with music catalog acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic partnerships among the firm’s areas of focus. In Chicago, practice head Seth Traxler frequently brings his tech expertise to bear on a range of technology transactions for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to high-growth start-ups in the media and entertainment space. Spin-offs, carve-outs and securities offerings are among New York-based Edward Lee‘s areas of expertise. In the same office, Shellie Freedman is geared to handle mandates with a technology and IP element, while Rory Wellever and Bernadette Coppola in the Chicago office further bolster the firm’s strength in a diverse range of M&A work. The unit is additionally equipped to handle ESG and data privacy issues as well as regulatory concerns in transactions.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Kirkland's M&A team is stellar, the best we've used for both quality and service.'
- 'Edward Lee offers very high service, very good quality, and industry knowledge.'
Key clients
- Bedford Productions LLC
- Cosm
- Francisco Partners
- Hipgnosis
- Kobalt Music Group
- Metallica
- Mohari Hospitality
- Naver
- Oaktree Capital Management
- Providence Equity Partners
- Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
- World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Hipgnosis on a variety of music acquisition deals, including 100% of Justin Bieber’s music catalog.
- Advised Vincent McMahon on leading WWE through a review of its strategic alternatives and on the resulting merger transaction with Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc.
- Advising Cosm on its multi-year partnership with the NBA that will feature a new live game viewing experience.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Seth Traxler