The American Lawyer Recognizes Michael Fitzgerald and David Shine as Dealmakers of the Year

April 06, 2015

New York, NY- Paul Hastings LLP, a leading global law firm, announced today that New York Mergers and Acquisitions chair David Shine and Latin America practice chair Michael Fitzgerald, were recognized by The American Lawyer as “Dealmakers of the Year” for their innovative work on a complex M&A deal and a creative international capital markets transaction, respectively.

The American Lawyer noted that our, “Dealmakers of theYear package is no rote examination of last year’s biggest transactions. Instead, we spotlight creative thinking, novel approaches and innovative work.” The publication featured 20 transactions, “where effective lawyering truly made the difference.”

David Shine was recognized as a Dealmaker of the Year, in the Complex M&A category, for advising Merck & Co on its $14.2 billion sale of its consumer care business, which included the Claritin and Coppertone brands. Mr. Shine was credited with coming up with a complex asset and stock transfer agreement, as well as six different transition agreements and worldwide regulatory consents.
Michael Fitzgerald was recognized as a Dealmaker of the Year, in the U.S. Exports or “Duty Free” category, for helping to create a Mexican version of a U.S. mortgage real estate investment trust (REIT) for Fideicomiso Hipotecario (FHipo) that created an international secondary market for the asset, which will help promote home ownership in Mexico.

Paul Hastings LLP is a leading global law firm with a strong presence throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Through a collaborative approach, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to client service, the professionals of Paul Hastings deliver innovative solutions to many of the world’s top financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies.