About Paul
Paul T. Schnell: Leading M&A and Private Equity Attorney
Paul T. Schnell is a globally recognized leader in mergers and acquisitions, offering unparalleled expertise in U.S. and international transactions. With a distinguished career marked by significant deal involvement and strategic counsel, Mr. Schnell consistently represents some of the world’s most prestigious companies across a diverse range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, financial services, healthcare, and Latin America. He’s consistently recognized as a leading lawyer by prestigious legal publications, including Chambers Global, Chambers USA, Chambers Latin America, U.S. News & World Report, The Best Lawyers in America, Who’s Who Legal, Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, and IFLR1000, solidifying his reputation for exceptional legal service and strategic insight.
Mr. Schnell's extensive experience spans more than 90 publicly disclosed M&A and financing transactions over the past several years, including 25 deals valued exceeding $1 billion each. His active involvement extends across the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, encompassing the BRIC countries, demonstrating a truly global perspective and a deep understanding of international markets. His strategic work has involved navigating complex regulatory environments and achieving successful outcomes for his clients.
Key Transactions & Achievements:
- Pfizer’s Nutritional Business Sale to Nestle ($11.9 Billion): Mr. Schnell served as lead counsel for Pfizer in this landmark transaction, representing one of the largest M&A deals of 2012.
- Coty’s Bid for Avon Products ($11 Billion): He represented Coty in its hostile proposed acquisition of Avon Products, a significant deal demonstrating his expertise in complex, high-stakes negotiations.
- Anheuser-Busch’s Acquisition of Grupo Modelo ($20.1 Billion): Mr. Schnell was the lead lawyer for Anheuser-Busch Companies in this cross-border transaction, securing control of Grupo Modelo, the second-largest cross-border deal globally.
- Anheuser-Busch’s Defense Against InBev’s Hostile Bid: He spearheaded the defense strategy for Anheuser-Busch against the $46.4 billion hostile cash bid by InBev N.V., including a $52 billion acquisition, a historic challenge highlighting his robust M&A experience.
- Pfizer’s Divestiture of Zoetis ($1 Billion): Mr. Schnell advised Pfizer on the divestiture of its animal health business, Zoetis, a major transaction showcasing his skills in complex divestitures.
- Managed Care Transactions: He advised on the three largest managed care transactions in 2012, including WellPoint’s acquisition of Amerigroup, CIGNA Corporation’s acquisition of HealthSpring, and Aetna’s acquisition of Coventry Health.
Expertise & Services: Mr. Schnell’s expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of corporate legal services, including:
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Strategic transaction advisory across all deal types.
- Private Equity: Expertise in leveraged buyouts and private equity transactions.
- Financings: Comprehensive financial advisory services supporting complex funding structures.
- Corporate Governance: Guidance on board governance, shareholder relations, and regulatory compliance.
- Strategic Alliances & Joint Ventures: Expertise in forming and managing strategic partnerships.
Mr. Schnell’s counsel extends to a variety of industries, with a particular focus on corporate compliance, director and officer liability, fiduciary duties, health care, international trade and finance, and strategic alliances. He possesses a strong understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape, enabling him to provide proactive and effective counsel to his clients.
Education & Credentials:
- Practice Areas: Corporate Governance Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Awards & Recognition: Recognized as a leading attorney in Corporate Governance Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, and Mergers and Acquisitions Law.
- Legal Focuses: Corporate Compliance Law, Health Care Law, International Trade and Finance Law
- Bar Admissions: Admitted to the Bar in New York.
Affiliations: Mr. Schnell is actively involved in several professional organizations and initiatives, reflecting his commitment to the legal community and his dedication to providing exceptional legal services. He is recognized since 2006 in Best Attorney USA.
Contact Information: Paul T. Schnell | New York, State: New York, Country: United States
Practice Areas
Case History
Education
Awards & Recognition
- Recognized: Corporate Governance Law
- Recognized: Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
- Recognized: Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Practice Area: Corporate Compliance Law
- Practice Area: Health Care Law
- Practice Area: International Trade and Finance Law
- Special Focus: Corporate Governance
- Special Focus: Director and Officer Liability
- Special Focus: Fiduciary Duties
- Special Focus: Health Care
- Special Focus: International
- Special Focus: Joint Ventures
- Special Focus: Leveraged Buyouts
- Special Focus: Mergers & Acquisitions
- Special Focus: Private Equity
- Special Focus: Strategic Alliances
- Special Focus: Transactions