Cravath’s New York Office Moves to Two Manhattan West
Faiza J. Saeed is Cravath’s Presiding Partner. She advises public companies, boards of directors and special committees in connection with M&A, corporate governance and crisis management, including takeover defense and proxy contests.
Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center, NewYork‑Presbyterian and the William Nelson Cromwell Foundation, and on the Boards of Directors of the Partnership for New York City and The Paley Foundation. She is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and The Economic Club of New York.
Ms. Saeed has extensive deal experience across many industry sectors, including significant depth in media/tech and biotech. Notable matters include advising:
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, and she was named one of the Asia Society’s Game Changers of 2019. In 2021, the Jewish Theological Seminary honored her with the Judge Simon Rifkind Award. The Ascend Foundation recognized Ms. Saeed as an honoree in their Ascend A‑List Awards in 2023. In 2024, Ms. Saeed was presented with the Paley Center’s highest honor, The Paley Honors Award.
Ms. Saeed was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in 2006. In 2007, The New York Times named her one of “Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe.” The American Lawyer recognized her as its 2020 Corporate Lawyer of the Year, a “Dealmaker of the Year” in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2019, and in its list of “45 Under 45” in 2003. The Hollywood Reporter has regularly recognized Ms. Saeed as one of “Hollywood’s Top Dealmakers” and one of the “Top 100 Power Lawyers.”
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession Award from Chambers & Partners (2010). She has been repeatedly recognized as one of the country’s leading practitioners in M&A and media and entertainment by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who's Who Legal: M&A and Governance, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000 and Lawdragon magazine. Ms. Saeed has been profiled in Crain’s New York Business (“Notable Women in Law” (2020), “50 Most Powerful Women in New York” (2017 and 2019) and “100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business” (2007)), The National Law Journal (“40 Under 40” (2005)), New York Magazine (2001), Corporate Board Member magazine (2002) and Dealmaker magazine (2008). She is a member of the New York Women’s Foundation, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the Editorial Board of The M&A Lawyer. Ms. Saeed served on the Visiting Committee for Harvard Law School from 2006 to 2011.
Ms. Saeed was born in Walnut Creek, California. She received a B.A. in Economics and Molecular Biology with Highest Distinction from the University of California at Berkeley in 1987, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991.
Ms. Saeed joined Cravath in 1991 and was elected a partner in 1998. From January 2013 to July 2016, she served as Co‑Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.
Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center, NewYork‑Presbyterian and the William Nelson Cromwell Foundation, and on the Boards of Directors of the Partnership for New York City and The Paley Foundation. She is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and The Economic Club of New York.
Ms. Saeed has extensive deal experience across many industry sectors, including significant depth in media/tech and biotech. Notable matters include advising:
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, and she was named one of the Asia Society’s Game Changers of 2019. In 2021, the Jewish Theological Seminary honored her with the Judge Simon Rifkind Award. The Ascend Foundation recognized Ms. Saeed as an honoree in their Ascend A‑List Awards in 2023. In 2024, Ms. Saeed was presented with the Paley Center’s highest honor, The Paley Honors Award.
Ms. Saeed was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in 2006. In 2007, The New York Times named her one of “Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe.” The American Lawyer recognized her as its 2020 Corporate Lawyer of the Year, a “Dealmaker of the Year” in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2019, and in its list of “45 Under 45” in 2003. The Hollywood Reporter has regularly recognized Ms. Saeed as one of “Hollywood’s Top Dealmakers” and one of the “Top 100 Power Lawyers.”
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession Award from Chambers & Partners (2010). She has been repeatedly recognized as one of the country’s leading practitioners in M&A and media and entertainment by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who's Who Legal: M&A and Governance, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000 and Lawdragon magazine. Ms. Saeed has been profiled in Crain’s New York Business (“Notable Women in Law” (2020), “50 Most Powerful Women in New York” (2017 and 2019) and “100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business” (2007)), The National Law Journal (“40 Under 40” (2005)), New York Magazine (2001), Corporate Board Member magazine (2002) and Dealmaker magazine (2008). She is a member of the New York Women’s Foundation, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the Editorial Board of The M&A Lawyer. Ms. Saeed served on the Visiting Committee for Harvard Law School from 2006 to 2011.
Ms. Saeed was born in Walnut Creek, California. She received a B.A. in Economics and Molecular Biology with Highest Distinction from the University of California at Berkeley in 1987, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991.
Ms. Saeed joined Cravath in 1991 and was elected a partner in 1998. From January 2013 to July 2016, she served as Co‑Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.
American Bar Association
California State Bar Association
District of Columbia Bar Association
International Bar Association
New York City Bar Association
New York State Bar Association
American Bar Foundation
Council on Foreign Relations
Economic Club of New York
Harvard Law School
The M&A Lawyer
March of Dimes (NY Chapter)
NewYork‑Presbyterian Hospital
New York Women’s Foundation
Paley Center
Paley Foundation
Partnership for New York City
William Nelson Cromwell Foundation
World Economic Forum
The American Lawyer
Best Lawyers in America
Chambers Global
Chambers USA
Crain’s New York Business
The Deal
The Hollywood Reporter
IFLR1000
Lawdragon
The Legal 500 US
The National Law Journal
The New York Times
Who’s Who Legal
A-List Award, Ascend Foundation, 2023
Burton Award for Law Firm Leadership, 2023
Game Changer Award, The Asia Society, 2019
Judge Learned Hand Award, American Jewish Committee, 2019
Judge Simon Rifkind Award, Jewish Theological Seminary, 2021
Paley Honors, The Paley Center for Media, 2024
Deals & Cases
July 08, 2024
On July 7, 2024, Paramount Global (“Paramount”), a leading global media, streaming and entertainment company, and Skydance Media (“Skydance”), a diversified media company founded to create high-quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to form “New Paramount,” a next-generation media and technology leader, through a two-step transaction including the acquisition of National Amusements, Inc. (“NAI”), which holds the controlling share stake in Paramount, and subsequently a merger of Skydance and Paramount. Under the terms of the agreement, which has been approved by the Paramount Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee of independent directors, and by NAI, Skydance will merge with Paramount in a transaction valuing New Paramount at an enterprise value of approximately $28 billion. Existing Skydance investors will receive 317 million newly issued Class B shares in New Paramount valuing Skydance at $4.75 billion based on $15 per Paramount Class B share. The Skydance Investor Group will invest up to $6 billion in offers to Class A and Class B stockholders, and use the additional capital to paydown debt and re-capitalize the balance sheet of New Paramount. NAI and its owners have entered into a definitive agreement to sell NAI to Skydance IG for $2.4 billion on a cash-free, debt-free basis. Cravath is representing the Paramount Special Committee in connection with the agreement.
Deals & Cases
April 04, 2024
On April 3, 2024, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) announced that, based on the tabulation of its proxy solicitor, it appears that Disney’s full slate of 12 directors has been elected by a substantial margin over the nominees of Trian and Blackwells at Disney’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Cravath is representing Disney in connection with this matter.
Deals & Cases
April 02, 2024
On April 2, 2024, Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (“Endeavor”), a global sports and entertainment company, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Silver Lake, the global leader in technology investing, in partnership with the Endeavor management team and additional anchor investors. Cravath is representing the independent Special Committee of Endeavor’s board of directors in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
October 17, 2023
On October 17, 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (“Thermo Fisher”), the world leader in serving science, and Olink Holding AB (publ) (“Olink”), a leading provider of next generation proteomics solutions, announced that their respective boards of directors have approved Thermo Fisher’s proposal to acquire Olink for $26.00 per common share in cash, representing $26.00 per American Depositary Share in cash. Thermo Fisher will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding Olink common shares and all of the American Depositary Shares. The transaction values Olink at approximately $3.1 billion which includes net cash of approximately $143 million. Cravath is representing Thermo Fisher in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
August 04, 2023
On August 3, 2023, Hasbro, Inc., a leading toy and game company, announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its eOne film and TV business to Lionsgate for approximately $500 million, consisting of $375 million in cash, subject to certain purchase price adjustments, and the assumption by Lionsgate of production financing loans. Cravath is representing Hasbro in connection with the transaction.
Activities
July 24, 2024
On July 19, 2024, the Financial Times featured Cravath Presiding Partner Faiza J. Saeed in its weekly “Lunch with the FT” column, highlighting her keen understanding of the “human element” in dealmaking. Please click here to read the feature.
Activities
July 08, 2024
Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed was named to The Hollywood Reporter’s annual “Power Lawyers” list, which recognizes the top 100 lawyers in the media and entertainment industries and was published in the June 12, 2024 issue of The Hollywood Reporter Magazine. The feature highlighted her representation of Disney in its successful proxy contest against Trian during “one of the most high‑profile legal battles of the past year.” This is Faiza’s seventh year being recognized as a “Power Lawyer.”
Activities
June 24, 2024
On June 13, 2024, The Paley Center for Media recognized Cravath Presiding Partner Faiza J. Saeed at its annual Paley Honors gala, which was held in New York in celebration of “visionary leaders from across media, entertainment and business.” Faiza received The Paley Honors Award—the organization’s highest honor—alongside former New York City mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and film director and producer Ron Howard, for their “unmatched contributions to media.” The Paley Center described Faiza as “a trusted advisor, visionary leader and one of the most respected legal minds of our time,” and “a principal architect of the modern media landscape.”
Activities
November 17, 2023
Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in The Paley Center for Media’s 2023 International Council Summit, which was held in New York from November 7‑8, 2023. In a session on November 7 entitled “Media M&A: How Modern Media Giants Are Operating in Uncertain Financial Times,” Faiza spoke with Centerview Partners LLC partner and co‑founder Blair Effron about the influence of M&A on the evolving media landscape and the future outlook of deals and deal‑making against the backdrop of technological change and disruption.
Activities
August 21, 2023
On August 17, 2023, Cravath’s Evan R. Chesler, David J. Kappos and Faiza J. Saeed were each named 2024 “Lawyers of the Year” for New York City in their respective practice areas by The Best Lawyers in America. Evan was recognized for ERISA Litigation, Dave was recognized for Patent Law and Faiza was recognized for International Mergers and Acquisitions. The awards honor individuals with the highest overall peer feedback for a practice area and within a geographic market.
Faiza J. Saeed is Cravath’s Presiding Partner. She advises public companies, boards of directors and special committees in connection with M&A, corporate governance and crisis management, including takeover defense and proxy contests.
Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center, NewYork‑Presbyterian and the William Nelson Cromwell Foundation, and on the Boards of Directors of the Partnership for New York City and The Paley Foundation. She is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and The Economic Club of New York.
Ms. Saeed has extensive deal experience across many industry sectors, including significant depth in media/tech and biotech. Notable matters include advising:
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, and she was named one of the Asia Society’s Game Changers of 2019. In 2021, the Jewish Theological Seminary honored her with the Judge Simon Rifkind Award. The Ascend Foundation recognized Ms. Saeed as an honoree in their Ascend A‑List Awards in 2023. In 2024, Ms. Saeed was presented with the Paley Center’s highest honor, The Paley Honors Award.
Ms. Saeed was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in 2006. In 2007, The New York Times named her one of “Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe.” The American Lawyer recognized her as its 2020 Corporate Lawyer of the Year, a “Dealmaker of the Year” in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2019, and in its list of “45 Under 45” in 2003. The Hollywood Reporter has regularly recognized Ms. Saeed as one of “Hollywood’s Top Dealmakers” and one of the “Top 100 Power Lawyers.”
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession Award from Chambers & Partners (2010). She has been repeatedly recognized as one of the country’s leading practitioners in M&A and media and entertainment by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who's Who Legal: M&A and Governance, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000 and Lawdragon magazine. Ms. Saeed has been profiled in Crain’s New York Business (“Notable Women in Law” (2020), “50 Most Powerful Women in New York” (2017 and 2019) and “100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business” (2007)), The National Law Journal (“40 Under 40” (2005)), New York Magazine (2001), Corporate Board Member magazine (2002) and Dealmaker magazine (2008). She is a member of the New York Women’s Foundation, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the Editorial Board of The M&A Lawyer. Ms. Saeed served on the Visiting Committee for Harvard Law School from 2006 to 2011.
Ms. Saeed was born in Walnut Creek, California. She received a B.A. in Economics and Molecular Biology with Highest Distinction from the University of California at Berkeley in 1987, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991.
Ms. Saeed joined Cravath in 1991 and was elected a partner in 1998. From January 2013 to July 2016, she served as Co‑Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.
Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center, NewYork‑Presbyterian and the William Nelson Cromwell Foundation, and on the Boards of Directors of the Partnership for New York City and The Paley Foundation. She is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and The Economic Club of New York.
Ms. Saeed has extensive deal experience across many industry sectors, including significant depth in media/tech and biotech. Notable matters include advising:
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, and she was named one of the Asia Society’s Game Changers of 2019. In 2021, the Jewish Theological Seminary honored her with the Judge Simon Rifkind Award. The Ascend Foundation recognized Ms. Saeed as an honoree in their Ascend A‑List Awards in 2023. In 2024, Ms. Saeed was presented with the Paley Center’s highest honor, The Paley Honors Award.
Ms. Saeed was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in 2006. In 2007, The New York Times named her one of “Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe.” The American Lawyer recognized her as its 2020 Corporate Lawyer of the Year, a “Dealmaker of the Year” in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2019, and in its list of “45 Under 45” in 2003. The Hollywood Reporter has regularly recognized Ms. Saeed as one of “Hollywood’s Top Dealmakers” and one of the “Top 100 Power Lawyers.”
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession Award from Chambers & Partners (2010). She has been repeatedly recognized as one of the country’s leading practitioners in M&A and media and entertainment by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who's Who Legal: M&A and Governance, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000 and Lawdragon magazine. Ms. Saeed has been profiled in Crain’s New York Business (“Notable Women in Law” (2020), “50 Most Powerful Women in New York” (2017 and 2019) and “100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business” (2007)), The National Law Journal (“40 Under 40” (2005)), New York Magazine (2001), Corporate Board Member magazine (2002) and Dealmaker magazine (2008). She is a member of the New York Women’s Foundation, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the Editorial Board of The M&A Lawyer. Ms. Saeed served on the Visiting Committee for Harvard Law School from 2006 to 2011.
Ms. Saeed was born in Walnut Creek, California. She received a B.A. in Economics and Molecular Biology with Highest Distinction from the University of California at Berkeley in 1987, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991.
Ms. Saeed joined Cravath in 1991 and was elected a partner in 1998. From January 2013 to July 2016, she served as Co‑Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.
American Bar Association
California State Bar Association
District of Columbia Bar Association
International Bar Association
New York City Bar Association
New York State Bar Association
American Bar Foundation
Council on Foreign Relations
Economic Club of New York
Harvard Law School
The M&A Lawyer
March of Dimes (NY Chapter)
NewYork‑Presbyterian Hospital
New York Women’s Foundation
Paley Center
Paley Foundation
Partnership for New York City
William Nelson Cromwell Foundation
World Economic Forum
The American Lawyer
Best Lawyers in America
Chambers Global
Chambers USA
Crain’s New York Business
The Deal
The Hollywood Reporter
IFLR1000
Lawdragon
The Legal 500 US
The National Law Journal
The New York Times
Who’s Who Legal
A-List Award, Ascend Foundation, 2023
Burton Award for Law Firm Leadership, 2023
Game Changer Award, The Asia Society, 2019
Judge Learned Hand Award, American Jewish Committee, 2019
Judge Simon Rifkind Award, Jewish Theological Seminary, 2021
Paley Honors, The Paley Center for Media, 2024
Deals & Cases
July 08, 2024
On July 7, 2024, Paramount Global (“Paramount”), a leading global media, streaming and entertainment company, and Skydance Media (“Skydance”), a diversified media company founded to create high-quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to form “New Paramount,” a next-generation media and technology leader, through a two-step transaction including the acquisition of National Amusements, Inc. (“NAI”), which holds the controlling share stake in Paramount, and subsequently a merger of Skydance and Paramount. Under the terms of the agreement, which has been approved by the Paramount Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee of independent directors, and by NAI, Skydance will merge with Paramount in a transaction valuing New Paramount at an enterprise value of approximately $28 billion. Existing Skydance investors will receive 317 million newly issued Class B shares in New Paramount valuing Skydance at $4.75 billion based on $15 per Paramount Class B share. The Skydance Investor Group will invest up to $6 billion in offers to Class A and Class B stockholders, and use the additional capital to paydown debt and re-capitalize the balance sheet of New Paramount. NAI and its owners have entered into a definitive agreement to sell NAI to Skydance IG for $2.4 billion on a cash-free, debt-free basis. Cravath is representing the Paramount Special Committee in connection with the agreement.
Deals & Cases
April 04, 2024
On April 3, 2024, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) announced that, based on the tabulation of its proxy solicitor, it appears that Disney’s full slate of 12 directors has been elected by a substantial margin over the nominees of Trian and Blackwells at Disney’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Cravath is representing Disney in connection with this matter.
Deals & Cases
April 02, 2024
On April 2, 2024, Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (“Endeavor”), a global sports and entertainment company, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Silver Lake, the global leader in technology investing, in partnership with the Endeavor management team and additional anchor investors. Cravath is representing the independent Special Committee of Endeavor’s board of directors in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
October 17, 2023
On October 17, 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (“Thermo Fisher”), the world leader in serving science, and Olink Holding AB (publ) (“Olink”), a leading provider of next generation proteomics solutions, announced that their respective boards of directors have approved Thermo Fisher’s proposal to acquire Olink for $26.00 per common share in cash, representing $26.00 per American Depositary Share in cash. Thermo Fisher will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding Olink common shares and all of the American Depositary Shares. The transaction values Olink at approximately $3.1 billion which includes net cash of approximately $143 million. Cravath is representing Thermo Fisher in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
August 04, 2023
On August 3, 2023, Hasbro, Inc., a leading toy and game company, announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its eOne film and TV business to Lionsgate for approximately $500 million, consisting of $375 million in cash, subject to certain purchase price adjustments, and the assumption by Lionsgate of production financing loans. Cravath is representing Hasbro in connection with the transaction.
Activities
July 24, 2024
On July 19, 2024, the Financial Times featured Cravath Presiding Partner Faiza J. Saeed in its weekly “Lunch with the FT” column, highlighting her keen understanding of the “human element” in dealmaking. Please click here to read the feature.
Activities
July 08, 2024
Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed was named to The Hollywood Reporter’s annual “Power Lawyers” list, which recognizes the top 100 lawyers in the media and entertainment industries and was published in the June 12, 2024 issue of The Hollywood Reporter Magazine. The feature highlighted her representation of Disney in its successful proxy contest against Trian during “one of the most high‑profile legal battles of the past year.” This is Faiza’s seventh year being recognized as a “Power Lawyer.”
Activities
June 24, 2024
On June 13, 2024, The Paley Center for Media recognized Cravath Presiding Partner Faiza J. Saeed at its annual Paley Honors gala, which was held in New York in celebration of “visionary leaders from across media, entertainment and business.” Faiza received The Paley Honors Award—the organization’s highest honor—alongside former New York City mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and film director and producer Ron Howard, for their “unmatched contributions to media.” The Paley Center described Faiza as “a trusted advisor, visionary leader and one of the most respected legal minds of our time,” and “a principal architect of the modern media landscape.”
Activities
November 17, 2023
Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in The Paley Center for Media’s 2023 International Council Summit, which was held in New York from November 7‑8, 2023. In a session on November 7 entitled “Media M&A: How Modern Media Giants Are Operating in Uncertain Financial Times,” Faiza spoke with Centerview Partners LLC partner and co‑founder Blair Effron about the influence of M&A on the evolving media landscape and the future outlook of deals and deal‑making against the backdrop of technological change and disruption.
Activities
August 21, 2023
On August 17, 2023, Cravath’s Evan R. Chesler, David J. Kappos and Faiza J. Saeed were each named 2024 “Lawyers of the Year” for New York City in their respective practice areas by The Best Lawyers in America. Evan was recognized for ERISA Litigation, Dave was recognized for Patent Law and Faiza was recognized for International Mergers and Acquisitions. The awards honor individuals with the highest overall peer feedback for a practice area and within a geographic market.
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