The transaction intersected with highly technical cloud infrastructure markets and was reviewed amid regulatory uncertainty, including a concurrent UK market investigation and impending legislative changes. With shifting focus at the UK’s CMA and leadership transitions at the U.S. FTC, IBM needed a coordinated, multi-jurisdictional strategy to secure timely clearance and avoid costly delays to closing.
Navigating complexity across borders to unlock global clearance.
Our team led IBM through a high-stakes global merger review, crafting and executing a unified strategy across jurisdictions. We played a central role in both UK and U.S. proceedings, coordinating closely with local counsel and economists to ensure consistency. We engaged early with the UK CMA, addressing domestic concerns while framing the transaction within broader global market dynamics.
Amid regulatory transitions, we adapted our approach to evolving enforcement priorities and legal thresholds. We filed just before UK reforms took effect in January 2025.
By navigating overlapping reviews and anticipating key policy shifts, we helped IBM demonstrate the deal’s pro-competitive benefits and secured clearance in all required jurisdictions.
IBM turned to us for our leadership in navigating complex, cross-border regulatory reviews — and we delivered seamless clearance amid evolving global enforcement priorities.
