Lindquist & Vennum has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise advising private equity sponsors and dealmakers since the 1980s. We have a deep understanding of the unique issues and complexities implicated in structuring and completing private equity transactions. That’s why dozens of financial sponsors – both domestic and foreign – regularly turn to us when choosing legal counsel.
Our private equity practice encompasses a broad spectrum of clients and services. We counsel financial sponsors like buyout funds, mezzanine funds, venture capital funds and high net worth investors, portfolio companies, management groups, lenders and others with a variety of private equity matters, including:
- Acquisitions and dispositions
- Minority and control investments
- Leveraged and management buyouts
- Cross-border transactions
- Recapitalizations
- Fund formation
- Small business investment companies (SBICs)
- Mezzanine financing
- Convertible, secured and unsecured debt
- “Equity kickers”
- Management compensation and incentive programs
- Portfolio company maintenance
- “Club” transactions
Mergers & Acquisitions
“Traditionally strong in private equity M&A” – Chambers USA
Lindquist & Vennum is a leading law firm in middle-market private equity M&A. We represent funds of all sizes, as well as their portfolio companies, throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe in traditional leveraged buyout transactions.
Our integrated approach to staffing M&A transactions draws upon our expertise in the areas of tax, employee benefits, employment and labor, intellectual property, information technology, real estate, environmental, insurance, bankruptcy, antitrust and international law, among others. In addition, we are frequently called upon to structure and negotiate the financing of transactions on behalf of our buy-side private equity M&A clients, where we capitalize upon the talents of our finance and securities specialists.
Mezzanine Lending
Lindquist & Vennum also maintains a robust mezzanine lending practice, as part of which we regularly represent banks, subordinated debt funds and other investors. The depth of our experience in debt capital transactions allows us to provide insights to our clients in all facets of mezzanine lending, from subordination and intercreditor terms to pricing trends.
Portfolio Company Representation
We counsel the portfolio companies of private equity funds on a full range of matters, from add-on acquisitions, borrowings, refinancing and recapitalizations to executive compensation, employee benefits, real estate matters and litigation. We understand the dynamics and needs of private equity-backed companies, and we take a practical approach to delivering cost-effective legal solutions.
Industry Outreach
The firm maintains high visibility in the private equity community and promotes its thought leadership through active roles with a number of respected trade organizations, including the Association of Corporate Growth and the Collaborative. Our attorneys are frequently invited to speak and write about developments impacting the private equity industry.