Sidley Austin LLP

Congratulations to Brian Fahrney, who has been named Chair-Elect of Sidley’s Executive Committee. Currently, Mr. Fahrney is global co-leader of Sidley’s M&A and Private Equity practice and a member of the Management and Executive Committee, and represents both acquirers and sellers in a wide variety of public and private merger and acquisition transactions including complex carve-outs, take privates, cross-border transactions, spinoffs, and leveraged acquisitions. He will continue practicing law and serving clients while chairing the Executive Committee. Mr. Fahrney will succeed Mike Schmidtberger, who has served as a member of the Executive Committee since 2002 and as its Chair since January 2018. Mr. Schmidtberger is slated to transition from that position in April 2025 as required under the Firm’s partnership agreement. He will remain a partner in the Firm’s market-leading Investment Funds practice. Read more here, https://bit.ly/4engj49.

Sidley partner Rachel Kleinberg, a co-leader of the firm’s global Tax practice, headed up a tax team to represent investors in a consortium that led to the US$6.05 billion sale of the NFL's Washington Commanders, earning her a spot as one of the 2024 Law360 Tax MVPs. Read here as Rachel discusses her biggest accomplishments and challenges over the past year, her joy in mentoring associates throughout the firm, her advice for young lawyers, and more — https://bit.ly/3NFNlkf.

Sidley represented Ares Management Alternative Credit funds in connection with its joint venture with CAL Automotive to purchase up to US$1.5 billion prime new vehicle leases originated by CAL. Ares Management Corporation is a leading global alternative investment manager.   The Sidley team was led by Chicago-based partners David Solow, Tracey Nicastro, and Alexis Cooper. Read more here, https://bit.ly/40lZZw6.

Sidley’s Pro Bono Project for the Arts proudly provides assistance to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, along with individual artists, who typically cannot afford the necessary legal services to survive and grow. This investment helps our communities thrive and encourages our neighbors to share their stories and preserve their rich histories. In 2023, our work included drafting policies and guidance; advising on intellectual property licensing, investments/asset management, corporate governance, tax, employment, grant agreements, fiscal sponsorship agreements, and donation agreements; and providing immigration counseling for arts clients such as Ars Choralis, Brooklyn Ballet, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and the Jazz Foundation of America. #ProBono #ProBonoFriday

Congratulations to Sidley’s Michelle Ramirez, who has been honored with the “Emerging Leader Award” by the University of Iowa College of Law at the 2024 Iowa Law Alumni Awards. A partner in our Chicago office, Michelle is a nationally recognized litigation strategist and trial lawyer — having served as lead counsel for numerous companies in a variety of industries. She is the Chicago co-chair of SidleyWomen and serves on several committees – including the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee – and is a member of Sidley’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force. Read more here, https://bit.ly/3YBtYOn.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this week in Tokyo for “Navigating Cross-Border Business in the New Era of Globalization.” Attendees gathered to learn more about the critical factors Japanese companies should consider when pursuing outbound M&A and investment transactions — as well as effective defense strategies, proactive engagement techniques, and best practices to mitigate risks of potential shareholder activism. Thank you again to our moderators and panelists Anya Bailey and Sally Peng of FTI Consulting, Leo Lewis of the Financial Times, and Sidley partners Yoshiki Shimada, Charlie Wilson, Daniel Lin, Yuet Ming Tham, and Derek Zaba for their insights.

Congratulations to Sidley partner Ayo Badejo, who has been named among Crain's New York Business’ 2024 “Notable Black Leaders.” A New York-based partner in the firm’s M&A and Private Equity group, Ayo concentrates his practice in corporate and securities matters. He serves as a secretary of the board of the United Way of Northern New Jersey and is a member of the New York State Bar Association’s Diversity Committee. Read more here, https://bit.ly/3UlKkZZ.

Sidley has been named among the top 5 U.S. law firms for responsible sustainability activities in a recent report by Lamp House Strategy, now part of Chambers and Partners. According to the 2024 report, a responsible business is defined as having a “genuine focus on creating sustainable, more positive impacts for all stakeholders.” This recognition underscores Sidley’s commitment to sustainable practices and responsible business. Learn more about our #sustainability efforts here, https://bit.ly/2Is8NcF.

Sidley is representing Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) in its public-private partnership with the District of Columbia to transform Capital One Arena, home of the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards, into a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment destination. The multidisciplinary Sidley team — which has been working with MSE since the inception of the project — has been advising on the complex legal and contractual aspects of this ambitious project valued at US$800 million, with the District of Columbia contributing US$515 million and the teams covering the remainder. The Sidley team is being led by partner Irwin Raij and includes Evie Whiting, Michael Williams, Max Budowsky, Greg Fritzius, Alyssa (Ally) Levy, Jessica Lamour, Rachel Kleinberg, and Jonathan (Akiva) Westreich. Read more here, https://bit.ly/3A2Cj5o.

Sidley represented Sunac China Holdings Limited in connection with its top-up placing of existing shares and subscription of new shares under general mandate, with gross proceeds of approximately HK$1.205 billion. The Sidley team was led by partner Christopher Cheng, and included partner Carrie Li, senior managing associates Ammo Chan and Jacob Zhao, and trainee solicitor Wincy Yim. Read more here, https://bit.ly/48evqKR.