Corporate/M&A: Connecticut

THE FIRM This Stamford-based boutique is a premier Connecticut corporate practice with an excellent reputation for high-end M&A and corporate securities work. Clients come from Stamford, New York and around the country. Recently, the group has seen increased activity in strategic and distressed M&A. Its private equity clients retain the firm for restructuring their portfolio companies and follow-on debt and equity financings. The team's lending and investment management practice advises hedge funds and alternative investment vehicles on restructuring and refinancing, fund formation, regulatory and compliance work.

Sources Say: "Finn Dixon has an enviable 'New York' practice that brings in all the top clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "excellent and incredibly smart" Harold Finn has a general corporate practice but is increasingly involved in the firm's investment management work. Michael Herling is highly regarded for his work in private equity, which currently involves portfolio restructuring, strategic advice, PIPEs, exits and new investments. "Everyone who's ever worked with Mike comes away with a very high opinion of him and his work." Charles Downey has a private equity M&A practice and also represents some corporate clients in strategic transactions. David Albin represents private equity sellers in M&A matters and recently finished his term as chair of the business law section of the Connecticut Bar.

THE FIRM This firm's substantial M&A practice operates out of Hartford, Stamford and Greenwich. It advises large public companies on strategic serial acquisitions and provides corporate governance. The team also represents private equity firms on divestitures, offers expertise in securities and counts local, closely held companies among its clients. The firm's recently formed distressed assets group is putting on programs around New England about buying and selling in a troubled economy.

Sources Say: "Day Pitney can do just about everything – in Connecticut, the Northeast... Additionally, the firm's billing practices are among the best of any firm I've ever used."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Swerdloff "can get the deal done even when there are serious issues and difficult parties." He works closely with companies like Pitney Bowes on ongoing serial acquisitions. He also advises private and closely held companies on selling to private equity or strategic buyers. 

THE FIRM This international firm has offices in Hartford and Stamford focusing on midmarket M&A. The majority of the firm's work is generated in Connecticut, but often extends beyond the state borders. Strategic M&A forms a considerable portion of the team's practice; venture capital is another area of expertise. Clients are typically large corporations and private equity firms, including Thomson Reuters and Brynwood Partners. 

Sources Say: "This is a definite go-to firm in the private equity space."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Lotstein is "a corporate law guru who really knows Connecticut corporate law statutes." His practice combines M&A and corporate governance. Thomas Freed wins respect for his M&A practice and ongoing representation of Thomson Reuters, which he recently advised on its acquisition of U.P.I. Government Group, a data mining software developer. John Flaherty provides his clients with M&A advice and general counseling.

THE FIRM This group has three main components: large-cap M&A, midmarket M&A and venture capital. The latter has been the most active area for the firm of late, with attorneys advising on the entire life cycle of emerging company clients. On the M&A side, the firm represents a number of large public companies like Nielsen on transactions under $1 billion. The team also advises private equity-sponsored funds on midmarket acquisitions and dispositions. Industries like telecommunications, manufacturing, financial services and consumer products account for most of the firm's client base.

Sources Say: "It makes an effort to understand clients and is therefore able to accurately quantify legal risks and properly structure a transaction."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Eric Dale draws praise for his extensive expertise in the emerging companies and private equity arena.

THE FIRM The team at Shipman & Goodwin does a mix of midmarket M&A, general corporate and private equity work. Attorneys also have expertise in finance and can draw on the firm's strong tax team. Clients come from the public and private sectors and include companies in the healthcare, financial and insurance industries. A significant new client for the firm is global technology company Gartner.

Sources Say: "The firm has a strong understanding of business and an impressive national network."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Lawrence has a diverse practice, including high-end M&A for healthcare and insurance companies. He is an expert on incorporation in Connecticut. Thomas Flynn acts as general outside counsel to midmarket companies, many of which are private equity or venture fund-backed and trying to grow through acquisition strategy.

THE FIRM Wiggin and Dana has a broad corporate offering, advising clients ranging from the startup level to the Fortune 50, a large portion of which come from the biotech, IT, utilities, hi-tech and healthcare industries. In venture capital and private equity, the group works primarily on the company side, advising on acquisitions and divestitures. Its attorneys also have corporate finance expertise.

Sources Say: "This is an excellent local practice doing sophisticated work; Wiggin has really tapped into the M&A market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frank Marco is "one of the premier venture capital attorneys in Connecticut," and renowned for his work in the emerging companies space. William Perrone advises on venture capital financing and M&A and is heavily involved with software companies.

THE FIRM Levett Rockwood provides clients with advice on a range of M&A, fund formation and governance work. Recently attorneys have been doing more strategic M&A and advising clients on how to move forward in a down economy. The team is also engaged in a fair amount of capital raising and structuring for private equity and hedge fund clients. Clients are American and European and come from the technology, chemicals, healthcare, heavy equipment manufacturing and oil exploration industries. Nearly half of the group has in-house experience. 

Sources Say: "Levett's attorneys are as much business advisers as they are legal advisers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Barbara Young heads the department.

THE FIRM Murtha Cullina is a long-standing local firm with expertise in M&A, private equity and venture capital, securities and governance. The firm acts as outside general counsel for several Connecticut-based companies and advises a number of transactional clients from out of state. Clients come from a range of industries, including defense, manufacturing, financial services and healthcare. Members of the firm's corporate group also specialize in tax, workouts and employee benefits.

Sources Say: "A compact firm with a quality practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Willard Pinney is "very well regarded in the Connecticut Bar and a leader in the firm." His practice spans M&A, securities and governance. He is busy advising clients on M&A opportunities, and is also advising on an internal investigation.

THE FIRM Pullman & Comley's team focuses on representing closely held companies in the midmarket. The attorneys engage in private placements and structurings, corporate governance and finance, planning and contracts work. The group also draws on other Pullman attorneys with expertise in real estate, benefits, employment, environment and bankruptcy.

Sources Say: "It has some of the best finance lawyers in the state."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Glassman advises on financing and M&A. He recently represented a large Connecticut public accounting firm in its acquisition of another public accounting firm. Nancy Hancock chairs the firm's emerging business and venture capital group. Clients value her "knowledge of the law, responsiveness and international perspective."