Sullivan & Cromwell has taken the lead role on JPMorgan’s $1.9bn (£1bn) purchase of Washington Mutual (WaMu) assets, following the US Government seizing the savings and loan association last night (25 September).

Sullivan advised JPMorgan, led by chairman Rodgin Cohen and flanked by finance and M&A partner Mitch Eitel. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is understood to have taken the lead mandate advising Washington Mutual.