Corporate/M&A: Minnesota

THE FIRM This international player operates a strong corporate/M&A practice from its Minnesota hub. Throughout the economic downturn, the team has remained active, advising some of Minnesota's largest companies on corporate matters, as well as advising on startups and joint venture agreements. The group benefits from the profusion of medical device companies and healthcare providers in the state, and continues to act for UnitedHealth Group on its M&A work.

Sources say: "A talented and sophisticated practice with a high degree of institutional knowledge."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kenneth Cutler is a "prompt, responsive lawyer with a great combination of legal skills and understanding of the business environment." He is particularly well regarded for his work on venture capital matters. Robert Rosenbaum specializes in M&A and corporate governance. Sources describe him as "practical and pragmatic, with a lot of gravitas." His recent highlights include advising Mosaic in relation to a proposed joint venture with Vale and Mitsui involving ownership of a Peruvian phosphate mine. Matthew Knopf chairs Dorsey's M&A practice, and is the relationship partner for UnitedHealth Group. Sources describe him as "client-oriented to the max," and avow that "knowledge-wise, they don't come much better than Matthew." The "hands-on and practical" John Marsalek is admitted to practice both in Minnesota and Ontario, and has been involved in significant dealings with the Mosaic group over the past twelve months, including advising on the sale of its Thailand distribution business to a Thai firm. 

THE FIRM One of the preeminent Minnesota firms in the field of corporate/M&A law, Faegre & Benson continues to impress with a strong bench of practitioners of national repute. The team has garnered a strong reputation for its work on complex middle-market M&A transactions, and acted for numerous Fortune 500 companies and emerging businesses based both within Minnesota and beyond. In addition, the team is well placed to handle niche corporate matters, including wealth management, public finance, franchising and gaming.

Sources say: "This group is very strong, and does sophisticated M&A work. It combines a high level of industry knowledge with great practical business sense."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Philip Garon is "one of the top business lawyers in the state," according to clients, who add that "there is nobody more knowledgeable or credible in the field of M&A." He recently advised Woodstream on its acquisition of Zareba Systems. Bruce Engler "impresses with a calm, assured manner," and brings extensive experience to the table in his role as head of the M&A practice group. Recent highlights include advising Norwest Equity Partners on its investment in Gopher Resource. Andrew Humphrey is the chair of Faegre's management committee, but remains a prominent force in its M&A practice, and is the relationship partner to SPS Commerce. The "outstanding" Steven Kennedy impresses as "an acute, thorough lawyer," and represents numerous publicly held companies. Kennedy is admitted to practice in New York as well as Minnesota. Amy Seidel continues to impress on corporate due diligence and securities work, and is regarded as "one of the hardest-working lawyers; available almost on a 24/7 basis, she provides fast, efficient advice." Michael Stanchfield earns praise for his "terrific work on M&A," and recently advised logistics giant CH Robinson on its acquisition of Rosemont Farms, a large produce marketing company. Morgan Burns represents a wide range of public and private companies in a wide variety of corporate transactions. Sources say that "he impresses business and community leaders with his combination of intelligence, practical business sense and pragmatic style."

THE FIRM This firm is one of the linchpins of Minnesota's legal marketplace, with offices in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Its corporate/M&A practice serves clients across a diverse range of industries, including aviation, sports, energy and food and beverage. The corporate team concentrates on negotiation, structuring, and overseeing of transactions both in the private and public spheres. Highlights include advising PepsiAmericas, Inc on its merger with PepsiCo. Briggs is also particularly well regarded for its regulatory and financing practices, which provide support to the corporate team as a whole, and this places the team in good stead to serve the likes of Northstar Capital, HB Fuller and Pohlad Companies.

Sources say: "An excellent firm overall, with an excellent financing practice." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brian Wenger chairs the firm's corporate group, and is described as "excellent to work with." He recently played a key role in the PepsiAmericas merger. Avron Gordon enjoys a strong reputation in the field of corporate/M&A, and acts for numerous medical device companies in the Minnesota area.

THE FIRM This firm continues to impress in the field of corporate/M&A law, and lists several of the region's prominent medical device companies amongst its clients. Its corporate practice provides a full service to clients, who are attracted by the firm's increasing prominence in the Minnesota area and a cost base that is lower than firms on the East and West Coasts. The team continues to make inroads into the energy sector.

Sources say: "Very acute with excellent commercial judgment: a standout corporate practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Garton has a strong background in tax law, and is described as "an effective, pragmatic lawyer." He has built a strong reputation for his work on a variety of corporate and commercial matters with corporations, startups and individuals. Melodie Rose chairs the firm's corporate and securities department, and brings almost 20 years' experience providing corporate counsel. Keith Libbey is "one of the standout people on corporate law in the state," and enjoys a strong reputation across the board, while John Satorius has "a diverse practice that ensures he is well regarded on a range of corporate matters." He is the firm's managing partner, and combines these duties with an active corporate practice.

THE FIRM This firm continues to impress as a corporate boutique of some repute, and has remained a prominent force on the market in spite of a difficult economic climate. From its Minneapolis offices, the firm's 14 practitioners represent buyers and sellers in the public and private spheres.

Sources say: "A unique group of very seasoned deal lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Mellville is "a fine corporate lawyer who does a lot of the heavy lifting," according to sources. He is a recognized specialist in securities, governance and financial matters. Ralph Strangis is "a top-flight lawyer with maybe the strongest reputation in the city on corporate law." With extensive experience in the field of corporate law, he is also described as "a wonderful mediator who commands a great deal of respect."

THE FIRM The corporate group of this full-service Minneapolis outfit counts over 50 attorneys, and has remained busy throughout the ongoing economic uncertainty thanks to an uptick in regulatory work, particularly in the energy sector, which remains a key growth area for the group. Offices in St. Cloud and Mankato enables a strong geographical spread across the upper Midwest, with the team representing a wide range of midsized companies from around the region.

Sources say: "The firm is very responsive, and knows when to use a heavy hitter."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Sanders is "very strong on corporate matters," and acts for a variety of emerging businesses. He recently advised RSM McGladrey on its acquisition of Caturano. Stephen Quinlivan "wastes no time in getting down to business, and is resourceful in finding solutions to a range of problems." His recent highlights include representing Groupe Aeroplan on US legal elements of its acquisition of Carlson Marketing Worldwide. Mark Weitz is a "fast, practical lawyer who consistently demonstrates fairness and balance in negotiations." He specializes in corporate law, securities and M&A transactions, and recently represented Lodgenet Interactive Group in a registered direct offering. The "excellent and pragmatic" Morris Sherman does "an excellent job of keeping transactions moving," according to sources. Though he has scaled back his practice somewhat, he remains a key player in the field.

THE FIRM The corporate/M&A group of this Minneapolis firm remains a key player. Over the past twelve months, the group has acted for a range of startup companies and corporations, and has maintained a focus on the medical technology sector.

Sources say: "A go-to firm on corporate matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bruce Machmeier is "one of the premier securities and M&A lawyers in the Twin Cities." He brings "a huge breadth of experience" of overseeing agreements for significant acquisitions and maintains a strong focus on the medical technology sector. Tom Letscher is the firm chair, and combines these managerial duties with an active corporate/M&A practice that includes venture capital financings, public securities offerings and M&A. William Kaufman is a "seasoned and effective lawyer" with wide-ranging experience in the corporate/M&A field, particularly in representing medical technology companies and insurers.

THE FIRM Split between offices in Minneapolis and St. Cloud, the corporate/M&A group at Gray Plant Mooty continues to act for numerous publicly and privately held clients in the fields of hospitality, healthcare and manufacturing. In addition, the team maintains a particular expertise in franchising, thanks in part to its historical ties with Dairy Queen, something that ensures the firm's franchising M&A practice enjoys national reach.

Sources say: "It's a go-to firm on M&A, and fully understands the concept of value."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "hugely talented" John Brower cochairs the practice, and is described as "a true artist who is excellent at being practical and representing clients' interests." Brower is a commercial law specialist, and focuses mainly on M&A transactions. 

THE FIRM This team maintains a strong focus on acting for private equity groups in M&A transactions, and has also been instrumental in handling matters arising from the Petters Ponzi scheme over the past two years. More recently, the team has been handling matters arising from bankruptcy and insolvency, of which there have been an increasing amount thanks to ongoing economic uncertainty. 

Sources say: "The group does a fine job, and is very strong on private equity."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kevin Costley has carved out a niche acting for smaller to midsized local financial institutions on lending and M&A matters, and is described as "very strong on acquisitions and sales." Charles Moorse is "a strong negotiator" who continues to impress with his M&A work for publicly held companies, and acts as outside general counsel to numerous midsized firms in a range of sectors. Frank Bennett is "a practical lawyer with a personable style that helps get the job done." He chairs the corporate finance and M&A group, and acts for both private and public clients. Robert Tunheim is well regarded in the market for his work with investors and issuers on matters relating to the raising of capital.

THE FIRM This team acts for a range of startup companies, concept ventures and larger NYSE-listed companies, and provides a comprehensive corporate/M&A service. The team is active across numerous industry sectors, and counts significant clients from the worlds of hospitality, healthcare, technology and manufacturing among its roster.

Sources say: "It provides consistently excellent advice, and its billing is fair."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Martin Rosenbaum is "a strong technical lawyer, and a great tactician" who is particularly well regarded for his work with public companies, an area where "nobody can touch him," according to sources. Alan Gilbert continues to impress with his M&A work, and recently played a role in acting for Famous Dave's of America in the acquisition of numerous assets in the Northeast of the country.