Corporate/M&A: New Jersey

THE FIRM SNR Denton maintains its position at the top table for corporate/M&A work in New Jersey. Clients revere the firm's post-merger international platform as well as its commitment to maintaining a strong business and venture-focused practice. The Short Hills-based corporate and business transactions team offers a full range of corporate advisory and M&A services. It can also employ the services of deeply experienced and sector-specialist groups including technology, life sciences and media. The team has recently represented Blackberry Fund, Game Trust and Innocoll Holdings in a range of investments, negotiations and transactions.

Sources say: "The lawyers are excellent. I value their standout understanding of business, their judgment and ability to translate legal points into valuable practical advice. They are deal-makers not deal-killers and are always ahead of the ball." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Exceptional partner" Victor Boyajian is "at the head of the class," say sources. Clients add: "He's an entrepreneur's best counsel and has a vast amount of experience working with companies from incubation to life. He thinks like a businessman and has the legal background to ensure that things are done correctly."

John Cleary "is responsive, has very good business judgment and also a lot of traction in the venture community." He recently acted as general counsel to global corporate spinouts specialist New Venture Partners in transactions totaling in excess of $300 million.

Respected attorney Jeffrey Baumel has a significant client following who value his experience and expertise. He specializes in advising global life sciences and biotech clients on regional and national transactions, equity and debt security investments and corporate matters.

Emerging digital media and tech companies expert James Jasaitis is singled out for his "thorough understanding of contract law and financial matters." He is "very detail-oriented and able to respond quickly, especially when time is of the essence in commercial negotiations."

David Papier specializes in working with venture capital funds and investors involved in the national and international high-technology industry. With extensive M&A experience he was well positioned to help online gaming infrastructure company Game Trust in its transfer to new owner Real Networks.

THE FIRM Described by sources as a formidable New Jersey institution, Lowenstein Sandler maintains a clear reputation as a preeminent corporate practice both in and out of New Jersey. The corporate team is particularly commended for providing sound advice and demonstrating comprehensive business understanding. It advises a number of venture capital funds and startup enterprises, as well as acting for financial institutions and technology companies in complex M&A transactions. Key clients include Tower International, Veronis Suhler Stevenson and Marathon Asset Management.   

Sources say: "My time with the team at Lowenstein Sandler has been among the best I have spent with any service provider. It is not an exaggeration to say that the team goes above and beyond in all aspects of the job."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Highly respected department chair Peter Ehrenberg is widely considered to be the "gold standard" for corporate and M&A law. He has been leading the team in advising Tower International in a substantial secured notes offering, conversion from LLC to corporation, and IPO.

Chair of the firm's tech group, Edward Zimmerman is "not only one of the most talented lawyers but also has an incredible mind and is one of the best networking guys I've met in the legal space," according to clients.

Robert Minion is held in high regard by commentators for corporate and fund formation transactions. "Besides being extremely intelligent and service-oriented, he really tries to understand our business," say clients.

The "very talented" Anthony Pergola is acclaimed as an "extremely startup and technology-friendly" attorney. As vice chair of the firm's tech group he specializes in advising the full spectrum of newborn to fully fledged technology businesses, as well as related investors, on general corporate and transactional strategies.

Raymond Thek is an "incredibly successful, low-key, and brilliant guy." One source praised him as "someone I can always count on for sensible, risk-adjusted legal advice."

Alan Wovsaniker is a respected and seasoned M&A lawyer with a penchant for not only assisting his clients with transactional matters, but also navigating securities, IPOs and bankruptcies.

Associate Carmen Conring DeMatteis plays an impressive supporting role within both the corporate team and dedicated technology group. She is particularly focused on transactional matters relating to emerging and developing businesses and their financiers.

THE FIRM Day Pitney is highlighted for its quality work product and has a healthy financial institution transactional and corporate practice. The firm's corporate and business law team draws upon expertise and sector-specific knowledge from throughout the firm in a collaborative fashion to ensure clients get the best all-around advice. Sources highlight the fact that members of the team are accomplished at providing clients with practical explanations and advice. The team recently assisted Valley National Bancorp in its $222 million purchase of State Bancorp.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ronald Janis chairs the firm's M&A and joint ventures practice group. He is considered "remarkably reliable, bright and consistently good" by sources and led the team representing Valley National Bancorp.

Michael Rave maintains an effective grasp of New Jersey and Delaware corporate laws and federal regulations to counsel businesses and financial institutions on a range of issues. He has also been active advising Valley National Bancorp over the last year.

Warren Casey heads Day Pitney's public companies practice group. His clients in this area range from manufacturers to retailers including fashion brands Joseph Abboud and The Talbots.

Michael Dunne is "able to see an issue from many perspectives. He can outline and assess the risks to give practical explanations and highlight the strategic aspects of a matter," according to sources. He is particularly active in the technology sector.  

THE FIRM This firm is known for its multipractice expertise. With specialist attorneys in areas such as taxation and IP supplementing the strong corporate offering, clients gain the appropriate support and experience for a host of matters. The firm's corporate, securities and financial institutions team has played a key role in a range of transactions and joint venture projects during the last year. In particular, it has worked with global swimming pool accessory company Hayward Industries to secure a majority stake in Clevaquip.

Sources say: "The firm offers outstanding client service. Its team members are smart and knowledgeable and have gone out of their way to provide a high-quality service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Howard Kailes is held in high regard by clients. "He quickly grasps all the issues and articulates the relevant positions well and efficiently. He is extremely sharp and helpful during negotiations," they say.

Respected attorney David Broderick is experienced in a broad cross-section of M&A, corporate and securities matters. He has a particular focus on small business investments as head of the firm's dedicated practice in this area.

THE FIRM The Princeton-based business and finance team at this national firm has clear strength in the pharmaceutical, life sciences and venture capital markets. It handles a range of deals and corporate negotiations on a state, national and international basis and is particularly active in the biotech and technology sectors. In addition to negotiating a large number of international licensing agreements for pharmaceutical and biotech companies, the team has negotiated and secured equity and debt-backed investments. Key clients include GlaxoSmithKline and PharmaNet.

Sources say: "The team was an excellent fit; able to read the dynamic of the negotiations and sense when to be tenacious and when to concede."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Cohen "is very experienced, knowledgeable and understands the business issues. His counsel is invaluable," say sources. He co-heads the firm's emerging business and technology practice and recently led the team advising investment firm SK Capital Partners in its acquisition of major Houston-based liquid sulfur dioxide producer Calabrian.

Princeton office head and cochair of the firm's life sciences transactions practice, the "terrific" Randall Sunberg has negotiated agreements with international organizations, particularly based in Europe and Japan, over the last year.

Denis Segota is a "talented and able negotiator with good social skills," according to sources. An experienced transactional and M&A lawyer, he has been involved in a number of investment and monetization transactions in the pharmaceutical sector.

THE FIRM This firm is praised by commentators for its ability to handle complex transactions and disputes in a cost-effective manner. Its corporate team is described as a polished and attentive group of attorneys and plays a core role for clients as both general corporate counsel and transactional adviser. Various business sectors are represented by the team with clients ranging from regional food manufacturer Porky Products to global credit rating firm A.M. Best.

Sources say: "The lawyers strive to give the most practical counsel they can. They are honorable people and have an impeccable reputation in the region."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients are quick to praise William Connolly for his deep expertise and pragmatic approach to corporate transactions. He is lauded for his "great insight into potential issues that may arise in various circumstances. As such, he is able to identify and ensure unnecessary risks are avoided."

The "always available" Charles Detrizio deals with venture capital company formations. He co-heads the firm's energy practice and led the team advising on a major renewable energy acquisition for New Jersey energy company Olympus Power.

Tax and estate planning specialist Andrew Stamelman is regarded as an expert in his field. He has a "wonderful demeanor, is understanding and is sensitive to client needs," say sources.

THE FIRM This established New Jersey firm's expansive corporate team has seasoned expertise in both transactional M&A matters and corporate support. The team provides a service that client's praise as being of the highest standard. A presence in New York also gives the firm added capacity and expertise in the most sophisticated deals. It is also praised for its ability to deal with both legal and business issues in a conscientious manner.

Sources say: "Sills delivers client service at its highest level. There is never a case when I can't reach an attorney. The quality of legal acumen is also excellent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chairman of the firm and department head Steven Gross stands out as an experienced and respected attorney. He has particular expertise in large-scale international public company transactions.

Steven Kamen is praised as a "very acute corporate lawyer who gets everything right away." Clients add: "He is a great listener and counselor who takes the time to learn about us. There's never a time that I can't reach him."

Ira Rosenberg "makes a huge effort to integrate with our company and really understand our day-to-day issues and goals," according to clients. He heads the firm's life sciences practice and has led on a number of significant transactions during the last year.

Managing partner Max Crane is described by sources as an "outstanding lawyer and leader." He represents both private and public companies from a wide spectrum of industry sectors in investment, transactional and corporate counseling.

THE FIRM This firm represents clients from its multiple New Jersey offices in addition to locations in New York, Delaware and Pennsylvania. The corporate attorneys are experienced with diverse technical and industry specialties, which helps instill confidence in their ability to handle a variety of matters. The team has recently undertaken work on a number of M&A transactions including cross-border disposals and financings as well as the creation of venture capital and investment vehicles.

Sources say: "The team is very technically competent as it relates to transactional work and is well known in the New York metro marketplace."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frank Cannone chairs the firm's corporate department.

THE FIRM Giordano Halleran has offices in Red Bank and Trenton, and is known for its ability to punch above its weight in corporate transactions despite its compact size. Clients praise the team's expertise, which has been displayed recently by its activity in a series of asset and stock acquisitions and disposals.

Sources say: "It is an excellent firm with exceptional services at the forefront technically. The lawyers are businessmen, they understand the business aspect and provide excellent advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS According to impressed clients, John Aiello "makes sure all our needs are taken care of. He's just excellent - well versed on all legal matters and business issues, and helps us attain our goals no matter how difficult they might be."

Paul Colella, who focuses on public and private company investment, is "responsive, accessible, bright and articulate" according to sources.

Philip Forlenza's "ability to get things done" is appreciated by clients. His expertise is directed toward finance and securities, SEC compliance and corporate structure formation.

Active in the corporate finance and banking arenas, Lisa Miceli Waters "has an ability to home into issues in a way that is fair to both sides and follows through on matters exceptionally well."

THE FIRM This firm has carved out a key position in the New Jersey market for advising a diverse portfolio of small and medium-sized businesses. The firm's corporate team advises entrepreneurs and privately held businesses and is committed to developing long-standing relationships with clients. The team recently undertook an $18 million refinancing on behalf of lubrication technology specialists Bel-Ray.

Sources say: "It is a very capable team with great legal knowledge and business sense. The lawyers are responsive and communicate with me in a timely manner."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Davis "has great business sense and is a wonderful lawyer who is enjoyable to work with." He represents manufacturers, retailers and transport services companies, among other clients.

Department chair Raymond Felton is described by sources as an "incredible individual: I could not ask for better representation for my company." His "thoroughness is unbelievable and from a business perspective he reduces the risk of the decisions we need to make."

THE FIRM Reed Smith's New Jersey corporate and securities team has expertise in a range of areas from joint venture partnerships to M&A transactions. The team has a particular forte in the life sciences and has carved out a reputation of particular note in this area. The New Jersey group forms a key component of the firm's well-established global presence in major transactional matters in the corporate and M&A sphere.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Diane Frenier represents biotech, life science and pharmaceutical companies both in New Jersey and nationally. She advises on merger deals and multiparty transactions and has a niche practice in licensing transactions to Japanese pharmaceutical companies.

THE FIRM This firm wins acclaim from clients for its strong work product and deep corporate expertise. The firm's corporate team offers value in delivering a package of legal services that ensures clients' needs are met in the most effective and efficient manner. The group has recently been involved in a series of high-value transactions, and counts organizations such as Toys R Us, Invesco and Foster Wheeler among its clients.

Sources say: "If you needs a representative in the area of large construction projects and bonding, Wolff & Samson is the firm that should represent you."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel Schwartz chairs the firm's corporate and securities group.

THE FIRM With access to the extensive resources of DLA Piper's global network, the firm's compact New Jersey office deserves note for its impressive financial sector-related corporate transaction and regulatory expertise. The Florham Park-based corporate and securities team has undertaken a number of high-value acquisitions on behalf of financial institutions and pharmaceutical and media companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Office co-managing partner Andrew Gilbert earns respect from clients and peers, especially for his work in the financial services sector. He handles complex M&A, multiparty transactions and public offerings. Recent highlights include representing Gain Capital Holdings in its IPO and $100 million acquisition of MG Financial and Capital Markets Services. 

THE FIRM The New Jersey group at this major international firm plays a key role in the transactional activity of a range of regional and national businesses in the financial services and technology sectors. Clients regularly praise the group for its effective and practical approach and advice in major corporate deals.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Rosenthal is a key contact.

THE FIRM The Cherry Hill office of this predominantly Philadelphia-based firm focuses on business transactions and disputes. The M&A attorneys have been involved in the representation of investors, financial institutions and joint venture organizations. The team has advised on significant NASDAQ and NYSE-listed public company capital-raising transactions and acquisitions during the past year. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Eric Schoenborn has a significant amount of experience working with publicly held companies, advising them on a range of transactional matters. He has extensive financial regulatory knowledge, particularly in SEC compliance matters, and clients value his practical advice.

THE FIRM This firm joins the rankings following ringing endorsement from market sources. Clients praise the team's integrity and dedication to their needs. The group works at the cutting edge of the fast-paced technology and digital media industries. Its experience has played a significant role in advising both public and private sector institutions on negotiations, licensing agreements and M&A transactions.

Sources say: "I value its ability to see the legal issues within business situations. Communication is clear, thorough and to the point with fast turnaround and availability."

KEY INDIVIDUALS According to impressed sources, Brett Harris is "professional, highly knowledgeable, an excellent communicator and a skillful negotiator."