Simpson Thacher represented Apax Partners (“Apax”) in connection with the acquisition of Orange Communications SA by funds advised by Apax for a purchase price of approximately CHF 2 billion, which closed on February 29, 2012. Orange Communications SA is one of the leading mobile operators in Switzerland, and was previously controlled by France Telecom SA. Simpson Thacher also represented Apax in the connection with the senior credit facilities, bridge credit facilities and high yield bond offering related to the acquisition.

The firm is representing Cadence Bancorp, LLC in its acquisition of Encore Bancshares, Inc. for $20.62 per share.  The transaction was announced on March 6, 2012 and reflects a total value of approximately $250 million.  Encore Bancshares, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Houston, Texas, that provides banking, investment management, financial planning and insurance services to privately-owned businesses, professional firms, investors and affluent individuals.  Cadence Bancorp, LLC is a bank holding company that was formed in 2010 to invest in community banks.  Cadence Bancorp, LLC is also headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Thomas E. Butler joined the law firm of LeClairRyan as a shareholder in the firm’s Litigation Department. He will be resident in the firm’s Manhattan office at Third Ave. and E. 53rd St.

Davis Polk advised PepsiCo, Inc. on its registered offering of $750 million aggregate principal amount of 0.75% senior notes due 2015, $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.75% senior notes due 2022 and $750 million aggregate principal amount of 4% senior notes due 2042. Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated acted as joint book-running managers for the offering.

Mark Proctor has joined Vinson & Elkins’ Private Investment Funds practice as a partner in New York.

Winston & Strawn LLP announced today that highly-regarded corporate and securities attorney, Robert J. Rawn, has joined the firm’s growing New York office as a partner. A lawyer for more than 20 years, Rawn’s diverse practice focuses on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures for public and private companies, with significant experience on cross-border transactions. His practice also concentrates on securities offerings and advising public companies on securities compliance and corporate governance matters. Rawn has represented clients in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, life sciences, technology, telecommunications and private investment funds. He joins Winston from Bryan Cave.

The law firm of Cole, Schotz, Meisel, Forman & Leonard, P.A. is pleased to announce the addition of Jordan J. Metzger as a Member (Partner) of the firm’s real estate and corporate law practices, based in its New York office. He is the latest lateral hire to complement the firm’s growing presence in New York.

The law firm of Thompson & Knight LLP is pleased to announce the addition of Michael V.Blumenthal as a Partner and Vivian M. Arias and Noam Greenberg as Associates in the Firm’s New York office, where they will serve clients in complex business transactions and restructuring and bankruptcy matters. All three attorneys previously were with Crowell & Moring LLP in New York.

Shearman & Sterling represented Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated as the initial purchasers in connection with PSS World Medical, Inc.’s (PSS) private placement of $250 million of its 6.375% Senior Notes due 2022.

Shearman & Sterling represented Barclays Capital Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as joint bookrunning managers and representatives of the several underwriters in connection with the $474 million public offering of common units representing limited partner interests of ONEOK Partners, L.P. (ONEOK). ONEOK is one of the largest publicly traded master limited partnerships and a leader in the gathering, processing, storage and transportation of natural gas in the United States.