Oh, Brother: Law Firm Family Ties May Complicate G.E. Merger

The relationship between General Electric head Jeffrey R. Immelt and Stephen Immelt, a partner and practice leader at Hogan Lovells – namely, that the two are brothers – may complicate G.E.’s attempt to merge with French energy firm Alstom, as Hogan Lovells is advising Alstom on the transaction. The family connection has become one of many issues the French media has highlighted in the generally negative response to the proposed $17 billion merger bid. According to polls, most people in France support Economy Minister Arnaud Montebourg’s hard-line negotiations with G.E. ostensibly to ensure that jobs stay in the country and France’s energy independence is maintained.