Over the past year, the firm has significantly expanded its M&A group
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher has strengthened its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) practice by recruiting prominent dealmakers from two rival firms.
The firm announced the appointment of George J. Sampas, a veteran partner from Sullivan & Cromwell, as co-chair of its M&A practice group and head of cross-border M&A. He will lead the global M&A practice alongside Robert Little in Dallas and Saee Muzumdar in New York.
“George is a preeminent M&A lawyer, and his extensive experience in cross-border deals is invaluable in an increasingly global world,” said Barbara Becker, chair and managing partner of Gibson Dunn. “As a trusted advisor for boardrooms across the globe, George brings a unique perspective and ability to advise our clients through a diverse range of deal structures and cycles. His addition to our leadership reflects the firm’s commitment to growing our M&A platform worldwide.”
Sampas, who has a focus on cross-border transactions and private equity deals, expressed his enthusiasm for joining Gibson Dunn. “I am thrilled to work with my Co-Chairs and colleagues at the firm to scale our exceptional M&A practice. Gibson Dunn’s global presence and the caliber of talent across the firm enable us to provide a tailored approach in our client offerings,” he said. Sampas is recognized for his work across various industries, including energy, aviation, food and beverage, and technology.
In addition to Sampas, Gibson Dunn has added Brian Scrivani from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison to its New York office as a partner in the M&A and private equity practice groups. Scrivani has extensive experience advising private equity firms and public and private clients on leveraged buyouts, public company acquisitions, and other complex transactions.
“Brian is a leading private equity partner who has worked with premier PE sponsors and their portfolio companies across all industries and verticals on some of their most complex and significant investments,” said Richard Birns, Gibson Dunn’s private equity practice group co-chair. “His addition further solidifies our standing as a destination PE practice.”
Scrivani expressed his excitement about the move. “I am excited to join Gibson Dunn, and I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the firm’s extensive, market-leading platform. The talent here is remarkable, and the firm’s investment in the M&A and private equity space allows us to provide unparalleled support to clients on their most important transactions.”
Over the past year, Gibson Dunn has significantly expanded its M&A and private equity groups, adding over two dozen transactional lateral partners and elevating over a dozen transactional partners worldwide.
