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Latham & Watkins LLP is advising DoorDash, Inc. on its proposed acquisition to take Deliveroo plc private, a move that would significantly expand DoorDash’s global footprint.
The U.S.-based local commerce platform, which connects consumers to local businesses in more than 30 countries, announced the deal this week. Once completed, the acquisition will create an expanded group operating in over 40 countries and serving roughly 50 million monthly active users.
The transaction remains subject to both shareholder approval and regulatory clearances.
A cross-border team from Latham & Watkins is leading the legal work. London corporate partners Ed Barnett and Doug Abernethy are heading the team, with support from associates Harriet Stephenson, Becky Eaton, and Catherine Fellows. Partner David Little, along with associates María Martínez, Daniel Muheme, and Panya Baldia, is advising on regulatory issues.
London partner Sarah Gadd is handling employment and benefits matters. Financing matters are being managed by Washington, D.C. partners Jason Licht and Christopher Clark, and London partners Hayden Teo and Hugh O’Sullivan. On hedging matters, London counsel Delyth Hughes and associate Airlia Hie are providing guidance.
DoorDash, Inc. (NASDAQ: DASH) is a leading technology company that connects consumers with local businesses through its online platform. Founded in 2013 by Stanford students Tony Xu, Andy Fang, and Stanley Tang, DoorDash has grown to become the largest food delivery service in the U.S., holding a 56% market share. Headquartered in San Francisco, DoorDash operates in over 30 countries and offers services including restaurant food delivery, groceries, retail, pet supplies, and alcohol delivery in select markets.
The company’s mission is to empower local economies by facilitating commerce between consumers and businesses. DoorDash also offers DashPass, a subscription service for reduced fees, and supports flexible earning opportunities for delivery drivers known as Dashers. Strategic acquisitions include Finnish delivery firm Wolt (2021) and the proposed acquisition of UK-based Deliveroo (2025).
Latham & Watkins, founded in 1934, is a global law firm with more than 3,000 lawyers across major business and financial centers. The firm advises top companies, investors, and institutions on high-stakes transactions, regulatory matters, and litigation. Known for its collaborative culture and deep industry knowledge, Latham delivers practical, strategic legal solutions worldwide.
What began as a nickname has now become official: the small community surrounding Elon Musk’s SpaceX facility in southern Texas has voted to rename itself Starbase.
On Saturday, 212 of the nearly 300 eligible residents voted in favor of the change, while just six opposed it. Most of those living in the area, located on Boca Chica Bay near the Mexico border, either work for SpaceX or reside on company-owned land.
Bobby Peden, who serves as SpaceX’s vice president of testing and launches, was also elected mayor. He was the only candidate on the ballot.
Now, it is official! https://t.co/98XWq6Bt4f
— gorklon rust (@elonmusk) May 5, 2025
“Starbase, Texas, is now a real city!” Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he owns.
Official records list nearly 500 people living around the site, which sits in Cameron County.
The new city status will give Starbase control over local regulations, building permits, tax collection, and the ability to write its own municipal laws - changes expected to streamline SpaceX’s operations in the area.
The idea for Starbase wasn’t new. Musk first floated the name four years ago during a visit to the rocket launch facility.
In December 2024, SpaceX general manager Kathryn Lueders submitted a formal request to local officials to incorporate the area as a city.
While the vote’s outcome was never in serious doubt, not everyone welcomed the change.
Bekah Hinojosa, co-founder of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, raised concerns before the vote about the potential environmental fallout from further development.
“They would attempt more illegal dumping,” she warned. “They’d expand their dangerous rocket operations, cause more seismic activity, and destroy more of the wildlife habitat in the region.”
Criticism over SpaceX’s environmental record is not new. In 2024, reports surfaced claiming rocket tests had damaged wild bird nests.
Elon Musk responded with characteristic sarcasm: “To make up for this heinous crime, I will refrain from having omelette for a week.”
The Environmental Protection Agency and Texas regulators also found that SpaceX was responsible for several pollutant releases and spills into nearby waterways over the past year.
Lueders, however, argued that the company already maintains much of the community’s infrastructure, including roads, educational programs, and even medical services. She pledged that the new city’s creation would not undermine environmental protections.
The transition comes at a complicated moment for Musk. Once a vocal supporter of government streamlining, he is reportedly stepping back from some political efforts to focus on his struggling electric car company, Tesla.
Elon Musk, a prominent donor to Donald Trump and certain far-right European groups, has said little publicly about the shift.
For now, though, residents of the newly minted Starbase seem eager to embrace the future Musk envisions - regulatory challenges, rocket launches, and all.
SpaceX began building its Boca Chica launch site in 2014, with its first test flight in 2019.
Elon Musk first mentioned the name “Starbase” in 2021, calling it the future "gateway to Mars."
The Starship rocket, designed for Mars missions, is primarily tested at the Starbase facility.
Cameron County, where Starbase is located, is one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas.
Environmental groups have raised concerns about SpaceX’s impact on endangered species, including the piping plover and Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.
Starbase is one of several private spaceports in the U.S., but it’s the only one now incorporated as a city.
DLA Piper Advises Hoist Investment & WestView Capital Partners
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Today at 1:45 PM, RAF aircraft will soar over Buckingham Palace and London to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day 80).
The flypast honors the end of World War II in Europe and the bravery of those who served.
Today at 1:45pm, subject to weather, serviceability, and operational requirements, RAF aircraft will take to the skies above London and over Buckingham Palace to celebrate 80 years since Victory in Europe.#VEDay80 pic.twitter.com/QArDSYO2Zb
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) May 5, 2025
Celebrations Begin Across London
Celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day are set to begin, with crowds already gathering along The Mall at Buckingham Palace.
The royal family will come together as King Charles is joined by senior royals and veterans in leading the nation’s events today.
Thousands are expected to line the streets of central London to watch a grand military procession and a Red Arrows flypast commemorating the victory of Britain and its allies over Nazi Germany on 8 May 1945.
A Proud Tradition
In 1945, huge crowds gathered at Buckingham Palace as the war in Europe ended. Today’s flypast continues that tradition, celebrating the RAF’s historic and ongoing service.
The RAF’s Historic Role in VE Day
On May 8, 1945, the RAF symbolized Britain’s resilience and victory, having played a pivotal role throughout the war from the critical Battle of Britain to supporting Allied operations across Europe. The 2025 flypast not only commemorates that victory but also honors the continuing dedication of today’s RAF personnel.
Where to Watch
Best views are from The Mall, St. James’s Park, and areas surrounding Buckingham Palace. Spectators are advised to arrive early and check weather forecasts for optimal viewing.
A Nation Remembers
The RAF flypast is just one of many events taking place across the UK to mark VE Day 80, reminding younger generations of the sacrifices made for peace and freedom.
DLA Piper has advised Hoist Global Tech Solutions (HOIST), a prominent systems integrator and services provider specializing in IFS enterprise software, on securing a significant growth investment from WestView Capital Partners.
WestView, a Boston-based private equity firm, focuses exclusively on partnering with middle-market growth companies.
The deal, led by DLA Piper Canada with support from the firm’s international offices, marks a major milestone for HOIST as it looks to accelerate its global expansion.
HOIST is known for its deep expertise in implementing and supporting the full suite of IFS’s industry-focused enterprise software and industrial AI solutions. The company, founded by a team of seasoned IFS professionals, employs more than 200 people worldwide.
Over the years, HOIST has become one of the largest independent partners dedicated to IFS services.
“DLA Piper Canada is proud to have advised HOIST in securing this transformational transaction. We look forward to continuing to advise HOIST as it expands its capabilities and global reach in the enterprise software market.” said Robert Fonn, a partner at the firm’s Toronto office.
HOIST’s leadership also welcomed the partnership. “WestView’s investment is a strong testament to our continued commitment to our customers, our team members, and our strong belief in IFS’s capabilities and vision. We are excited to have WestView’s support as we continue to deliver high quality services and business value to our customers alongside IFS.” said Nick Mezher, Co-Founder and CEO of HOIST.
"HOIST’s deep IFS technical expertise and customer-centric approach, combined with the passionate leadership of Nick, Dale, and Chief Revenue Officer, Patrick Zirnhelt, position the Company well to continue its impressive growth trajectory." said Matt Carroll, Managing Partner at WestView.
Jeff Klofas, Vice President at WestView, added that the deal builds on the firm’s long history of investing in founder-led, software ecosystem-focused services companies.
IFS itself has welcomed the news. Mark Moffat, CEO of IFS, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership.
“With over EUR 1 billion in ARR delivered last year and 350 new customers onboard, we are seeing significant demand for IFS software from the world’s largest industrial companies. WestView’s endorsement represents not only an investment in Hoist’s expansion plan, but also validation of IFS’s technology innovation and vision of becoming the undisputed category leaders in Industrial AI software. We look forward to the continued success of our partnership.”
WestView was represented by Latham & Watkins LLP and Stikeman Elliott LLP. martinwolf acted as HOIST’s exclusive financial advisor, while DLA Piper (Canada) LLP served as HOIST’s legal counsel.
The DLA Piper Canada team was led by Robert Fonn and included Kevin Fritz (Tax), Jamie Mandell, Mackenzie Jordan, Elexa Clement, Sophie Gadbois (Corporate), Matt Demeo (Employment), and Dave Spratley (IPT). The Canadian team was supported by DLA Piper colleagues across the US, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, Brazil, and Dubai.
WestView Capital Partners is a Boston-based private equity firm founded in 2004. It focuses on partnering with founder-led, growth-oriented companies. WestView has raised five funds totaling $2.7 billion and invested in over 50 businesses. The firm offers flexible ownership structures and specializes in growth capital, recapitalizations, and buyouts, emphasizing long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs.
DLA Piper is a global law firm with a strong reputation for providing legal services across a broad spectrum of industries and sectors. With offices in more than 40 countries, the firm offers comprehensive legal solutions in areas such as corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, real estate, and regulatory matters. DLA Piper serves a diverse range of clients, including multinational corporations, governments, and individuals, delivering innovative and strategic advice. The firm is known for its collaborative approach, providing tailored legal expertise to address complex, cross-border issues while maintaining a commitment to exceptional client service.
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Bankruptcy filings across the United States climbed sharply over the past year, rising 13.1% in the 12 months ending March 31, 2025, according to new data released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
The surge continues a trend of increasing insolvency cases but remains far below the peaks seen in the aftermath of the 2007-2008 financial crisis.
A total of 529,080 bankruptcy cases were filed during the reporting period, up from 467,774 the year before. Business-related bankruptcies accounted for 23,309 filings, marking a 14.7% increase, while non-business (personal) bankruptcies rose 13% to 505,771 cases.
Despite the uptick, bankruptcy levels are still a fraction of what they were in 2010, when nearly 1.6 million cases were filed at the height of post-recession financial distress.
Filings Rise, But Stay Historically Low
The steady rise in bankruptcies marks the latest chapter in a gradual rebound since 2022, when filings hit a 15-year low of just under 381,000 cases.
Each quarter since has shown incremental increases, fueled by a combination of rising consumer debt, higher interest rates, and financial pressures on small businesses.
“The growth in filings reflects the financial realities many Americans and businesses are now facing,” said a bankruptcy analyst familiar with the data. “But it’s also important to note we’re nowhere near the crisis levels we saw after the Great Recession.”
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Lead the Way
The vast majority of the new cases, 320,571 were Chapter 7 bankruptcies, which typically involve liquidating assets to repay debts. Another 199,130 filings were under Chapter 13, which allows individuals to reorganize and pay back their debts over time.
Business reorganizations under Chapter 11 accounted for 8,844 cases, while family farmer bankruptcies under Chapter 12 remained rare, with just 259 filings.
Chapter 7 filings made up approximately 60% of all bankruptcy cases filed in the past year, while Chapter 13 filings accounted for roughly 38%.
A Long-Term Shift in Bankruptcy Trends
Data from recent years highlights a notable shift. Business filings, while still a smaller portion of total bankruptcies, have increased significantly since 2023.
Non-business filings, which saw a sharp decline during the pandemic due to federal relief measures like stimulus checks and eviction moratoriums, are now climbing steadily as those protections have expired.
Bankruptcy totals are reported quarterly, offering a rolling snapshot of financial distress nationwide. The latest figures also include detailed breakdowns by county and monthly filing patterns, revealing regional disparities.
Areas with elevated unemployment rates or struggling industries have seen faster growth in bankruptcy filings compared to national averages.
Related Facts and Context
The number of bankruptcy filings peaked at nearly 1.6 million cases in 2010 during the fallout from the Great Recession.
Pandemic-era financial assistance played a significant role in suppressing bankruptcy rates through 2021 and early 2022.
Rising interest rates and record consumer debt burdens in late 2024 and early 2025 have been major drivers of the recent increase in filings.
Business bankruptcies have grown faster than non-business filings over the past two years, signaling strain on small and mid-sized companies.
American Airlines Faces Lawsuit Over Inflight Sexual Assault
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American Airlines is facing multiple lawsuits after alleged incidents of sexual assault aboard its flights, raising significant legal questions about airline liability, passenger safety, and corporate negligence.
The most recent case involves a woman who claims the airline knowingly seated her next to a man with a history of sexual misconduct, resulting in an alleged assault during an April 2024 flight from San Francisco to Dallas.
Details of the Lawsuit
According to court filings, the plaintiff alleges that American Airlines placed her next to Cherian Abraham, a passenger reportedly under FBI investigation with a documented history of prior sexual misconduct on flights.
Despite these red flags, the airline failed to bar Abraham from flying. During the flight, the woman claims Abraham groped her, and no airline personnel intervened despite her attempts to seek help.
The lawsuit accuses American Airlines of:
Negligence
Intentional infliction of emotional distress
Fraudulent concealment
Sexual battery
Furthermore, the plaintiff asserts that the airline failed to respond adequately after she reported the incident both during and after the flight.
Pattern of Allegations Against American Airlines
This case follows similar lawsuits, including one by a New Jersey woman alleging she was assaulted by a seatmate who covered her with his jacket during a 2022 flight. In that instance, the airline also faced accusations of failing to monitor passengers and intervene in a timely manner.
Notably, the law firm Romanucci & Blandin LLC (RB Law), which is representing one of the victims, has publicly detailed the case and the broader issues of airline accountability. Their press release outlines the history of the alleged offender and emphasizes the airline’s duty to protect passengers.
Read the RB Law press release here.
Legal Perspectives
Aviation law experts suggest that these lawsuits highlight an evolving area of liability for airlines. Under the Montreal Convention and U.S. tort law, carriers owe a heightened duty of care to passengers.
While specific legal experts have not publicly commented on this case, a 2023 SMU Law Review article emphasizes that U.S. airlines can be held liable for passenger-on-passenger sexual assaults when they fail to take reasonable preventive actions. This includes not addressing known risks posed by repeat offenders.
American Airlines has not publicly commented on the specific allegations but maintains it takes all reports of passenger misconduct seriously. However, repeated incidents are raising questions about systemic failures in monitoring and preventing in-flight sexual misconduct.
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Tens of thousands of protesters flooded streets across the United States on May Day 2025 with major rallies in Los Angeles and Washington DC voicing strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration.
The demonstrations part of a nationwide wave organized by labor unions immigrant rights groups and progressive coalitions became some of the largest public mobilizations against Trump since his return to office.
Dubbed the “50501” movement May Day rallies spanned more than 1100 cities nationwide. Organizers estimated that at least 250000 people participated in demonstrations from coast to coast.
Protesters united under common themes opposing immigration crackdowns defending workers’ rights and resisting what many called a billionaire takeover of American politics.
Targets of criticism included not only President Trump but also prominent billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos whom activists accuse of influencing policies that harm working class families.
In Los Angeles thousands took to the streets temporarily blocking the 101 Freeway. By evening police issued dispersal orders but not before protest leaders highlighted growing fears in immigrant communities.
Escalating deportations and proposed immigration restrictions were central concerns.
"Many are afraid but we are here to fight for them" said a lead organizer. "This is just the beginning."
Marchers carried signs reading "Immigrants make America great" and "Migration is beautiful" reinforcing the rally’s message of solidarity and inclusion.
In Washington DC hundreds gathered outside the White House. The protest featured passionate speeches from leaders of CASA the National Education Association and 32BJ SEIU. Speakers condemned recent labor rights rollbacks and harsh immigration policies.
Many pointed to the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant legally living in the U.S. with a work permit who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador. His wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, spoke at the rally.
"The highest court in the nation ruled that Kilmar should be returned home. So why are they still waiting?" Jennifer Vasquez Sura asked during her speech drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Ilhan Omar also spoke, linking immigration and labor rights to wider concerns over Trump’s policies.
"Today on International Workers’ Day we are not only here to celebrate labor’s contributions but to protect the dignity of labor from an administration determined to erase it" Ilhan Omar said.
Beyond immigration and labor rights speakers denounced potential cuts to Medicaid Social Security and public education. Lawmakers including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representatives Jayapal Omar and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez addressed crowds warning of the dangers of rising authoritarianism.
International solidarity marches also occurred in cities like Paris Berlin Manila and Taipei where activists protested Trump’s global policies and his alignment with far right movements.
The May Day 2025 protests underscored a significant resurgence of grassroots activism. As the election season looms organizers vowed to maintain momentum and continue challenging Trump’s policies.
"We will not back down" said one Washington protester. "This is about protecting our future."
Apple Shifts iPhone and iPad Production to India and Vietnam Amid Tariffs
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Kirkland & Ellis has announced that John Kabealo has joined the firm as a partner in its International Trade & National Security Practice Group. Alongside him, Evan Sills will also come aboard as a partner.
Mr. Kabealo arrives with decades of experience guiding clients through some of the most challenging cases before federal oversight bodies, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), and the group informally known as Team Telecom.
His work spans critical industries such as telecommunications, defense, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and financial services, among others.
“John is a talented and pragmatic lawyer with unprecedented experience advising on national security regulatory reviews. He is a strong complement to our existing market-leading team and will serve as another valuable resource to our clients navigating an increasingly complex national security environment.” said Jon A. Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland’s Executive Committee.
Before joining Kirkland, Mr. Kabealo led Kabealo Law, a boutique firm he founded that specialized in national security regulatory matters.
His clients included multinational investment firms, defense contractors, public companies, and startups. John Kabealo, who holds degrees from Princeton University and the University of Virginia School of Law, has earned recognition from Chambers and Partners as one of the nation’s leading CFIUS attorneys.
Reflecting on his move, John Kabealo said, “Kirkland has built a best-in-class International Trade & National Security team. I am thrilled to play a role in its continued success and to support the Firm’s unparalleled transactional practices.”
Mr. Sills also brings significant regulatory experience, particularly in CFIUS and Team Telecom matters. He advises on cybersecurity, data security, and broader compliance issues.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Sills served at the U.S. Department of Justice in the National Security Division’s Foreign Investment Review Section, where he reviewed hundreds of transactions and played a lead role in negotiating national security agreements for high-profile deals.
Apple Shifts iPhone & iPad Production to India and Vietnam Amid Tariffs
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Apple has begun producing most iPhones for U.S. customers in India and moving iPad manufacturing to Vietnam. The decision aims to shield American buyers from steep price hikes caused by ongoing tariffs on goods from China.
For years, Apple leaned heavily on Chinese factories to meet the world’s insatiable demand for its devices. But with U.S. tariffs adding nearly $900 million in extra costs this quarter alone, the company faced a choice: pass those expenses on to consumers or pivot production.
CEO Tim Cook explained that while the trade dispute with China hasn’t yet caused major financial damage, the long-term risks are too big to ignore.
Moving production to India and Vietnam gives Apple more stability and protects against future cost spikes.
Apple’s supply chain shuffle highlights challenges that go far beyond factory floors. Shifting production means navigating:
Customs and import rules in new countries.
Local labor laws and safety regulations.
The possibility of new duties or trade restrictions tied to the change.
Complicated origin rules that affect whether tariffs apply at all.
Despite the supply chain shakeup, Apple posted strong results for the first quarter of 2025: $95.36 billion in revenue and $24.78 billion in profit. Still, production costs are expected to rise, especially since building devices in India can be up to 10% pricier than in China.
Apple isn’t alone in this shift. Other tech giants like Microsoft and HP have also started moving production out of China, citing similar concerns over tariffs, regulatory uncertainty, and the rising cost of Chinese labor.
The U.S.-China trade tensions, once seen as a short-term issue, are now influencing long-term corporate strategy across industries.
This wave of supply chain restructuring has also sparked growth in Vietnam’s and India’s manufacturing sectors, prompting those governments to offer tax breaks and other incentives to attract foreign investment.
Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, has launched an investigation into potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KD) following allegations that the company may have issued materially misleading business information to investors.
If you purchased Kyndryl securities, you may be entitled to compensation without paying any out-of-pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action lawsuit to recover investor losses.
On March 27, 2025, during market hours, Reuters published an article titled “Kyndryl shares slump after Gotham City alleges it manipulated metrics.” The report revealed that Kyndryl’s stock fell after short-seller Gotham City Research alleged the company manipulated certain financial metrics, including adjusted EBITDA and adjusted free cash flow, to create an appearance of profitability and positive cash flow, while actually posting losses and burning cash.
Following the news, Kyndryl’s stock price dropped 5% on the same day.
If you invested in Kyndryl and want to join the prospective class action, visit the Rosen Law Firm’s website or contact them directly for more information.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. is a leading international law firm specializing in securities class actions, shareholder derivative litigation, and investor rights. Founded by Laurence Rosen, the firm has established a stellar reputation for its successful track record in recovering significant settlements for investors globally. With a focus on providing top-tier legal representation, Rosen Law Firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for its clients in securities fraud cases and other complex legal matters.
Known for its commitment to transparency, aggressive litigation strategies, and client-centered approach, Rosen Law Firm has been consistently ranked among the top firms for securities class action settlements. The firm’s dedication to achieving justice for investors has earned it recognition from leading industry publications, including Law360 and Super Lawyers.
