The pandemic prompted a workplace shakeup, shining a spotlight on employee wellness
Amy Blankson offers tools that can boost happiness as we enter a new world of work
Hugh Verrier
Chair
In 2022 uncertainty took hold as inflation, volatile markets and a geopolitical conflict added to the challenges set in motion by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a world of shifting expectations and norms, we focused on creating a distinctive experience for our clients, consistent with the five-year strategy we launched in 2020. This North Star guided our global teams as they developed and executed innovative solutions on high-stakes deals, disputes and pro bono matters.
Our client work placed us at the center of global trends related to energy transition, environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, finance and globalization. We contributed to the dialogue on these issues with published insights including “Scaling up the energy transition,” a report based on a survey that explores how capital providers and companies are setting priorities, staying competitive and managing risk. Through our COP27 video series, we explored themes raised during the annual climate conference and their potential impact on business and industry.
In regions around the world, we increased our capacity to serve clients, promoting 59 new partners and welcoming 39 lateral partners. We developed new ways of working with clients, increasing efficiencies and ensuring consistency. These initiatives included our Debt Finance Solutions Team, which leverages legal technology and other resources to handle certain types of routine work, and our Client Experience Blueprints, a series of tools that codify our global best practices for working with clients before, during and after a matter.
We continued to focus on building a more diverse and inclusive workplace, significantly expanding our diversity data collection efforts so we can quantify our progress. Our people benefited from new and expanded coaching programs, and we took concrete steps to empower our associates, focusing on work allocation, skills development and leadership opportunities.
This review discusses these and other accomplishments and initiatives that made a difference to our people and our clients in 2022. Together we face the future positioned for success.
Guest speakers at Firm events share views on timely topics
Amy Blankson offers tools that can boost happiness as we enter a new world of work
Kenneth Cukier talks about the process that can lead to breakthroughs and help us tackle novel challenges
Antonio Zappulla talks about how TrustLaw tackles some of the world’s biggest challenges
Developments that reshaped the world
The focus on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 remained a priority for governments, investors and energy companies
Addressing ESG factors became “the new normal” for investors and businesses
Activity across debt and M&A markets slowed as rising interest rates and high inflation saw investors, borrowers and lenders recalibrate risk appetite
Around the world, legal and regulatory developments continued to reshape global interconnectedness
Highlights of our work in 2022
Our achievements position us for success
US$2.83 billion in revenue
2,616 total lawyers
Meet the outstanding generation of talented lawyers who strengthened our Firm in 2022
In markets around the world, White & Case earned many of the legal industry’s top accolades
White & Case is committed to fair and ethical operations that respect human rights and recognize the importance of our natural environment.
As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, we affirm our commitment to doing business responsibly by supporting the Compact’s ten principles on human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption. The steps we are taking to continue to embed these principles into our Firm are outlined in our most recent Communication on Progress.
Our latest Environmental Sustainability Report includes information on our environmental policies, footprint, key actions and goals.
Committed to advancing diversity and inclusion across the Firm
11 global affinity networks
Our 11 affinity networks foster a sense of community among the Firm’s Black, Asian, Latinx/Hispanic, Middle Eastern, minority ethnic and LGBTQ+ lawyers, business services professionals and their allies. Each network sets its own agenda, initiatives and goals, which are specific to the issues it considers most important. Affinity networks create and enhance awareness of these groups within the Firm and its larger culture, drive community and connection across our global offices, and support their members with career and professional development opportunities.
25 local women’s networks
Our 25 local women’s networks are active in 40 offices across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific. These networks foster professional development and mentoring activities. They also provide a forum for our lawyers and business services professionals to share perspectives and create programs to support and retain our women while fostering and promoting gender equity.
49%of our lawyers self-identify as of color
28%of our partners self-identify as of color
43%of our lawyers self-identify as of color
27%of our partners self-identify as of color
118nationalities
95languages spoken
Leading publications and alliance organizations continue to recognize our commitment to diversity and inclusion
Helping our colleagues to reach new heights
Committing to growth opportunities for colleagues in wide-ranging roles
Recognizing the value of our lawyers as they start their careers
Focusing on consistent application of best practices
Leveraging technology to streamline routine work and enhance client service
Collaborating to effect change and build strong connections
Visuals by Roman De Giuli
Saudi Aramco acquisition of Valvoline’s Global Products Business
We advised Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemical companies, on its entry into an equity purchase agreement with US-based automotive services provider Valvoline Inc. (NYSE: VVV) to acquire Valvoline Inc.’s Global Products Business for US$2.65 billion, subject to certain customary adjustments as set forth in the equity purchase agreement.
Zimmer Biomet spin-off of dental and spine business
We advised Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZBH and SIX: ZBH), a global medical technology leader, and ZimVie Inc. (NASDAQ: ZIMV) in the spin-off of ZimVie, Zimmer Biomet’s former dental and spine businesses.
Athena Consumer Acquisition Corp. business combination with Next.e.GO Mobile SE
We advised Athena Consumer Acquisition Corp., a technology-enabled consumer focused special purpose acquisition company led entirely by women founders, CEOs, board members and other executives (NYSE: ACAQ), on its entry into a definitive business combination agreement with Next.e.GO Mobile SE, an innovative producer of urban electric vehicles based on disruptive production systems headquartered in Germany. The transaction values the combined company at approximately US$913 million.
Blackstone investment in Invenergy Renewables
We advised the managing entity of Invenergy Renewables Holdings LLC, the largest private renewable energy company in North America, on an approximately US$3 billion equity investment from Blackstone Inc. (NYSE: BX), the world’s largest alternative asset manager.
Marathon Oil acquisition of Eagle Ford Assets
We advised Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) on its US$3 billion acquisition of Eagle Ford assets from Ensign Natural Resources, an oil & gas company sponsored by Warburg Pincus and Kayne Anderson.
ABB carveout of Accelleron Industries
We advised ABB Ltd, a leading global technology company, on the separation of Accelleron Industries Ltd from ABB in preparation for its spin-off and listing on SIX Swiss Exchange. Formerly known as ABB Turbocharging, Accelleron is a global leader in turbocharging technologies.
BC Partners investment in Fedrigoni
We advised international investment firm BC Partners LLP on its co-controlling investment, together with international private investment firm Bain Capital Private Equity, in Fedrigoni S.p.A., an Italy-based producer of value-added paper products for luxury packaging and other creative solutions. The transaction valued Fedrigoni at €3 billion.
Avast merger with NortonLifeLock
We advised digital security and privacy company Avast plc on its merger with NortonLifeLock Inc, which was structured as a takeover of Avast by NortonLifeLock. The newly merged company is Gen Digital, Inc.
Brookfield Infrastructure’s acquisition of HomeServe
We advised Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE: BIP) in connection with its £4.08 billion acquisition of HomeServe plc, a home repairs and emergency services group with businesses across the UK, US, Europe and Asia.
Largest-ever de-SPACing in Europe
We advised Pegasus Entrepreneurs and its sponsors on its de-SPACing with global entertainment group FL Entertainment that resulted in the listing of FL Entertainment on Euronext Amsterdam. The terms of the transaction represent a pro forma equity value of €4.1 billion and a pro forma enterprise value of €7.2 billion.
EQT Private Equity acquisition of Envirotainer
We advised EQT Private Equity on its joint acquisition with Mubadala of Envirotainer, a global mission critical biopharma transport services company, from Cinven, Novo Holdings and Sjätte AP-fonden - AP6. The enterprise value amounts to approximately €2.8 billion.
EIG bid for Origin Energy Limited
We represented EIG, an institutional investor to the global energy and infrastructure sectors, in its joint A$18.4 billion bid with Brookfield Asset Management (through its MidOcean platform) for Origin Energy Limited by Scheme of Arrangement.
CAA acquisition of CAA-GBG
We represented Creative Artists Agency, LLC (CAA), a leading global entertainment and sports agency, in its acquisition of the business of CAA-GBG, one of the world’s leading brand management agencies, operating through a joint venture formed in 2016 between CAA and Global Brands Group.
Landmark energy transition deal
We advised Macquarie Asset Management on its acquisition of a 60 percent stake in National Grid plc UK gas transmission and metering business in a consortium with institutional investors. The business owns and operates the UK’s National Transmission System, which currently transports natural gas but is planning to convert the network in the long term to hydrogen, and plays a critical role in the UK energy landscape.