Alison Ressler

Los Angeles

Corporate

Mergers and Acquisitions

Speaking with Ressler about the high-profile deals she has been a part of is like listening to a general talk about past battles. Her strategies are impeccable, she knows what her objectives are and has a detailed plan to address every contingency in order to achieve the desired outcome. It's often said that the corporate world is a take-no-prisoners business and the way Ressler talks certainly lends itself to this theory.

On top of providing ironclad legal representation for her corporate clients, she also is a member of the firm's eight-person leadership team, and has been integral in guiding the firm to expand its private equity practice globally. She is the co-head of the firm's efforts in this area in addition to her duties as the leader of Sullivan & Cromwell's California practice. Handling all these responsibilities is part of the job, an unfazed Ressler said.

This ability to multitask is critical when working on complex multibillion-dollar deals. With any number of scenarios being negotiated by the parties involved, Ressler said she has her work cut out for her making sure her team is ready to role in any situation.

It's her detail oriented approach with a strong emphasis on a multi-faceted plan of attack that makes Ressler one of the most sought after commodities in the mergers and acquisitions market.

When Valeant Pharmaceuticals International began it's $5.7 billion hostile bid to acquire drug maker Cephalon, Inc in the spring of this year, they turned to Ressler to handle the legal side of this very touchy deal.

While the acquisition was ultimately unsuccessful, the attempt was considered a huge win for the company because they showed a tremendous amount of restraint in preventing Cephalon and the other companies trying to take-over the drug maker from manipulating Valeant's bid. As a result, Valeant's stock rose and shareholder confidence was boosted, Ressler said.

- HENRY MEIER