Private Equity LBOs/Mergers, Acquisitions, Divestitures

At the core of our private equity practice, Winston & Strawn represents equity sponsors as lead or co-investors in leveraged acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, joint ventures, and growth equity transactions. We also represent public and private companies in sale transactions to private equity funds involving entire companies or distinct divisions or product groups. Leveraging off experience from our diverse corporate practice creates an experienced, effective, resourceful, and creative legal representation.

We assist private equity clients with:

• leveraged acquisitions
• platform investments/acquisitions
• senior and mezzanine debt finance, including leveraged recapitalizations and public and private high-yield financings
• equity arrangements with management
• special situations, including going private transactions, special committee representations, acquisitions out of bankruptcy, and acquisitions within regulated industries
• management team representation
• club or co-investment transactions
• initial public offerings and other exit transactions

Portfolio and Platform Companies. Winston & Strawn brings its vast resources to bear  in serving the needs of high-growth private companies. We are able to adapt the experience we have gained representing numerous Fortune 500 clients into pragmatic solutions and advice for portfolio and platform companies and their executives.  We provide services appropriate to the size, resources, and needs of the client. 

Our lawyers have the judgment, experience, and sophistication to guide the sponsors and management teams of portfolio and platform companies through inevitable legal and business challenges, including product liability or other litigation, tax planning or disputes, environmental problems, antitrust, trade, and other regulatory challenges, and employee benefit and other workforce issues.

Sell-Side Representations. Our lawyers also are involved in preparing companies and working with portfolio companies and investment bankers in all aspects of the auction and sale process. Our representation of both public and private sellers, and financial and strategic buyers, permits us to bring the broadest market perspective to any sale transaction.

Years of experience working with portfolio and other closely held or owner-operated companies have given us a keen understanding of the requirements necessary to ensure smooth and successful transactions. 

Our sensitivity to the needs and concerns of each of the constituent parties to the transaction allows us to advocate our clients’ interests in a practical, cost-effective, and, when necessary, creative manner.