Session Details
Date:
2:45 PM
Where:
Wilshire Ballroom
More Information
Closing the deal is only part of the story. What happens when issues emerge after the ink dries? This panel brings together leading perspectives from insurance, underwriting, and legal advisory to examine the lessons learned from years of M&A claims.
Drawing on real-world claims experience, panelists will explore where deals most often encounter post-closing challenges, emerging trends in representations and warranties claims, and what buyers, sellers, and advisors can do differently to mitigate risk. The discussion will offer practical insights into structuring transactions, navigating claims, and protecting deal value long after closing.
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Matthew Benedetto, Partner, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Matthew Benedetto is a Partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where he advises private equity sponsors, strategic acquirers, and portfolio companies on mergers and acquisitions and other complex corporate transactions. Prior to joining Paul, Weiss in 2024, Matthew was a Partner and previously an Associate at Kirkland & Ellis, where he spent more than seven years representing clients in a broad range of M&A and private equity matters. Based in Los Angeles and New York, Matthew has extensive experience guiding clients through acquisitions, divestitures, investments, and strategic transactions across a variety of industries.
Bryce Guingrich, President of the Americas and Chief Underwriting Officer, VALE Insurance Partners
Bryce Guingrich is President of the Americas and Chief Underwriting Officer at VALE Insurance Partners, where he leads the firm's underwriting and transactional risk solutions business throughout the Americas. In his role, Bryce specializes in underwriting transactional risk for mergers and acquisitions, including representations and warranties insurance, tax indemnity coverage, and contingent liability solutions. Since joining VALE in 2015, he has held a series of leadership positions, including Vice President & Underwriter, Managing Director of M&A, Chief Underwriting Officer, and most recently President of the Americas. Bryce brings more than a decade of experience helping buyers, sellers, private equity firms, and strategic acquirers manage transaction-related risks and execute complex M&A transactions.
Harrison White, Partner, Latham & Watkins
Harrison White is a Partner in the Los Angeles office of Latham & Watkins, where he advises private equity sponsors, strategic acquirers, and portfolio companies on mergers and acquisitions, investments, and other complex corporate transactions. Harrison has spent his entire legal career at Latham & Watkins, joining the firm as a Summer Associate in 2014 before becoming an Associate and later a Partner in 2024. He has extensive experience representing clients through all stages of the transaction lifecycle, providing strategic counsel on M&A, private equity investments, and corporate growth initiatives.
Stephen Davidson, Global Head of Claims, M&A and Transaction Solutions, Aon (Moderator)
Stephen Davidson is Global Head of Claims, M&A and Transaction Solutions at Aon, where he leads the development and implementation of risk solutions for M&A transactions and alternative investments and oversees the resolution of claims arising from those solutions. Since joining Aon in 2016, Stephen has focused on developing insurance solutions that address litigation risks and unlock capital in M&A transactions while managing representations and warranties, tax, and other transaction-related claims. Prior to Aon, he spent more than 11 years as a partner at DLA Piper, where he advised leading insurance companies and corporate clients on complex insurance, reinsurance, and commercial litigation matters. Stephen brings more than 20 years of experience helping companies navigate transaction risk, corporate disputes, and strategic business challenges.
