Cooley Maintains Top Rankings in Global M&A and Private Equity

Why It Matters

These rankings demonstrate Cooley’s resilience and market leadership, giving clients confidence in executing complex, high‑value transactions amid a volatile M&A environment.

Key Takeaways

• #1 global life sciences M&A by deal count
• #1 global tech M&A by deal count
• $750B+ transaction value since 2021
• 1,600+ deals across diverse industries
• 180+ practitioners in worldwide business hubs

Pulse Analysis

The global M&A landscape in 2026 remains fragmented, with macro‑economic uncertainty pressuring deal activity. Amid this turbulence, law firms that can consistently deliver cross‑border transactions gain a competitive edge. Cooley’s latest Bloomberg league‑table results place it at the apex of both technology and life‑science mergers, underscoring the firm’s ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and fast‑moving innovation cycles. By securing top‑ranked positions in overall, mid‑market, and private‑equity deal counts, Cooley signals operational depth that many rivals struggle to match.

Cooley’s portfolio this quarter illustrates its sectoral breadth. The firm advised on Clorox’s $2.25 billion acquisition of GOJO, a hallmark consumer‑goods deal, while also steering GSK’s $2.2 billion purchase of RAPT Therapeutics, reinforcing its life‑science clout. In the AI arena, Lightning AI’s merger with Voltage Park and Yelp’s $270 million purchase of Hatch highlight Cooley’s foothold in emerging technology transactions. These engagements span public‑company buyouts, private‑equity exits, and de‑SPAC mergers, reflecting a versatile advisory platform that serves both established conglomerates and high‑growth startups.

The ramifications for corporate clients are clear: partnering with a firm that consistently ranks at the top reduces execution risk and accelerates value creation. Cooley’s 180‑plus lawyers stationed in major innovation hubs provide localized insight while leveraging a global network, a combination that is increasingly vital as deals become more multi‑jurisdictional. Looking ahead, the firm’s momentum suggests it will continue to capture a disproportionate share of high‑value transactions, reinforcing its reputation as a go‑to advisor for companies seeking to scale in a volatile market.