Behind the Legal Curtain
The legal teams on both sides read like a who’s who of corporate law. The Kirkland & Ellis group is led by partners Edward J. Lee, Kim Hicks, and Steven Choi. Cravath’s powerhouse lineup includes Robert I. Townsend III, George F. Schoen, Michael E. Mariani, and a dozen other senior partners.
Latham & Watkins LLP, representing the financing sources, brought in partners Stelios Saffos, Michèle Penzer, and Erika Weinberg, with litigation input from BJ Trach and Bob Gilbert.
The Bottom Line
With the deal, Kimberly-Clark cements its ambition to dominate both the consumer hygiene and healthcare sectors. The acquisition marks one of the largest consumer goods mergers in recent history, signaling a new phase of consolidation as legacy brands adapt to shifting consumer trends and global market pressures.
If approved, this merger could redefine everyday essentials — from baby care to pain relief — under one unified powerhouse brand portfolio.
