Communications Transactions

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We advise buyers, sellers, investors, and operators on the regulatory aspects of mergers and acquisitions and other transactions involving communications companies, where approvals are central to execution.

Overview

Decades of communications deal experience.
Our team has served as regulatory counsel in many of the most significant telecommunications and cable transactions in the past 50 years. We regularly assist service providers and strategic investors with mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions, asset acquisitions, joint ventures and numerous other deals.

Regulatory strategy aligned with deal execution.
We advise on the regulatory approvals and transaction related regulatory issues that arise in communications M&A and investment activity, with a focus on aligning regulatory strategy with deal structure, timing, and closing conditions. Our team works alongside transaction counsel from diligence through closing to manage regulatory risk as a routine part of getting deals done, helping clients secure required approvals efficiently and predictably. Our experience and expertise spans federal, state, and local regulatory regimes, positioning us to advise on regulatory approvals for FCC, Team Telecom, CFIUS foreign ownership and national security reviews, state PUC and local franchise authorities. We also provide counsel on post‑closing implementation and compliance matters.

Trusted across strategic communications transactions.
We regularly advise on communications transactions across asset classes, deal structures, and market cycles, representing buyers, sellers, investors, and operators in matters where regulatory approvals are determinative of closing. Our experience spans fiber and broadband networks, wireless and spectrum assets, subsea cable systems, broadcast facilities, satellite systems, and other regulated communications businesses, including domestic and cross border transactions requiring coordinated federal, state, and local review.

What We Do

We advise on the regulatory approvals and transaction related regulatory issues required to close and operate.
Deal Structures & Strategy
  • M&A (equity and asset acquisitions)
  • Joint ventures
  • Broadband‑funded network assets transactions
  • Strategic investments
  • Financing transactions
  • Reorganizations
  • Bankruptcy‑related transactions
Regulatory Consents
  • Federal: FCC approvals, including Section 214 authorizations, spectrum, subsea cable, broadcast, and earth station authorizations, and related approvals
  • Foreign Ownership & National Security: Team Telecom (DOJ, DHS, et al.), CFIUS, Section 310(b) foreign ownership petitions, and negotiation of national security mitigation agreements.
  • State & Local: State PUC/CPCN and telecom approvals, VoIP, ETC designations, and cable/telecom franchises
  • One‑Offs: Consents for re‑orgs, restructuring, and bankruptcy change‑of‑control events
Due Diligence & APA Negotiations
  • Diligence: Conducting in-depth due diligence on federal, state, and local legal and regulatory authorizations, compliance, investigations, key tax, and subsidy issues; and conferring with Rep & Warranty Insurer counsel to address open issues.
  • APA Negotiations: Advising on regulatory terms in purchase agreements, including reps and warranties, key covenants, disclosures, and structuring transactions to meet legal and regulatory obligations.

Areas of Focus

We advise on regulatory compliance for emerging technologies, structure corporate transactions, and negotiate operational and commercial agreements.

Emerging Technology and Connected Devices

Communications transactions increasingly involve connected devices, integrated platforms, and emerging technologies that raise regulatory questions alongside traditional M&A considerations. We advise clients on how these regulatory requirements intersect with transaction structure, product launches, and ongoing operations.

  • Transfer of control and assignment requirements for transactions involving regulated products and services
  • FCC, FAA, and FMCSA licensing requirements affecting connected devices and services
  • Assisting device manufacturers and service providers with the regulatory considerations associated with launching novel products
  • Regulatory licensing requirements for OEMs and clients partnering with OEMs for IoT offerings
  • Coordinating with our Privacy and Data Security colleagues to provide integrated regulatory and data related advice

Corporate Transactions

We support communications M&A and investment activity where regulatory approvals are central to deal execution, advising on transaction structure, diligence, and approvals across a wide range of corporate transactions.

  • Mergers and acquisitions, including transactions involving spectrum acquisitions and sales
  • Federal and state regulatory approvals for stock sales and asset acquisitions
  • Joint ventures and strategic alliances in the communications sector
  • Regulatory compliance considerations in securities reporting and transaction disclosures
  • Restructuring and reorganization of corporate and partnership enterprises

Operational Transactions

Our regulatory experience extends beyond closing, supporting the operational and commercial agreements that underpin communications businesses and are often reviewed as part of regulatory diligence or post‑closing integration.

  • Backhaul, long‑distance, peering, and roaming agreements
  • Software, trademark, and other intellectual property licenses
  • Mobile applications and wireless content licensing arrangements, including gateway and platform licenses
  • Distribution, joint‑marketing, sponsorship, product placement, advertising, and promotional agreements
  • IP and hardware procurement agreements
  • Pole attachment agreements
  • Satellite network and ground station capacity agreements
  • Network and capacity agreements, including IRUs
  • Operational agreements between cable networks and operators

International Trade, Investment & National Security

Businesses operating in the 21st century global economy face numerous regulatory challenges, political uncertainty, and cross-border legal risks. We understand these evolving facets of doing international business and help clients mitigate risk and maintain compliance with U.S. and foreign trade laws.

Space and Satellite

Our deep knowledge of the satellite and space industry comes from our experience as both in-house and outside counsel representing high-profile companies in the space economy. See how we can help you with the rapid evolution of the space and satellite industry's unique legal challenges.

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Industry Contacts

Halm, K.C.
K.C. Halm
Partner
Co-chair, Technology, Communications, Privacy & Security Practice; Chair, Communications Practice
Washington, D.C.
202.973.4287
Mark Trinchero
Mark Trinchero
Partner
Portland
503.778.5318

Our Team

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Contact Us

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Communications Transactions: Contact us

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