The Week at Ropes & Gray

This week, Ropes & Gray attorneys advised clients on M&A deals and a fundraising, and provided commentary on developments in securities law, IP litigation and life sciences. The firm also announced the arrival of two new counsel and earned recognition for its life sciences work in China. Here’s a summary of the week’s highlights:

• Our clients completed major deals and a fundraising:
• Cott Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Primo Water Corporation. Ropes & Gray is advising Deutsche Bank in connection with its role as financial advisor to Cott Corporation in the acquisition. 
• Data and analytics company Clarivate Analytics announced its $950 million acquisition of Decision Resources Group. Ropes & Gray advised Evercore in connection with its role as financial advisor to Clarivate in the acquisition.
• Middle-market private equity firm Wynnchurch Capital announced the final closing of Wynnchurch Capital Partners V at $2.277 billion of committed capital. Ropes & Gray represented Wynnchurch Capital on the fundraising. 
• Our attorneys offered insight on developments across industries:
• The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed changes to the “accredited investor” designation, including extending accredited investor status to individuals holding certain professional licenses. Securities & governance practice chair Keith Higgins provided commentary on the proposed changes in Forbes.
• A recent U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) decision illustrates the importance of the public interest factors in ITC investigations involving biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. IP litigation partner Matt Rizzolo and senior attorney Rachael Bacha examine the decision in Law360.
• Life sciences regulatory & compliance partner and practice chair Greg Levine was profiled in a Law360 FDA Focus column. Greg shared his thoughts on key areas of focus for the practice, urgent issues facing the new U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner, outdated medical device regulatory policies, and the uncertainty facing the fast-growing digital health industry.
• The firm expanded its bench in two practice areas with arrival of new counsel:
• Rachel Meagher joined the firm’s Boston office as a member of the private client group. Rachel’s practice includes counseling high-net-worth families and individuals in complex estate planning matters.
• In-House Community named Ropes & Gray a 2019 “Firm of the Year – China” for life sciences. The recognition is based on a survey of in-house lawyers and compliance and legal professionals in Asia and the Middle East.
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