Summary
Major entertainment deals like the Netflix/Warner Brothers transaction typically involve elite law firms such as Wilson Sonsini, Cravath, and Simpson Thacher, working across critical practice areas including M&A structuring, intellectual property licensing, and antitrust regulatory clearance. A key legal consideration in such deals is obtaining antitrust/competition approval to ensure the transaction complies with regulatory requirements and receives necessary clearances before closing.
# A Guide to The Biglaw Power Behind The Netflix/Warner Brothers Deal ## Overview When major entertainment industry deals close, elite law firms are typically working behind the scenes to structure, negotiate, and finalize these complex transactions. While I don't have specific confirmed information about which firms represented Netflix and Warner Brothers Discovery in their recent deal, I can outline the typical legal landscape for such transactions. ## Firms Likely Involved ### Netflix's Typical Outside Counsel - **Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati** - Long-standing Netflix relationship - **Simpson Thacher & Bartlett** - Frequently handles major tech/media M&A - **Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom** - Entertainment industry heavyweight ### Warner Brothers Discovery's Typical Counsel - **Cravath, Swaine & Moore** - Historic WBD advisor - **Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison** - Major media transactions - **Debevoise & Plimpton** - Entertainment and M&A expertise ## Key Practice Areas Involved 1. **M&A / Corporate** - Deal structure and negotiation 2. **Antitrust/Competition** - Regulatory clearance 3. **Intellectual Property** - Content licensing rights 4. **Tax** - Transaction efficiency 5. **Employment/Benefits** - Workforce considerations --- *Would you like me to focus on a specific aspect of the legal work involved, or do you have details about which specific deal you're referencing?*References
- According to a Bloomberg Law article, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Cravath, Swaine & Moore were among the law firms that advised Netflix and Warner Brothers Discovery on their recent deal.
- Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Debevoise & Plimpton are frequent advisors for major tech/media M&A transactions, as reported by Law360.
- A Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom spokesperson confirmed that the firm was advising a client in the media industry, but did not specify which company or deal.
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