Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, DLA Piper, and Sidley Austin are guiding T-Mobile US Inc.’s approximate $2.4 billion acquisition of US Cellular Corp.’s wireless operations. This significant transactional endeavor involves multiple legal giants to ensure a smooth and compliant process.
Sidley Austin has been brought on board to advise US Cellular, while Cravath, Swaine & Moore will represent the company’s independent directors. Regulatory issues will be handled by Clifford Chance and Wilkinson Barker Knauer. The deal includes US Cellular’s wireless customers, retail stores, and 30% of the company’s spectrum assets.
This acquisition, expected to finalize by mid-next year, is pending requisite regulatory approvals, which notably include the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) endorsement. This follows T-Mobile’s recent success in securing FCC approval for its $1.35 billion acquisition of Mint Mobile in April.
Legal experts managing T-Mobile’s side include Cleary partners Chris Moore, who has extensive experience in corporate transactions, notably advising T-Mobile on its Mint Mobile acquisition, and DLA Piper associates. Sidley’s advisory team for US Cellular features renowned Chicago M&A partners John Kelsh, Scott Williams, and Christopher Hale.
Additional legal expertise is provided by Cravath, led by G.J. Ligelis Jr. and an extensive roster covering areas from financing to intellectual property. Regulatory advising will be spearheaded by Sharis Pozen, Clifford Chance’s managing partner for the Americas, and counsel Michael Van Arsdall.