Skadden made it a hat-trick of awards as it was named tax team of the year for its work advising Vantiv on a merger with London-based Worldpay.

The $10.4bn cash-and-stock deal was Vantiv's first cross-border transaction, and required expert guidance on US and UK tax law to devise a transaction structure that matched the company's complex tax (and non-tax) objectives. Those included ensuring it complies with Vantiv's 'Up-C' structure in the US, and that it can also benefit from President Donald Trump's recent tax reforms (something that took place after signing the transaction agreement but before the deal closed).

Skadden called on its tax teams on both sides of the Atlantic to finesse the deal, as well as seeking input from their corporate colleagues and accounting and tax advisers across multiple jurisdictions. The depth and quality of that approach meant the team was able to anticipate any problems and make certain the project progressed smoothly.

"This was a long and winding road, and we were glad to have the entire Skadden team help navigate. Your wisdom and perspective were particularly helpful in keeping us on the right track," Vantiv's GC wrote in a note to Skadden after the deal was complete.

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