Global law firm White & Case LLP continues to expand its Global Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Practice with the addition of two new partners, Thomas Christopher and James Hu, in New York. Both new partners further strengthen the Firm’s substantial public company M&A and financial sponsor capabilities in the United States. Christopher joins from Latham & Watkins, while Hu was previously a partner at Kirkland & Ellis prior to joining the firm.

“Tom and James are highly experienced M&A lawyers with a focus on public company transactions, which is an extremely busy area for us,” said John Reiss, Global Head of White & Case’s M&A Practice. “They bring the ideal skill set to deepen and expand our public company M&A bench, including transactions involving SPACs.”

Christopher’s experience spans three decades, and focuses on advising public companies, special committees and financial sponsors in a wide variety of M&A, investment and joint venture transactions. In addition, he advises boards of directors, investment banks, investors and shareholder groups on shareholder activism and other corporate governance matters. He works across many industries, including the energy/power, infrastructure, industrials, life sciences, financial services, communications and consumer sectors. 

Hu represents both public companies and financial sponsors in domestic and cross-border M&A transactions. He has broad experience in structuring, negotiating and executing complex and high-stakes business combinations, including public company mergers, portfolio company acquisitions and sales, carveouts, SPACs, and equity and joint venture arrangements. He works in a wide range of industries, with a specific focus on life sciences and technology. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Tom and James to our growing M&A team in New York,” said Chang-Do Gong, Regional Section Head of the Firm’s Americas M&A/Corporate Practice. “The addition of these two talented new partners aligns with our strategic ambition to further expand our leading M&A Practice, including our public company and financial sponsor capabilities, across the United States.”