The Financial Times (FT) ranked Shearman & Sterling one of the 26 most innovative international law firms in Europe in the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2019 report. The firm was “highly commended” and “commended” in the following categories:

• “Highly Commended” – Managing Complexity & Scale – for our role advising Novartis on its $3.9 billion acquisition of Nasdaq-listed Advanced Accelerator Applications. This was made more complex as Novartis did not have a European Stock listing. The firm played a crucial role, developing attractive stock swap and cash buyout options to buy out existing shareholders amicably.
• “Commended” - Enabling Business Growth and Transformation – for the structuring of the initial public offering of Slovenia's largest bank, Nova Ljubljanksa Banka (NLB). The transaction was the largest European banking IPO in 2018 and the largest-ever Slovenian IPO.
• “Commended” – Strategy and Changing Behaviours – for our Client Value Team’s ongoing work to identify new ways to deliver greater efficiencies for clients and the firm. This recognition highlights the team’s work with the Capital Markets practice to change working patterns and enhance relationships.

The FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Report 2019 represents a unique analysis of the legal industry, assessing lawyers on their innovation both for clients and in their own businesses. Both the report and awards are based on thorough research and robust journalism.