Willkie Advises Comcast on Regulatory Aspects of $16.7 Billion Deal to Acquire Remaining Stake in NBCUniversal

On February 12, Willkie client Comcast Corporation announced it will acquire General Electric’s remaining 49% common equity stake in the NBCUniversal joint venture for approximately $16.7 billion. Willkie served as FCC regulatory counsel to Comcast in the deal. The acquisition accelerates GE’s divestiture ahead of a redemption period that would have begun in July 2014. In 2011, Willkie advised Comcast on the regulatory aspects of its $13.75 billion transaction with GE that created the NBCUniversal, LLC joint venture. Comcast Corporation is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal.

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Tags:  Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Willkie Assists Facebook in Major IPO-Related Litigation Victory

On February 13, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York handed down a decision (In re Facebook, Inc. IPO Sec. & Derivative Litig., No. 12-md-2389 (S.D.N.Y. Feb. 13, 2013)), dismissing the shareholder derivative actions that have been brought against Facebook and its Board of Directors in the aftermath of the Company’s May 18 initial public offering. Willkie is serving as co-counsel with Kirkland & Ellis LLP for the Facebook defendants in the Facebook IPO-related litigation.

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Tags:  Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP | New York

Vinson & Elkins Advises Hudson Energy Supply UK in Strategic Power Supply Arrangement

Vinson & Elkins LLP advised Hudson Energy Supply UK Limited (Hudson), a subsidiary of Just Energy Group Inc. (NYSE/TSX: JE) on its entry into a five-year strategic power supply arrangement with Shell Energy Europe Limited (Shell) for Hudson’s commercial retail business in the UK. The transaction, which signed on February 1, 2013, represents an important step for Just Energy in the expansion of its business beyond North America and is expected to provide Just Energy with the foundation required to grow within the UK and to offer competitive products to customers.

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Winston & Strawn Expands Transactional Practice in Houston

Winston & Strawn LLP has announced Chris Ferazzi and Richard (“Dick”) Wynne have joined its Houston office, expanding the firm’s corporate and transactional capabilities in the growing market. Mr. Ferazzi and Mr. Wynne join Winston & Strawn from Porter Hedges LLP and add significant depth in areas including mergers & acquisitions, private equity and securities. The addition of these practitioners underscores Winston & Strawn’s commitment to developing a full-service platform in Houston.

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Tags:  Winston & Strawn LLP | Houston