Latham & Watkins Adds M&A Partner to Expanding Practice in New York

Latham & Watkins LLP1 is pleased to announce that David Beller has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner in the Corporate Department and member of the Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Practices. Beller has a broad mergers and acquisitions practice encompassing both public and private acquisitions, dispositions, tender offers, co-investments, joint ventures, carve-outs, and general corporate matters, including corporate governance and takeover defense. Beller joins Latham & Watkins from Paul, Weiss in New York.

“David’s arrival is another exciting milestone in our ambitions to build the premier public M&A and private equity practice in the world, and to serve as trusted advisors to our clients on their most high-stakes matters,” said Marc Jaffe, Global Chair of Latham’s Corporate Department. “David’s experience representing major private equity firms and corporations in complex transactions will bring tremendous value to our clients and we are happy to welcome him to the firm.”

Beller’s practice focuses primarily on representing private equity and other investment firms on leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations, equity investments, and other significant transactions. He has also represented numerous public companies in both friendly and contested M&A transactions across a range of industries, including energy, real estate, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

Paul Kukish, Global Co-Chair of Latham’s Private Equity Practice, said: “David’s practice is a perfect fit for our private equity and M&A platform in New York and globally. He is an accomplished lawyer who has led significant corporate transactions, and his arrival marks another step forward in our continual effort to meet the needs of clients who are looking to execute sophisticated deals. David is an excellent addition to the team in New York and our global practice.”

Michèle Penzer, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in New York, added: “David’s reputation in the market is one of exceptional client service and the highest quality legal work, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the New York office. His experience further bolsters our strong footprint in New York.”

“I look forward to putting Latham’s global, integrated platform to work for my clients,” said Beller. “The firm’s extraordinary culture and commitment to growing in line with clients’ needs drew me to Latham, and I look forward to contributing to the ongoing growth of the firm’s leading M&A and private equity practices.”

Beller is the second prominent M&A partner to join Latham’s New York office in 2019. The firm announced on January 3 the arrival of Alexander Johnson, who represents private equity firms and multinational corporations on complex US and cross-border transactions.

Beller received his JD from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and his BA from Yale University.

Source:  www.lw.com