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 Corporate/M&A: Illinois
Corporate/M&A: Private Equity: Illinois 

Corporate/M&A & Private Equity: Illinois

THE FIRM Kirkland & Ellis maintains its market-leading position in Chicago, with 280 corporate lawyers and over 35 years of private equity focus. The firm's full-service approach allows the team to draw on its expertise in litigation, IP, tax and restructuring on complex transactions. Recently the firm has represented a number of industry leaders including Bain Capital, Sun Capital Partners, Sara Lee, and Boeing.

Sources say: “Kirkland is one of the strongest firms in the business.” "A powerhouse - they have a number of very strong people."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Jon Ballis as “a fantastic lawyer with great business judgment.” He is an expert in handling complex and strategic aspects of buyouts, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. Recently, he acted for Bain Capital in the purchase of Air Medical Group Holdings.

Scott Falk is well known in the Chicago M&A community. His practice includes tender offers, joint ventures and subsidiary divestitures. A notable mandate saw him advise on Baxter International's $380 million acquisition of Baxa Corporation and on its acquisition of Prism Pharmaceuticals, valued at $338 million.

Sanford Perl is best known for his private equity work  and is considered "a very prominent name” with a "hard work ethic." He is regarded as particularly skilled in matters involving a securities or tax element. He represented GTCR in its acquisition of financial software service BankServ, valued at $300 million.

Peers report that Stephen Ritchie is “great to work with, even on the other side of transactions.” He is noted for his expertise in leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations and growth equity investments. He assisted GTCR in the $270.5 million sale of Fairmount Cheese Holdings to Saputo.

Douglas Gessner acts on behalf of venture capital and private equity sponsors in a range of matters. He recently assisted long-standing client Sun Capital Partners in a number of transactions, including its acquisition of United Glass Corp and Manchester Industries, as well as the sale of Bruegger’s Enterprises.

Servicing prominent clients such as Bain Capital in the private equity space, Matthew Steinmetz has an “exceptional reputation” in Chicago. His practice ranges from private and public equity investments to fund formation and restructurings.

Walter Holzer has over 16 years of experience in the Illinois market. He was instrumental in The Riverside Company's take-private acquisition of Canadian entity Pareto Corporation, valued at CAD103 million.

Commentators describe Edward Schneidman as “a fabulous corporate and securities lawyer.” He is singled out for his expertise in real estate-related funds, making him “an excellent attorney for REIT matters.”

Seasoned practitioner Carter Emerson is now of counsel. He has extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions, securities, and private and public offerings in both domestic and international markets and remains an important figure at the firm.

Kevin Evanich also recently became of counsel. Sources describe him as a “high-quality, well-known practitioner.”

Jeffrey Hammes chairs the firm’s global management executive committee and splits his time between Chicago and the office he founded in San Francisco. His impressive client portfolio includes notable private equity firm Golden Gate Capital.

THE FIRM A global name in corporate and M&A work, Latham & Watkins's Chicago office remains a key player in the market. The team is comprised of over 40 lawyers, active in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and the representation of public companies. It is well known for its work on transactions with complex cross-border and regulatory aspects. Key clients include marquee companies such as American Airlines, Bass Pro Shops, Credit Suisse, and Discover.

Sources say: “Latham is among the very best in this area." ”They are experienced, creative, and detail-oriented." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS As global cochair of the firm's mergers and acquisitions practice, Mark Gerstein is commended by clients for being "among the best M&A lawyers out there." Peers are also quick to acknowledge that "he clearly has a lot of strength." His recently assisted A.O. Smith Corporation in its sale of the Electrical Products Company, valued at $875 million.

Michael Pucker is praised for his general corporate practice. He recently acted on behalf of the Hyatt Hotels in the repurchase of shares, valued at $397.5 million.

Ted Keim is chair of the Chicago office's corporate department. He recently represented Accertify in its sale to American Express Travel Related Services Company, and Wrightwood Capital in the sale of its investment platform. Observers praise his "comprehensive knowledge" and "ability to explain matters clearly."

THE FIRM Sidley Austin's Chicago office is the largest of its global locations, with a 50-plus team of attorneys in the corporate/M&A and private equity group. The team has a long and successful track record in domestic and cross-border transactions. Recent highlights include advising Sara Lee on the $959 million sale of its bakery group, and assisting Western Union with the acquisition of Travelex Global Business Payments, valued at $976 million.

Sources say: "They are as good as it gets in M&A in Chicago." "They do a remarkable job."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Observers describe Thomas Cole as "the full package." He is highlighted for his deep expertise in public company mergers and acquisitions. Clients say: "The test of time has really proven the value of this brilliant corporate strategist." A key mandate saw him advise Central Vermont Public Service Corporation in its $702 million sale to Gaz Métro.

The "very well-regarded" Fred Lowinger heads the Chicago corporate group and co-leads the firm's M&A and private equity practice. He recently represented the board of directors of Nicor in its $3.1 billion sale to AGL Resources.

Sy Peck is well known for his "strong practice" assisting private equity funds in restructurings, divestitures, mergers and acquisitions. He led the team representing Prospect Partners in its acquisition of SurePoint Medical.

Paul Choi is commended by clients for his "deep knowledge of the securities and corporate governance spaces." He recently worked on behalf of McGladrey & Pullen in its recent public acquisition, valued at $610 million.

Observers describe Imad Qasim as "an excellent, highly regarded lawyer." He is recommended for his work on behalf of public companies in matters relating to standard corporate and M&A transactions. A notable mandate saw him advise ITT Corporation in its $310 acquisition of YSI.

Jeffrey Smith is regarded as "a fine private equity lawyer." He handles multijurisdictional transactions ranging from debt and equity restructurings to leveraged buyouts, mergers, and acquisitions. Clients appreciate his "great knowledge of the M&A market and excellent common sense." 

Clients regard Larry Barden as a "fantastic attorney who is always available - he is focused on business issues and seeing things from our company's point of view." He is a key player in corporate and securities matters.

THE FIRM This corporate/M&A heavyweight's Chicago office is regularly involved in high-profile work for domestic and international companies, private equity firms, and financial institutions. The team is regarded as particularly skilled at matters involving public or government bodies. It offers a full service to clients, including joint ventures, acquisitions, tender offers and divestments.

Sources say: "Skadden, Arps has an extraordinarily strong Chicago office." "A great firm with great lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Mulaney is a prominent presence in the Chicago community. In the past year he represented Exelon in its $7.9 billion merger with Constellation Energy Group. He also assisted medical device manufacturer Kinetic Concepts in its acquisition by Apax Partners. Commentators say:"He's right at the top of the corporate market."

Global co-head of the firm's corporate transactions group, Peter Krupp, is commended for his recent work on behalf of major corporate clients, including JC Penney Company and US Airways. Commentators report: "He is a definite go-to for his combination practice of private equity and corporate M&A." 

Kimberly deBeers is recognized by peers for her skill in representing corporate and investment banking clients, as well as private equity firms. She handles a range of matters including spin-offs, recapitalizations and acquisitions. She recently advised Brera Capital Partners in the sale of Residential Loss Control Holdings.

William Kunkel is highly sought after for his knowledge of corporate finance, securities and traditional M&A matters. A notable highlight saw him represent Fortune Brands’ board of directors in its spin-off worth $2.5 billion, and Stryker Corporation in a $1 billion offering of notes.

Gary Cullen co-heads the Chicago office’s corporate practice and offers a broad skill set in acquisitions, negotiated and contested takeovers, joint ventures and public company auctions. Recently, he advised Autonation on a number of corporate governance matters and on its high-yield offering of senior notes valued at $400 million.

Peers report that Rodd Schreiber is “very well known in the market place.” He also co-head's the Chicago M&A team and regularly represents prominent corporate and financial service clients such as Citadel Investment Group and Credit Suisse Securities.

Managing partner of the Chicago office Brian Duwe remains active in all aspects of corporate transactions. He is also noted for his work advising on compliance and shareholder agreements. He advised CF Industries Holdings on the $1.15 billion offering of common stock. 

THE FIRM This international heavyweight is headquartered in Chicago and remains a key player in the state's M&A and private equity market. The team is comprised of over 70 lawyers who advise an impressive portfolio of corporate clients including AT&T, ING Group, United Airlines and Hewitt Association.

Sources say: “Working with Mayer Brown has been superb - they are professional in every way, and their work is always delivered on time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources praise Scott Davis for his "superb professional judgment." He heads the firm's mergers and acquisitions group. Recently, he represented a special committee of the board of directors of Pre-Paid Legal Services in the $650 million sale of the company.

John Noell is best known for his expertise in private equity matters. In the past year he has advised Heitman Capital Management, LaSalle Investment Management, GE and Henderson Global Investors. Commentators report: "He has a god-given talent in negotiation, he sees both sides of the argument and is very persuasive." 

A key mandate for Frederick Thomas was advising Capital One on its $9 billion acquisition of ING Direct. He is skilled in matters involving asset and stock acquisitions, tender offers, strategic alliances and other corporate transactional matters. 

Head of the firm's worldwide corporate and securities practice, Marc Sperber, is regarded as "a very customer-friendly attorney. He will try and put the client in the best possible position with the best leverage." He recently represented TransCanada Corporation in its sale of stakes in gas pipelines valued at $605 million.

Rick Shepro advises financial institutions and major corporations on a range of transactional matters. He is particularly well regarded for matters involving an insurance law perspective.

Paul Theiss is best known for his capital markets and corporate governance work. Sources describe him as "a very high-quality lawyer." A notable transaction saw him advise Principal Global Investors in its acquisition of a majority stake in Finisterre Capital.

Observers highlight William Kucera for his excellent work ethic and judgment. He regularly represents clients in major corporate transactions. Recently, he was involved in Caterpillar's $8.6 billion acquisition of Bucyrus International.

Leader of the Chicago office's corporate and securities group, Jodi Simala is seen to be increasingly active in the market. She recently represented Yum! Brands in its $4.4 billion purchase of an increased stake in Chinese restaurant chain Little Sheep Group. 

Long-standing practitioner Bob Helman has spent over 50 years in the market. Sources are quick to highlight his strength in corporate governance.  

THE FIRM This firm's corporate and midmarket M&A practice features a team with expertise split 50/50 between public and private matters. It focuses largely on healthcare industry clients, extending into buyout funds and venture investors, and its policy for lean staffing has attracted clients such as Sunny Delight, Aurora Capital, and Motorola Solution.

Sources say: "They're a strong firm in private equity - they have a lot of talented practitioners."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew McCune is commended by colleagues for the consistently high standard of his private equity work. In the past twelve months he has advised a number of major industry players, and assisted Baird Capital Partners in the sale of Medical Education Technologies to CAE Industries.

Observers describe "standout M&A lawyer," Helen Friedli as a "very tough negotiator in the most disarming way." A key mandate saw her advise the Johnson Family in the $2.6 billion sale of their majority stake in Diversey Holdings. 

Brooks Gruemmer heads the firm's local corporate practice. He has expertise extending into both public M&A and private equity. Clients identify him as "an outstanding corporate attorney," with "a deep knowledge of how to structure transactions."

Stanley Meadows is widely regarded as "a very strong lawyer." He recently advised CPI Corp in the acquisition of wedding photography provider Bella Pictures.

THE FIRM Winston & Strawn's Chicago headquarters is well known for its work in private equity, securities, M&A, and regulatory work. The 45-lawyer team recently represented Groupon in its highly publicized IPO, valued at $13 billion. Other key clients include leading international companies such as Allstate, Boeing, Fortune Brands and Sony.

Sources say: "They've made great strides in developing their corporate practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bob Wall is a leading name in the Chicago community, acknowledged for his "high-profile public company work." He is regarded as particularly strong on securities and M&A transactions. He was lead partner advising Reyes Holdings on the acquisition by its subsidiary Martin-Brower of Keystone Foods Distribution, valued at $400 million.

Clients describe Bruce Toth as "excellent in all regards." His practice includes corporate governance, M&A, financing, and securities issues. Recently, he lead the sale of George Gillett's interest in Liverpool FC, valued at $300 million. 

James Junewicz is active in both Chicago and New York. He is highly regarded for his securities work and practices with a securities transaction focus. He advised AAR Corp in its acquisition of Telair International and Nordisk Avkiation Products from Teleflex. 

Oscar David chairs the firm's mergers and acquisitions, securities and corporate governance practice. Commentators report: "Oscar distinguishes himself and his firm by taking a very genuine interest in the outcome of a client's situation." A notable highlight in his practice was representing Motorola Solutions in the $1.2 billion sale of its wireless network infrastructure. 

THE FIRM DLA Piper is gaining traction through the development of its M&A practice working on behalf of names such as Baird Capital and Wind Point Partners. Sources commend the team's growth through a number of lateral hires, particularly in the private equity space.

Sources say: “They have a long-standing Chicago presence and impressive international links." "They are making a lot of progress in this area.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Outstanding lawyer" and chair of the firm's US private equity group, Steven Napolitano, is singled out as an "outstanding lawyer," who is "very smart and driven." He recently represented Wind Point Partners in its acquisition of a Rupari Food Services, a pre-cooked food supplier.

“A clear communicator and strong advocate,” Neal Aizenstein is commended for his “very practical and cost conscious approach.” He has handled M&A transactions on behalf of clients such as Beacon Power Services and COFO Corporation.

Andrew Weil  has 25 years of experience in transactions ranging from restructurings and fund formations, to REITs, joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions. Clients report: “He does an excellent job of matching our needs with the best resources at the firm.”

THE FIRM Jenner & Block is well known for its corporate governance, M&A and securities work on behalf of both public and private clients. Commentators praise the team for its impressive track record on behalf of clients such as Hertz Global Holdings, whom it represented in its $947 million acquisition of Donlen Corporation.

Sources say: “We’re impressed with their ability to consistently produce high-quality work.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Gromacki chairs the firm’s corporate department and represents several major clients such as General Motors and General Dynamics. He represented the latter in its acquisition of Vangent Holding, valued at $960 million.

Since publication, Mark Harris has joined the firm from McDermott Will & Emery. He is noted for his experience gained at a private equity firm and he is particularly highly regarded for his work in the healthcare sector. 

THE FIRM This firm's 26-lawyer Chicago office is particularly experienced in transactional M&A and joint ventures matters, private equity buyouts and capital markets matters. A major deal for the firm was advising the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan on repelling BHP Billiton's hostile $43.1 billion tender offer for all of the company's shares. Other key clients include SFN Group, Husky Energy, Bombadier, and Lennox International.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Elizabeth Kitslaar recently represented Lennox International in its $138 million acquisition of the Kysor/Warren division of The Manitowoc Company. Commentators report: "In terms of M&A transactions, she is an outstanding negotiator and an extremely hard worker." 

Timothy Melton is the firm's Chicago head of capital markets. His practice comprises financial strategy advising, stockholder activism and securities regulations. 

THE FIRM This Chicago firm is best known for its corporate M&A work with regulated industry clients, such as those in the financial and healthcare sectors. The team recently advised Brown Brothers Harriman & Co on the formation of private equity fund BBH Capital Partners IV. Its impressive client portfolio includes Prairie Capital, Victory Park Capital, and Sterling Capital Partners.

Sources say: "They've done a substantial amount of good work in and around private equity."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Described by observers as "a very capable lawyer," Kenneth Miller advises private equity firms, pension funds, private investors and corporations. His expertise spans acquisitions, debt financings and recapitalizations. Recently, he assisted Frontenac Company on its acquisition of Behavioral Health Group.

With over 25 years in the Chicago market, Walter Weinberg is praised as "an experienced, smart, and thoughtful M&A attorney." He represented RLI Corporation in its $136 million acquisition of Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company.

Commentators highlight Howard Lanznar as "a high-quality lawyer with a great reputation." He has over 20 years of experience representing all sides in public and private mergers and acquisitions. He is seen to be particularly strong in leveraged buyouts and tender offers.

Herbert Wander is viewed as an influential presence in the corporate community. He is “very highly regarded” for his expertise in securities, corporate governance and M&A matters. A recent highlight saw him advise DSW on a $2 billion stock-for-stock merger with Retail Ventures.

THE FIRM Baker & McKenzie is noted for its impressive international network and strong Chicago roots in M&A in the manufacturing, technology, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. The Illinois office has 45 attorneys active in M&A, allowing the firm to act on sizable transactions. It recently assisted Abbott Laboratories with its $110 divestiture of Innogenetics. It was also mandated by The Attachmate Group on pre-acquisition matters worth $2.2 billion. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Craig Roeder leads the Chicago office's corporate and securities practice group. He is recommended for his “excellent public company M&A experience,” and for being “very responsive and easy to work with." He recently advised Ecolab regarding its $8.1 billion merger with Nalco Holding Company.

Michael DeFranco recently acted as lead counsel for the special committee of Telvent GIT, concerning a tender offer worth $2 billion received from Schneider Electric. Along with general mergers, acquisitions, and corporate finance work, he has particular expertise in advising on NASDAQ and NYSE listing standards and compliance matters.

Olivia Tyrrell cochairs the North American subgroup steering committee of the firm’s global pharmaceuticals & healthcare industry group. She is best known for her corporate work on behalf of clients in these areas.

THE FIRM Greenberg Traurig is a well-known presence in the Chicago market. The team advises on M&A, private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, securities matters and related compliance issues and PIPE transactions.

Sources say: "They are very active in Chicago."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gary Silverman advises on private equity, venture capital, and M&A transactions. He is described as “a very smart practitioner.” Recently, he acted on behalf of Wind Point Partners in its acquisition of Golden Temple of Oregon and Cloud Packaging Solutions.

Cochair of the office’s corporate and securities practice, Peter Lieberman “has a solid reputation for M&A work.” He also advises on hedge fund, private equity, venture capital and securities transactions. A notable highlight saw him advise Narrative Science regarding its venture capital financing by Battery Ventures, valued at $6 million.

Stephen Landsman has cultivated a clientele based both in the USA and international jurisdictions, whom he advises on business, tax and corporate transactions.

THE FIRM This firm has a diverse corporate and securities practice and it advises clients ranging from smaller family businesses to high-value national companies. The past year has seen it advise major clients in the mining industry, including Goldcorp and Tahoe Resources.

Sources say: “They have a good quality practice." "They really understand the local market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Gray chairs the firm’s fund formation and investment management group. He is well known for his work on the structural and compliance needs of on and off-shore investors in enterprises.

David Stone is chair of the firm’s corporate and securities practice. He is highly regarded for his strength in federal securities mandates, long-held clients return time and time again for his handling of matters related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. He assisted Covanta Holding Corporation regarding a public offering of notes valued at $400 million.

THE FIRM Schiff Hardin offers a full service in the corporate and M&A arena, advising clients on all aspects of a company’s day-to-day activity and regulatory compliance to large transactional matters. The team is also noted for its strength in securities, public offerings and private equity placements.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Dragich is the first port of call in this area.

THE FIRM This firm's is commended for its vibrant midmarket M&A practice. The team is also noted for its skill in advising healthcare service providers on corporate and regulatory work. Recently, the group has represented clients such as Roundtable Healthcare Partners, Brookstone Partners, and LabCorp. 

Sources say: “They do an outstanding job of anticipating the client’s needs and responding to them.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chair of the firm's corporate group, Gary Levenstein is recognized as a “professional, thorough, and insightful counsel.” Clients are quick to praise his “attention to detail and understanding of the issues.” He recently represented Celtic International on its merger with Transplace. The resulting company has a combined revenue of over $1 billion. 

THE FIRM This firm is active in both corporate M&A and private equity transactions. It has expertise in a range of industries from healthcare, gaming, and aerospace to financial institutions and investment services. The team's client roster includes Milestone AV Technologies, Merit Capital Partners, and CIT Group.

Sources say: “They do a great job representing CEOs.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Nemeroff is commended by colleagues for his “strong track record” in the corporate arena. He recently represented Chicago Growth Properties in its private equity acquisition of Advanced Pain Management. He also acted on behalf ATG Rehab during its sale to Audax Group.

THE FIRM SNR Denton is well known for mergers and acquisitions work on behalf of healthcare and insurance industry providers. It is regarded as particularly strong in spin-offs, strategic alliances, stock purchases, privatizations, and debt and equity financings. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients assert that Michael Rosenthal is “an excellent corporate attorney.” He is active in private equity and venture capital transactions, particularly in the representation of investors in mezzanine and startup financings, fund formations and corporate governance matters.

Michael Froy is recommended for his proactive approach to corporate M&A and private equity matters. He is head of the firm’s manufacturing sector team, while also leading the US capital markets practice and the Chicago corporate practice. Peers describe him as “a very skilled lawyer.”

Linda Harris's corporate and M&A practice includes restructuring transactions and corporate finance matters, primarily on behalf of family businesses, institutions, and publicly held corporations. Clients are quick to praise her as “incredibly talented and able to grasp any area of the law.” 

Seasoned practitioner Donald Lubin has a long-standing reputation in the Chicago market. He is noted for his skill in advising senior management, boards of directors, independent directors and committees on corporate matters concerning mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, takeovers and restructurings.

Since publication, Michael D Rosenthal has joined Polsinelli PC

THE FIRM Duane Morris handles the full range of corporate and M&A transactions, with particular expertise in venture capital, private equity investments, securities offerings and defense against takeovers. It recently advised EDC ATM Subsidiary and Efmark Deployment I in their acquisition by Cardtronics, valued at $145 million.

Sources say: “They've done a great job on every task they've undertaken for us - they have been nothing but professional and knowledgeable about whatever issues were thrown at them.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brian Kerwin is a familiar name on the Chicago market, with “strength in mergers and acquisitions,” and an “ability to keep things moving quickly and accurately.” His practice centers on the representation of businesses, lenders and private equity funds.

One client enthused that David Kaufman is "very practical - he never gives you the run around and he's always very accessible - I can get him anywhere, anytime." He works on behalf of investors, underwriters and issuers in securities offerings, as well as traditional corporate and M&A matters.

THE FIRM K&L Gates has a 40-lawyer team in Chicago handling corporate/M&A matters. It is well known for its work on corporate and capital markets transactions, including securities and regulatory matters. A highlight for the team was advising Nuveen in three transactions amounting to $1.1 billion. It also represented long-standing client Boise in its acquisition of Tharco Packaging, valued at $200 million.

Sources say: “They worked around the clock and made us feel like we were their only clients.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark McMillan is the main contact for corporate and transactional matters in Chicago.

THE FIRM Paul Hastings remains a well known player in the market for both corporate/M&A and private equity matters. The team has recently acted on behalf of Valitas Health Services and TriplePoint Capital.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Quinn is regarded as “a very strong practitioner.” He is cochair of the firm’s private equity practice. He is best known for his work in leveraged acquisitions, restructurings and general corporate governance issues.

Brian Richards is described as "a very good lawyer who represents his clients well." He advises on private equity matters and related tax issues. He was instrumental in advising Valitas Health Services on its acquisition of America Service Group, valued at $250 million.

Amit Mehta is singled out for his “very strong client service skills.” He led the representation of prominent debt financing provider TriplePoint Capital in raising $1 billion of private capital.

Thaddeus Malik has acted for clients in the publishing, aerospace, financial and software industry.

THE FIRM Reed Smith’s corporate M&A and private equity team handles numerous midmarket transactions at a statewide, national and cross-border level. It acts on behalf of an impressive portfolio of clients, including MGM International Group, Heckman Corporation, and Encore Discovery Solutions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Co-head of Reed Smith's private equity group Bradley Schmarak is “an excellent attorney with a solid reputation.” Peers also report that he is “very involved in the market.” He recently represented Wind Point Partners in its acquisition of Petmate. 

Vice chair of the firm’s US corporate and securities group, Seth Hemming also acts as cochair of the private equity group. Recently, he advised Encore Discovery Solutions on its sale to Epiq Systems, valued at $100 million. He also assisted Tate & Lyle with the $57 million sale of its Iowa ethanol and corn wet-milling plant. 

Michael Lee is active in the M&A, equity, and debt financing areas. Commentators note that he is particularly skilled in the representation of technology companies. He is praised for his “responsiveness” and “ability to anticipate problems before they arise.”

Craig Bradley of Edwards Wildman Palmer is singled out for being “extremely active in the market.” Commentators admire his ability to "straddle the line between venture capital and private equity." He is well known in the technology, communications, software and life sciences industries, and recently advised Compliance11 in its sale to Charles Schwab.
Alan Roth, also at Edwards Wildman Palmer, practices on behalf of midmarket private equity investors. He is held in high regard for his work in the SBIC arena, where he is heralded as “a real specialist" and "a key individual.”
Colleagues acknowledge that James Cruger of Perkins Coie LLP is “a lawyer who really knows and understands the market.” A highlight from the past year was his representation of Excel in its corporate carve-out valued at $83 million. 
James Lidbury is managing partner of Ropes & Gray LLP’s Chicago office. He is best known for his deep knowledge of private equity transactions. Sources praise him as “a very capable attorney. He also has the ability to negotiate with smaller and larger firms alike.”
Thomas Ferguson of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP handles corporate, M&A, private equity and debt financing matters. Observers highlight him for his “fast, efficient delivery" and "good value service." 
Clients report that Eric Fogel of Lathrop & Gage LLP is “particularly strong in negotiating, protecting our interest, and keeping everyone on track.” He leads the firm’s nationwide securities practice group, and recently represented Western Heritage Insurance Company in its business dispute with RDS Group. 
Since publication, Frank Ballantine has moved to Clark Hill PLC from Reed Smith LLP. He is best known for his skill in private equity and venture capital investments. Observers praise his “good, careful approach.”

Future Events 

29th May 2013: GC Seminar, New York Going Mobile: IP and Privacy Considerations

4th June 2013: GC Seminar, Houston Challenges in Creating An Effective and Coordinated Global Compliance Program

9 September 2013: Chambers Latin America Awards 2013, Miami

10 September 2013: Launch of Chambers Latin America 2014, online

3rd October 2013: Chambers Bar Awards 2013, London

22nd May 2014: Chambers USA Awards 2014, New York