Corporate/M&A: Missouri

THE FIRM This full-service firm has gained a foothold in the St. Louis market and is recommended for its deep bench of practitioners. It is experienced in a wide range of matters, particularly IPOs and large complex M&A transactions. Clients also benefit from the attorneys' wide industry knowledge and proactive advice. In a recent highlight, the team acted for Armstrong Energy and Armstrong Resource Partners in connection with an IPO valued at $91 million.

Sources say: "They provide us with guidance from a business standpoint, not just from a legal point of view."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Corporate services group head David Braswell is a "very practical and positive" attorney, and is also singled out for his calming demeanor. He focuses on M&A and IPOs, and acted as lead partner in the aforementioned matter for Armstrong Energy and Armstrong Resource Partners.

Stephen Jones has a fine profile in the community for his vast experience in advising on M&A transactions and general corporate matters. "He is an excellent lawyer – seasoned and professional. He provides excellent counsel and understands business very well," says one impressed source.

Sources reserve particular praise for Mark Stoneman's industrious approach, saying he “appears to work seven days a week.” He focuses on large M&A deals and has a strong reputation for private equity matters as well.

Daniel Godar is noted for his broad corporate practice and recently handled the $150 million business structuring and purchasing of an interest in a refined coal production facility.

THE FIRM Headquartered in St. Louis, this national firm's corporate/M&A group continues to act for national and international clients on a steady flow of work related to midmarket strategic acquisitions. The team also has considerable expertise in representing private equity funds in investing in the lower and middle market, and is also highly sought after to advise on corporate securities. Clients are drawn from a variety of sectors and include Arich Coal, Emerson Electric, Monsanto and Stifel Financial.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly regarded James Nouss has a sophisticated M&A practice and is also recommended for his expertise in securities. He draws particular praise for his business-focused approach to matters.

William Seabaugh heads up the firm's global transactions group in St. Louis and is highly sought after to advise public companies on M&A transactions. Clients particularly value his negotiating skills and collaborative approach. 

Don Lents chairs the entire firm from St. Louis and is regarded by many as the firm's leading M&A specialist. He has particular expertise in large-scale transactions, and recently represented Thermadyne Holdings in its $422 million sale to Irving Place Capital.

Fred Bartelsmeyer is singled out as being "creative and smart" and "a great strategist." He has a sterling reputation for his expertise in large-scale acquisition and joint venture projects. Sources are impressed by the international components of his practice, which reaches as far as Europe, India and Australia.

Randall Wang is recognized for his strengths in M&A transactions and issues concerning corporate security. Clients describe him as "thoughtful, knowledgeable and pragmatic," and also value the wealth of experience he brings to the table. He recently handled the $1.2 billion acquisition of American Italian Pasta by Ralcorp Holdings.

Steven Baumer focuses on advising private companies on acquisition and merger deals. He has been representing MEMC Electronic Materials in its $76 million acquisition of Solaicx.

Thomas Van Dyke heads the firm's corporate/M&A practice and remains a much-respected individual in the field. In a recent highlight, he advised a private equity firm on its acquisition and restructuring of a metal hose products manufacturer and distributor.

Robert Barnes served as general counsel to a public company before joining Bryan Cave and brings with him a wealth of corporate knowledge and practical commercial insight. His recent highlights include representing the seller in the $225 million sale of GearCo to Hanesbrands. He operates out of Kansas City alongside Van Dyke.

James Pryde is also base in Kansas City, and is an experienced generalist with a strong reputation in the corporate/M&A field. In the past year, he has been particularly active in lower and midmarket M&A transactions, and has advised on the acquisition of two private companies.

THE FIRM This international firm's corporate/M&A group maintains a considerable presence in Kansas City and provides expertise across a wide range of areas, including general corporate counseling, contract reviewing and M&A. It is also well versed in credit agreement and compliance issues. In a recent highlight it acted for Kentucky Data Link on its $782 million merger with Windstream.

Sources say: "What we like the most is their ability to understand our business. We get red carpet treatment from them – if we need something immediately, we get it."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The much-admired Michael Van Dyke has more than 25 years' experience in general corporate law and is particularly recommended for his expertise in M&A and business finance. He is also well versed in corporate restructuring and compliance issues.

Bruce Davison has a strong focus on taxation matters and M&A deals for privately-held companies. He is singled out for his confident and practical approach to matters.

Steven Rist is renowned for his expertise in representing private equity funds in M&A transactions. He is a "very capable attorney who is strong at all aspects of M&A," according to commentators, who also praise his work ethic and personable approach. He played a significant role in the aforementioned matter for Kentucky Data Link.

Matthew Garms is highlighted for his increasing profile in M&A deals for private equity funds and credit facility administration.

Robert Fisher remains a much-respected senior member of the team, and is regarded by sources as "a very patient and knowledgeable" corporate/M&A specialist.

John Marvin is also well respected in the market. He has more than three decades of experience in corporate work and continues to be a recognized authority on securities issues.

THE FIRM This St. Louis-based team is bolstered by the firm's Chicago office, and is noted for its strength in M&A and corporate financing matters in the middle and upper middle market. The group has broad industry expertise, representing a diverse client base in sectors including pharmaceutical, healthcare and shipping. Midsized companies particularly appreciate the group's fine understanding of business needs, its timely approach, and the commercially focused legal advice it offers.

Sources say: "We give a glowing report on the firm's performance which at all times was excellent. We felt that they cared about our company more than their fees." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Lehrer is a key member of the firm's St. Louis team and is highly regarded for his M&A prowess, impressive client list and excellent project management skills. In 2011, he acted as the primary negotiator for Todd Shipyards in its $130 million sale of business.

THE FIRM The Kansas City and St. Louis teams of this respected and well-resourced national firm are extremely experienced in private equity and corporate M&A work, providing a New York-level of quality at a Kansas City price. The group's wide-ranging work has recently included advising American Italian Pasta Company on its $1.2 billion merger with Ralcorp.

Sources say: "They are thorough, creative, thoughtful and extremely user-friendly. They are exceptional at keeping deals alive and always getting them closed.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Based in Kansas City, James Ash chairs the firm's business services division and is widely regarded as a fine corporate finance lawyer and "a trusted adviser." He advises on capital market matters and M&A transactions, and is singled out particularly for "his knowledge and ability to communicate that knowledge to people." 

Steven Carman heads the corporate department and is praised as being "practical and thoughtful." Sources highlights his "top-quality" security filing work. Lately, he has played a key role in handling a $1.1 billion IPO for a NYSE-listed management investment company.

Gary Gilson's practice incorporates M&A and corporate finance, as well as counseling senior board members.

As a licensed CPA, Jason Reschly is highly rated for his knowledge and skills in tax law when acting for various types of companies.

St. Louis-based Mary Anne O'Connell advises startup companies and investors on a range of corporate matters, including M&A and capital forming activities. Sources are particularly quick to commend her "very detail-oriented" approach to matters.

THE FIRM This one-stop shop offers a broad range of expertise in Kansas City, and excels in advising on M&A and general corporate counseling. Clients highlight the team's strength in analyzing deal structure, and its firm understanding of the process and putting together of a practical framework for transactions. It has recently handled a number of joint ventures with several agribusiness entities on behalf of a domestic subsidiary of Mitsubishi.

Sources say: "They take a real business approach, have good common sense, and will walk clients through the alternatives."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Bluhm wins plaudits for advising private companies on business transactions and general corporate matters, and is particularly well regarded for his in-depth experience in the telecommunications and financial services sectors. Sources describe him as an "accomplished and skillful" attorney, and also praise his ability to get a deal done in a timely fashion.

Joseph Medved heads the firm's corporate and M&A practice, and as a prominent M&A expert has impressed sources with his involvement in a number of large international transactions. 

Wallace Brockhoff is routinely called upon by a wide range of clients for his M&A and general corporate counseling. Sources reserve particular admiration for his "incredible knowledge of law" and his personable approach to handling matters.

THE FIRM This firm is widely admired for its long-established history in Missouri and for its active corporate transactional practice. It offers wide-ranging expertise and has a particular foothold in St. Louis, where it is also sought after for its strength on the commercial litigation side.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Erb has a background in accountancy and a diverse corporate practice, including M&A transactions and securities. He is particularly known for his expertise in the financial services sector.

The firm recently mourned the passing of chairman John Pruellage.

THE FIRM This relatively young firm is a favorite of corporates for its incredible strength in the M&A arena, where it is well recognized for its impressive industry knowledge covering life science, insurance, healthcare, sports and technology. The team acts for a variety of domestic companies and continues to expand its international client base, in places such as Australia and South America. Recent major work includes advising Big 12 Conference on its $1.3 billion telecast rights agreement with Fox Sports.

Sources say: "They are smart, effective lawyers. We have found them to be very efficient in their delivery of services – they staff the right number of attorneys on a project, with the right combination of skill sets."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chair of the firm's corporate finances practice, William Mahood has "a great ability to quickly separate material from non-material issues and to focus on the deal points that are the most important to clients. He is quick to offer creative solutions when potential roadblocks are encountered." He has a comprehensive breadth of corporate, M&A and securities expertise, and recently advised Palmer Square on a $25 million investment in hedge funds. 

Robert Fitzgerald is a senior member of the firm's corporate law group and is well regarded for his extensive experience in general corporate issues.

Frank Ross is recommended for his corporate advice to private companies and is also recognized for his active transactional practice in the healthcare, real estate, and banking finance arenas. Recently, he acted as the lead counsel in a significant $2.5 billion merger of three hospital systems in Kentucky.

Kevin Sweeney is regarded as a real asset to the group for his extensive knowledge of the life sciences space. He also elicits praise for his excellent analysis of complex issues and for his fine communication skills.

Trip Frizell heads the firm's corporate law group and has a long-established general corporate practice covering a wide range of aspects and sectors. Clients single out his "outstanding work ethic" and reserve special praise for his ability to go "above and beyond" expectations in order to close a deal.

The experienced and highly rated Kenneth Suelthaus operates out of St. Louis and enjoys "a great reputation and a very high profile." He has a robust M&A and general corporate practice, with a particular focus on banking matters. Over the past year, he has advised Landmark Bank on branch location acquisitions within a notably tight timeframe.

Andrew Hoyne enters the tables this year having received a wealth of outstanding feedback, with interviewees saying "he is a very confident legal adviser" and "a very thoughtful lawyer." Clients also describe him as "extremely responsive, practical and proactive." He is particularly sought after for his life sciences expertise.

Highly experienced attorney Joseph Porter provides a full range of corporate counseling and is particularly involved in banking-related deals. He recently played a leading role in a large banking M&A transaction, advising The International Group on structuring and negotiating a purchase.

James Polsinelli offers extensive experience and a strong focus on corporate law and M&A matters. "He is very professional and can explain things in layman's terms," sources reveal.

Jacob Bayer is vice chair of the firm's corporate group and is renowned for his transactional work and in-depth experience of handling small- to medium-sized M&A deals.

Ruben K Chuquimia 

THE FIRM This long-established firm is based in Kansas City and offers clients a full range of corporate services. Its midmarket clientele appreciates the team's personal approach and quality M&A work. The group is especially well versed in corporate matters related to financial institutions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Norman Fretwell is a senior member of the firm's corporate practice and has a wealth of experience in corporate matters. His practice is heavily oriented towards the financial services sector and he is particularly recommended for his work on lending arrangements and M&A deals. 

THE FIRM Based in Kansas City, this full-service firm offers a broad spectrum of expertise and is particularly noted for its advice on M&A transactions and corporate finance to a number of large public companies. Clients are impressed by its in-depth knowledge on industry issues and regulatory matters, and by its capacity to pull a cohesive team together in short order. Over the past year, the firm has been active in a number of high-profile M&A deals, including representing DeBruce Grain in its merger with The Gavilon Group and acting for UMB Financial on its purchase of private equity firm Prairie Capital Management.

Sources say: "They are available 24/7 and are exceptionally responsive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commentators regard John Granda as "one of the finest corporate lawyers in the region." He is chairman of the firm's corporate finance group and is particularly noted for advising publicly traded companies on security issues. 

Craig Evans regularly advises large public companies in the oil, gas and manufacturing arenas on M&A and security law. He draws praise from peers for his "creative strategic thinking" and recently played a leading role in advising Inergy Midstream on its $725 million purchase of Tres Palacios Gas Storage.

Clients "think the world of" James Allen and reserve particular praise for his advice on securities matters. His recent representative work includes advising Entertainment Properties Trust on its $250 million senior notes offering.

Victoria Westerhaus is gaining a reputation as an effective security practitioner, focusing mostly on corporate finance, strategic planning and M&A deals for healthcare providers. "She is calm, cool and available 24/7," reported one satisfied client.

Robert Monroe cochairs the firm's financial services practice and has a particular niche in banking matters. He regularly advises financial institutions on a wide range of corporate matters, including regulatory issues and M&A, and is also routinely called upon to assist with branch acquisitions.

THE FIRM The St. Louis-based team of this national firm advises on the full range of corporate and transactional matters. It is particularly active on M&A deals and corporate financing, and is also widely regarded for its in-depth knowledge of the energy and transportation sectors. Recent highlights include acting as St. Louis counsel to Enterprise Rent-A-Car on its issuing of $3 billion medium-term notes.

Sources say: "Thompson Coburn excels at building customer relationships and providing rapid and insightful support on all issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients appreciate Thomas Litz's "good judgment and practical and business-driven approach" in complex corporate transactions. He is well regarded in St. Louis for his wealth of expertise in various types of M&A and corporate finance work. He played a leading role in advising Enterprise Rent-A-Car, as mentioned above. 

Firm chairman Thomas Minogue draws praise from market commentators for his "command of many aspects of business law." His recent highlights include advising Peabody Energy on its $275 million accounts receivable securitization program.

Clients identify Robert LaRose as being "very practical – he gets deals done and protects clients' interests." He is particularly strong on the security side of corporate transactions work.

The highly regarded Michael Lause heads the firm's corporate department and is a leading figure for educational and healthcare public project financing. He has a broad practice and is particularly well regarded for his expertise in corporate law.