Let’s Talk

By Patrick Smith

Davis Polk & Wardwell is bringing on Nathaniel Asker, a top antitrust partner from Fried Frank, in their latest strategic hire. Asker brings a decade of experience advising public companies, private equity firms, and their portfolio companies on antitrust aspects of M&A and joint ventures. His notable deals include Standard General's $4.6 billion acquisition of Bally's, Terex's $2 billion purchase of Dover's ESG business, and Aerie Pharmaceuticals' $930 million sale to Alcon. The move reflects the broader trend of law firms aggressively pursuing antitrust talent, with Cravath, Goodwin Procter, Cleary Gottlieb, Weil Gotshal, and Baker Botts all adding antitrust laterals this year.