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Jim O’Connell advises clients on their critical antitrust matters, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other transactions; licensing arrangements and other business practices; government investigations; and litigation. In connection with his merger practice, he also regularly helps clients assess and comply with their obligations under the HSR Act and comparable merger control regimes around the world.
Clients and peers recommend Mr. O’Connell for his knowledge of antitrust law and his ability to provide expert and practical guidance. He is also recommended for his detailed understanding of the people and processes of the U.S. antitrust enforcement agencies, which he applies to help his clients navigate their most critical antitrust challenges successfully and efficiently. Legal 500 has described him as a “well-respected” practitioner who is “well connected with the DOJ” and recognized by clients for his ability to “quickly develop a high level of company-specific expertise.”
Mr. O’Connell has represented clients in a broad range of industries and sectors, including leading companies in the e-commerce, pharmaceutical, medical device, financial services, telecommunications, electronics, cable, broadcast, alcoholic beverages, consumer products, industrial products and heavy manufacturing, energy and natural resources, steel, aerospace, defense, chemicals, gaming, and software industries.
Mr. O’Connell joined Covington after over five years of public service with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he served in several leadership roles, including as Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Chief of Staff. As Deputy AAG, he had responsibility for the Division’s appellate program and for the development of its major legislative and policy positions, such as those regarding intellectual property and the enforcement of Section 2 of the Sherman Act. His duties also included managing the Division’s relations with its enforcement counterparts around the world, including those in the European Union, China, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Japan. This extensive international enforcement experience enables him to provide his clients highly informed and practical assessments of their U.S. and non-U.S. antitrust risks. Prior to his government service, Mr. O’Connell practiced antitrust law at an international New York-based firm.
A frequent speaker and writer on antitrust law and policy issues, Mr. O’Connell has also been a leader in the Antitrust Section of the American Bar Association for many years, serving in such positions as Chair of the editorial board of Antitrust, the Section’s magazine, and as Co-Chair of the Section’s Federal Civil Enforcement Section. He has also testified before the U.S. Congress and the Antitrust Modernization Commission, and he serves as a non-governmental advisor to the International Competition Network, which brings together competition enforcement authorities, academics, and leading practitioners from around the world to foster the development of best practices and encourage convergence on matters of antitrust policy.
- Representation of Facebook in several transactions, including its $22 billion acquisition of WhatsApp, $2 billion acquisition of Oculus, and $1 billion acquisition of Instagram.
- Advise a leading biotechnology company regarding intellectual property licensing and transactional matters.
- Representing one of the world’s largest steel companies in proceedings brought by a competitor before the International Trade Commission alleging antitrust violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act.
- Representation of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in several transactions, including its acquisition of UniCarriers and, with Hitachi, the formation of Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems.
- Advised a leading technology innovator regarding an investigation of its intellectual property licensing practices by China’s National Development and Reform Commission.
- Advise one of the world’s largest financial exchanges regarding various transaction, investigation, and compliance matters.
Transactions
- Representation of Verizon Communications in obtaining merger review clearance for several transactions.
- Representation of Altice N.V. in obtaining merger review clearance for its $9 billion acquisition of Suddenlink Communications and its $17 billion acquisition of Cablevision.
- Advised China National Tire & Rubber Co. regarding its $7.7 billion acquisition of Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli.
- Representation of Qualcomm in connection with its acquisition of CSR plc.
- Represented Telx Group, the data center, colocation, and interconnection company, in its acquisition by Digital Realty.
- Advised Alliance Resource Partners regarding transactions in the coal industry.
- Advise one of the world’s largest aerospace companies regarding various confidential transactions.
- Advised ITOCHU Corp. regarding several transactions.
- Represented Exxon Mobil in obtaining antitrust clearance for its $41 billion acquisition of XTO Energy, at the time the largest transaction in the history of the natural gas industry.
- Representation of one of the leading on-line platforms in Asia regarding investments in the U.S.
- Representation of Chemtrade Logistics Inc. in obtaining merger review clearance for its $860 million acquisition of General Chemical Corp.
- Representation of Stryker Corporation, the medical devices and equipment manufacturing firm, in obtaining merger review clearance for several transactions.
- Advised MDA Corp. regarding the clearance of its acquisition of Space Systems/Loral.
- Advised China Investment Corporation regarding investments in the U.S.
- Represented Prysmian S.p.A., a global manufacturer of power transmission and telecommunications cable, in its $1.2 billion tender offer for cable and optical fiber manufacturer Draka Holding N.V.
- Advised Newport Television LLC in connection with the sale of broadcast television stations to Sinclair Broadcasting, Nexstar Broadcasting, and Cox Media Group.
- Represented oilfield services company Ameron International in obtaining antitrust clearance for its acquisition by National Oilwell Varco.
- Advised Joy Global in connection with several transactions, including its acquisition of LeTourneau Technologies from Rowan Companies and its sale of LeTourneau’s drilling systems and offshore products businesses to Cameron International.
Counseling
- Advising a major international information technology company regarding antitrust compliance, transactions, and other competition issues, including those related to teaming agreements and government contracting.
- Advised a significant developer and licensor of standard-essential technology regarding its intellectual property licensing program.
- Advised media companies about antitrust compliance, transactions, and other competition issues regarding online platforms and the cable and satellite television industry.
- Advised a major international manufacturer of industrial products regarding antitrust compliance, transactions, and other competition issues.
- Advised numerous innovator pharmaceutical companies about competition issues relating to settlements of patent infringement litigation brought under the Hatch-Waxman Act.
- Provided antitrust guidance to various television broadcasting companies.
- Regularly counsel clients regarding potential competition law issues arising under China’s Anti-Monopoly Law.
- Develop successful and cost-effective strategies for responding to requests for information from the Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission.
Litigation and Investigations
- Advised a leading technology company in connection with U.S. antitrust and patent infringement litigation arising out of the assertion of standard-essential patents subject to a FRAND commitment.
- Representation of Expedia in connection with the Antitrust Division’s investigation of the Google/ITA Software transaction and the Federal Trade Commission’s investigation of Google’s search-related conduct.
Pro Bono
- Represented the executor of the estate of a mentally ill individual who died while in custody at the Alexandria Adult Detention Center (Walker v. Correct Care Solutions, LLC).
- Advised the Rainforest Alliance regarding various matters.
- Advised the Mountaineering Section of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club regarding various matters.
Memberships and Affiliations
- Non-Governmental Advisor, International Competition Network
- Member of the American Bar Association’s Section of Antitrust Law and Member of the Advisory Board on Section Reserves
- Instructor, University of Virginia Law School (Advanced Antitrust Seminar)
- Board Member, Friends of Francis Field
January 30, 2017
WASHINGTON—Covington represented India-based Piramal Enterprises and its wholly owned Critical Care subsidiary in the UK in its agreement to acquire a portfolio of intrathecal spasticity and pain management drugs from Mallinckrodt LLC. The purchase price was $171 million, plus an earn-out of up to an additional $32 million. This is the third acquisition that ...
November 18, 2016, The Litigation Daily
Sturgis Sobin, Derek Ludwin, and James O’Connell were named “Litigators of the Week” by The Litigation Daily for an initial determination at the ITC on behalf of Baosteel in the first price-fixing case in almost 40 years at the agency, terminating U.S. Steel’s antitrust claim. According to Sobin, the argument was as much about educating the judge about the ...
Covington Represents Tencent in $8.6 Billion Acquisition
June 21, 2016
SILICON VALLEY—Covington advised Tencent Holdings Limited, a leading provider of internet service in China, in connection with its acquisition of a majority stake in Supercell from SoftBank. A consortium established by Tencent will acquire up to 84% of Supercell for $8.6 billion in a transaction valuing Supercell at approximately $10.2 billion. Supercell is a ...
May 31, 2016
WASHINGTON—Covington advised Graham Media Group in its definitive agreement to purchase WCWJ, the CW affiliate serving Jacksonville, FL and WSLS-TV, the NBC affiliate serving Roanoke and Lynchburg, VA, from Nexstar Broadcasting Group and Media General. The Covington team included corporate partners Paul Rogers and Michael Cutler, with associate Adina Lord. ...
Spring 2016, Antitrust
December 9, 2015
NEW YORK, December 9, 2015 - Covington advised Grupo P.I. Mabe, the leading producer of hygienic products in Mexico, on its sale to Ontex Group NV, a publicly listed company based in Belgium. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016. The transaction will require regulatory approvals in Mexico, the US and certain other countries, and has ...
December 8, 2015
NEW YORK, December 8, 2015 - Covington represented Ascension, the nation’s leading Catholic and non-profit health system, in a $200 million investment transaction with TowerBrook Capital Partners in Accretive Health, a leading provider of revenue cycle management services to healthcare providers. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of ...
Fall 2015, Antitrust
Covington Advises Joy Global on Acquisition of Montabert
June 4, 2015
NEW YORK, June 4, 2015 — Covington acted as U.S. M&A and antitrust counsel to Joy Global, Inc., a leader in high-productivity mining solutions, on its French-law governed acquisition of Montabert S.A.S. from Doosan Holding France S.A.S., an affiliate of South Korean conglomerate Doosan Global, for EUR 110 million. Montabert specializes in the production and ...
June 3, 2015, LegalStudio
Summer 2015, Antitrust
May 22, 2015
NEW YORK, May 22, 2015 — Covington advised European telecommunications company Altice S.A. (Euronext ATC) in a $9.1 billion deal to acquire a controlling stake in Suddenlink, the seventh largest cable operator in the U.S. Under the terms of the agreement, Altice will enter the U.S. cable television and broadband market by acquiring 70 percent of the share ...
Spring 2015, Antitrust
October 13, 2014
NEW YORK, October 13, 2014 — Covington & Burling advised the Special Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors of Atlas Pipeline Partners in its $5.8 billion merger with Targa Resources Partners. Under the agreement, Targa will pay $4 billion in Targa units and cash and assume $1.8 billion in debt for Atlas. Atlas unitholders will receive 0.5846 units of ...
Fall 2014, Antitrust
Spring 2014, Antitrust
February 20, 2014, Covington E-Alert
12/4/2013
WASHINGTON, DC, December 4, 2013 — Covington & Burling advised Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund in its $860 million acquisition of General Chemical Holding Company. The acquisition will expand Chemtrade’s North American water treatment chemicals and sulfuric acid businesses into new geographic areas and broaden the company’s specialty chemicals product portfolio. ...
The Elephant Remains
Fall 2013, Antitrust
July 19, 2013, Covington E-Alert
June 18, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC, June 18, 2013 — Covington & Burling is advising ING Insurance International on the sale of its mortgage business in Mexico, ING Hipotecaria, to the Mexican banking subsidiary of Banco Santander, Spain’s largest bank, for approximately $50 million. The team is led by Gabriel Mesa and includes corporate associates Cecile Zwiebach, Dan Levine and ...
Interaction of IP and Antitrust: A US-China Comparative Perspective
June 2013, Program Sponsored by Charles River Assocs. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
May 28, 2013
NEW YORK, May 28, 2013 — Omthera Pharmaceuticals and AstraZeneca announced today that the companies entered into a merger agreement under which AstraZeneca will acquire all of the outstanding stock of Omthera for an upfront payment of $12.70 in cash per share, approximately $323 million aggregate value ($260 million after subtracting cash), plus a contingent ...
March 19, 2013, Law360
ABA Corporate Counseling Committee: Antitrust Update
January 2013, ABA Antitrust Section Teleseminar
November 28, 2012
NEW YORK, November 28, 2012— Covington & Burling is advising Grupo Financiero Banorte S.A.B. de C.V., and its affiliate Afore XXI Banorte, S.A. de C.V., in a $1.6-billion acquisition of Afore Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. from the Spanish bank, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A., which would create Mexico’s largest pension fund. Afore Bancomer is Mexico’s second ...
The Nexus Between IP and Other Industrial Policies: Where is China Headed?
November 2012, China’s Evolving Patent Environment: What It Means for Your Business
Privilege & the Agencies: A Practical Approach
July 2012, ABA Antitrust Section, Corporate Counseling Committee Update
June 28, 2012, Covington E-Alert
May 15, 2012, Covington E-Alert
Spring 2012, Antitrust
January 11, 2012, Covington E-Alert
November 30, 2011, Covington E-Alert
November 18, 2011, Covington E-Alert
August 31, 2011
NEW YORK, August 31, 2011 — Joy Global Inc. (NASDAQ: JOYG), a worldwide leader in high-productivity mining solutions, reported today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the drilling products business of its recently acquired LeTourneau Technologies, Inc. to Cameron International Corporation (NYSE: CAM) for $375 million in cash, subject to ...
July 19, 2011, Covington E-Alert
5/16/2011
WASHINGTON, DC, May 16, 2011 — Joy Global Inc. (NASDAQ: JOYG), a worldwide leader in high-productivity mining solutions, reported today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent ownership interest in LeTourneau Technologies, Inc. (“LeTourneau”) from Rowan Companies, Inc. (“Rowan”) (NYSE: RDC) for $1.1 billion in cash. LeTourneau designs, ...
April 18, 2011, Law360
Spring 2011, Antitrust
February 18, 2011, Covington E-Alert
E-Discovery and Special Issues in Antitrust Law
November 4, 2010, Covington & Burling Webinar
Perspectives from the Business Community on the Benefits of IP Licensing
October 22, 2010, Conference on Intellectual Property, Trade Regulation, and Competition Law, Renmin University Law School
August 24, 2010, Covington E-Alert
August 2, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC, August 2, 2010 — The Washington Post Company has today announced its agreement to sell Newsweek to a company owned by Dr. Sidney Harman, the founder and chairman emeritus of Harman International. Covington & Burling LLP advised The Washington Post Company on the transaction. The terms of the sale have not been announced. The Washington and New ...
Spring 2010, Antitrust
April 1, 2010, Covington E-Alert
January 22, 2010, Covington E-Alert
Reverse Payments & the DOJ
October 2009, Presentation, Bates White Healthcare Law & Economics Workshop
Covington Expands Antitrust Group With DOJ’s O’Connell
9/10/2009
WASHINGTON, DC, September 10, 2009 — Covington & Burling LLP is pleased to announce that James O’Connell, who most recently served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in charge of International, Policy, and Appellate matters in the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, has joined the firm as a partner. He will be resident in the firm’s Washington office and ...
- Recognized by The Am Law Litigation Daily as one of the "Litigators of the Week" (11/18/2016)
- China Law & Practice, “Outbound Deal of the Year” (2016)
- Washington DC Super Lawyers, Antitrust Litigation
Practices
Industries
Education
Emory University School of Law, J.D., 1998
- with Distinction
- Emory Law Journal; Executive Managing Editor
- Order of the Coif
Carnegie Mellon University, B.S., 1990
Government Service
- U.S. Department of Justice
Bar Admissions
- District of Columbia
- New York
- U.S. Supreme Court