Tax

Weil has been profiled by Law360 as a 2021 “Tax Practice Group of the Year” for advising on one of the largest-ever business combinations with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), and for working on “major transactions involving major companies, big dollar amounts and fascinating tax implications.”

The article highlighted the team’s work on MSP Recovery LLC’s $32.6 billion business combination with Lionheart Acquisition Corp. II, a deal that Law360 called one of the biggest of 2021 and one of the largest SPAC transactions in history. Devon Bodoh, Head of Weil’s international and cross-border Tax practice, noted that the transaction involved work across the Firm’s platform, demonstrated Weil’s “strategic reach” and bolstered its reputation as a “destination tax practice” for major deals. “It’s a destination for tax services on these major transactions,” Devon said. “To me, that is the pinnacle of how you differentiate Weil from other groups.”

Joseph Pari, Co-Chair of Weil’s Tax Department, noted that the Department’s wide range of tax transactional work sets it apart from others in the space, including advising on major mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, private equity and fund formation. Joseph went on to note that Weil has added a large number of partners and associates in recent years, including Tax partners Andrew Morris, Greg Featherman and Graham Magill.

Joseph, who was named a Law360 Tax MVP in 2020, noted that “the pandemic has sparked significant interest in medicine and medical technology,” citing the team’s work advising French biopharmaceutical company Sanofi SA in several acquisitions last year. Law360 highlighted Weil’s work with SPACs, including the Tax Department’s role advising on the “cutting-edge” William P. Foley II’s SPAC in its $9 billion combination with online payments processor Paysafe Ltd., among others. In addition, the article noted the team’s role advising Maxim Integrated Products Inc. in its $21 billion sale to Analog Devices Inc. and also in the Firm’s notable bankruptcy engagements – including Brooks Brothers Group Inc. and 24 Hour Fitness in their chapter 11 matters, as well as Pacific Gas & Electric’s reorganization.