Rising Legal Star Lande Spottswood Nominated for Texas Lawyer’s Dealmaker of the Year Amidst Billion-Dollar Mergers

Austin, Texas — Lande Spottswood, a partner at Vinson & Elkins, has been named a finalist for the Dealmaker of the Year Award for 2025, presented by Texas Lawyer. Recognized for her exceptional acumen in high-stakes transactions, Spottswood’s expertise is shaping the landscape of corporate law in Texas. In a competitive legal market, staying informed about shifts in the regulatory and legal environment is crucial, according to Spottswood. She emphasizes that a deep understanding of clients, their interests, and those of their counterparts can set advisers apart. This nuanced approach allows her to provide tailored … Read more

Antitrust Agencies Set Sights on Labor: New Task Force Aims to Combat Wage Suppression in Mergers

Washington, D.C. – The heads of the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are now faced with the challenge of addressing the implications of corporate mergers on labor conditions. In the wake of the 2023 Merger Guidelines, which remain unchanged under the new Republican leadership, the agencies appear to be edging toward a more labor-focused approach in their review processes. FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson has made headlines by establishing a task force aimed at identifying anticompetitive practices that adversely impact workers. In a memo, Ferguson underlined that antitrust laws … Read more

Revolutionizing Resolution: How Divisive Mergers and Bankruptcy Code Enhance Corporate Strategy for Mass Tort Liabilities

Miami, FL — A recent study highlighted in the University of Miami Business Law Review delves into the increasingly common strategy for handling mass tort liabilities within corporations through the lens of corporate restructuring. Specifically, it examines the use of divisive mergers under the United States Bankruptcy Code to maneuver around the financial pitfalls that can debilitate large businesses. In the business landscape, restructuring strategies are pivotal, especially when confronted with substantial liabilities. A divisive merger, although less known, serves as a strategic tool by splitting an existing business entity into two new independent entities. … Read more

California Antitrust Laws Set for Overhaul: Major Changes Proposed for Single Firm Conduct and Mergers

Sacramento, Calif. — In a significant move that may shape the competitive landscape of various industries, California is reviewing its antitrust regulations under the Cartwright Act. Triggered by a mandate from the state legislature in 2022, the California Law Revision Commission (CLRC) dedicated itself to a comprehensive study, known as Study B-750, spawning eight focused groups to pin down areas ripe for legislative updates. The task groups each tackled different segments of antitrust law, from mergers and acquisitions to the emergent challenges posed by technological advancements and artificial intelligence. This initiative was designed not only … Read more