Kirkland & Ellis Lawyer Navigates $49 Billion Deal Amid Trump Remarks

Kim Hicks, a dealmaker at the law firm, thrives in tense situations like the Kimberly-Clark and Kenvue merger.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:39am

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When President Donald Trump made controversial comments about the Tylenol drug during Kimberly-Clark's $49 billion plan to acquire Kenvue Inc., Kim Hicks of Kirkland & Ellis, the lawyer advising on the deal, was unfazed. Hicks, an Austin-based dealmaker, is known for her ability to navigate high-stakes situations, including test driving BMW M4s at around 200 miles per hour.

Why it matters

Hicks' ability to handle tense negotiations and high-pressure situations is crucial in complex, multi-billion dollar mergers and acquisitions. Her calm and composed demeanor in the face of unexpected challenges, like Trump's comments, helps ensure deals can move forward despite potential roadblocks.

The details

Kim Hicks, a partner at the law firm Kirkland & Ellis, was advising Kimberly-Clark Corp. on its $49 billion plan to acquire Kenvue Inc., the maker of Tylenol, when President Donald Trump made comments questioning the safety of Tylenol. Despite the added tension, Hicks, known for her ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, was unfazed. Hicks is also known for her passion for high-speed driving, often test driving BMW M4s at around 200 miles per hour at a racetrack just outside of Austin, Texas.

  • On September 22, President Donald Trump made comments about Tylenol at the White House.
  • Kimberly-Clark announced its $49 billion plan to acquire Kenvue Inc. in 2026.

The players

Kim Hicks

A partner at the law firm Kirkland & Ellis who specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Hicks is known for her ability to navigate high-stakes, high-pressure situations.

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

A consumer goods company that announced a $49 billion plan to acquire Kenvue Inc., the maker of Tylenol.

Kenvue Inc.

The maker of Tylenol, which was the target of a $49 billion acquisition by Kimberly-Clark Corp.

President Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who made comments about Tylenol during the negotiations between Kimberly-Clark and Kenvue.

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What they’re saying

“But with Tylenol, don't take it”

— President Donald Trump (The White House)

What’s next

The $49 billion merger between Kimberly-Clark and Kenvue is expected to close in the coming months, pending regulatory approval.

The takeaway

Kim Hicks' ability to navigate high-pressure, high-stakes situations is crucial in complex mergers and acquisitions. Her calm and composed demeanor in the face of unexpected challenges, like President Trump's comments, helps ensure deals can move forward despite potential roadblocks.