M. Breen Haire

Simpson Thacher was recognized as one of Texas Lawbook’s Lawbook 50 “Magnificent Seven,” a group which “far outpaced their competitors in increasing Texas headcount and revenue” and “achieved record-high revenues in 2024.” The Firm was highlighted for its “explosive year” last year, and Breen Haire, Co-Managing Partner of the Firm’s Houston office and Co-Head of the Energy and Infrastructure Practice, noted, “We had a great year in 2024 — demand for our legal services has been very high.” He also highlighted the Houston office’s robust activity levels in 2025 so far.~~To read the full article, please click here (subscription required).

May 23

1 min

Breen Haire, Co-Managing Partner of Simpson Thacher’s Houston office and Co-Head of the Firm’s Energy and Infrastructure Practice, was quoted in a Texas Lawbook article titled, “How Texas M&A Lawyers Are Preparing for 2025,” which discussed expectations for the Texas M&A market in 2025. Breen noted how the reopening of financing markets, greater stability in valuations and rising confidence in the market’s long-term outlook contribute to “an environment ripe for increased M&A activity.” He added that, “Infrastructure is a leading asset class for many of our private equity clients, and we expect the growth of the sector to continue.”~~To read the full article, please click here (subscription required).

Jul 1

1 min

Breen Haire, Co-Managing Partner of Simpson Thacher’s Houston office and Co-Head of the Firm’s Energy and Infrastructure Practice, was quoted in a Law360 article titled, “5 Energy Transactional Trends To Watch In 2025,” which addressed key transactional trends in the energy sector for 2025. With energy dealmaking remaining active through the end of 2024 and that trend expected to continue in 2025, Breen explained that despite the uncertainty created by the election, the investment community “[has] a better idea what to expect than if we were entering a brand-new administration.” In discussing how 2025 could see increased investment in data centers, Breen noted, “You’ll see data centers located near power projects, or you’ll see small power projects being built alongside data center projects that are purpose-built.”~~To read the full article, please click here (subscription required).

Mar 1

1 min

Netherlands-based Refresco said Friday it has agreed to acquire Minnesota-based SunOpta in an all-cash deal valuing the U.S.-listed company at $6.50 per share, or roughly $768 million, in a deal steered by at least five law firms. Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP and Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP are SunOpta's legal counsel. Wildeboer Dellelce LLP is representing a SunOpta special committee. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Bennett Jones LLP are legal advisers to Refresco. The transaction, approved unanimously by both companies' boards, will be completed through a court-approved plan of arrangement under Canada's Business Corporations Act and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory, court and shareholder approvals, according to a deal announcement. Upon closing, SunOpta, which is incorporated in Canada, will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Refresco and its shares will no longer trade publicly. SunOpta provides supply chain solutions for beverages, broths and snacks across North America, while Refresco is a global beverage solutions provider with operations in North America, Europe and Australia. Lazard is advising SunOpta and provided a fairness opinion to its board. Scotiabank is advising SunOpta's special committee and also delivered a fairness opinion. Refresco is being advised by Morgan Stanley. Financing for the acquisition has been committed by Morgan Stanley Senior Funding and KKR Capital Markets. The Skadden team is led by partners Daniel Luks and Sean Doyle. The Simpson Thacher team is led by partners Breen Haire, Shamus Crosby and David Bumgardner. Additional deal team information was not available by press time.

Feb 6

1 min

Breen Haire, Co-Managing Partner of Simpson Thacher’s Houston office and Co-Head of the Firm’s Energy and Infrastructure Practice, was quoted in a Texas Lawyer article titled, “Energy Lawyers Working in Texas Expect Strong Demand to Continue in 2025 Across Energy Sector” which addressed key trends in the energy sector for 2025. Breen noted that “There's just a massive need to invest in digital infrastructure and that means a further investment in power,” and explained that increased confidence in the business environment, now that the uncertainty of the election is past, will likely lead to increased M&A activity. He further described how, while there may be changes in the country’s energy policy, “what I don’t think will change is the broader, longer-term problem that needs to get solved, that's meeting the country’s demand for digital infrastructure and energy. I don’t think that is something that is determined by election cycles.”~~To read the full article, please click here (subscription required).

Dec 23

1 min