Nixon Peabody’s legal advisory role in ZyMot Fertility, Inc.’s acquisition by CooperSurgical, Inc. was recently recognized by The M&A Advisor as the Healthcare & Life Sciences Deal of the Year. We caught up with corporate M&A attorney Marissa Wiley, lead on the transaction, to discuss how her team approached the deal, the unique considerations of working with a founder-led life sciences company, and what this recognition reflects about Nixon Peabody’s approach to M&A transactions.
Congratulations on the recognition by The M&A Advisor! Can you tell us about the transaction that earned this honor?
Thank you! It was a meaningful deal for our team and for the client. We advised ZyMot Fertility, Inc. in its sale to CooperSurgical, Inc., a strategic acquisition involving a breakthrough sperm separation device used in assisted reproductive technology. The transaction was recognized as the Healthcare & Life Sciences Deal of the Year by The M&A Advisor, which was a great moment of validation for the collaborative effort and deep industry insight that went into making it happen.
What made this deal particularly complex or unique from a legal perspective?
Several factors. First, ZyMot’s technology is unique, so we had to navigate intricate intellectual property (IP) and commercial considerations. Second, the company’s growth trajectory and founder-led structure meant we were balancing strategic goals with founder and investor priorities. Lastly, the speed of execution added layers of complexity that required tight coordination across disciplines.
What was your approach to building a team that could deliver on a deal this complex?
From the start, we knew this transaction would require a multidisciplinary legal team. We built a legal team that reflected the complexity of the deal, with corporate, regulatory, IP, labor and employment, employee benefits, and tax counsel working in close coordination. But beyond technical knowledge, we focused on alignment: making sure every part of the team understood the client’s goals and could anticipate what was needed at each stage. That structure allowed us to move quickly, stay proactive, and create a seamless experience for the client. It wasn’t just about covering the legal bases, it was about delivering strategic M&A value throughout the process.
You co-lead Nixon Peabody’s Women in Dealmaking initiative. How did that influence this transaction?
This deal exemplifies what Women in Dealmaking stands for: bringing diverse perspectives to the table to drive better outcomes. Several women from our initiative played key roles in the transaction, and it really underscored how inclusive leadership strengthens deal execution. We’re committed to creating space for women to lead and be visible in high-impact M&A transactions like this one.
What should clients, especially founders or healthcare innovators, know about Nixon Peabody’s approach to M&A?
We’re not just legal advisors—we’re strategic partners. We understand the nuances of founder-led businesses, especially in healthcare and life sciences. Our approach is collaborative, business-minded, and deeply informed by industry trends. Whether you’re scaling, exiting, or acquiring, we tailor our strategy to your goals and help you navigate every step with confidence.
What do you think contributes most to successful deal execution in today’s M&A environment?
It starts with building a team that’s both technically strong and commercially aware. In fast-moving sectors like health tech, agility is essential; you need to be able to pivot quickly while staying focused on the client’s goals. And above all, communication is key. Listening closely to your client, your team, and the market helps ensure clarity and trust, which are the foundation of any successful transaction.