North America - United States • M&A/corporate and commercial

Katten

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Katten chiefly advises on transactions in the life sciences, sports, aviation and education sectors, with the unit’s sports expertise exemplified through its advice to an ownership group on the acquisition of the Charlotte Hornets NBA team. In Chicago, the team is helmed by global chair of the corporate department Kimberly Smith and co-chair of the M&A and private equity group Christopher Atkinson. Fellow M&A co-chair David Washburn is based in the firm’s Dallas office and is highlighted for his experience structuring and negotiating contested M&A deals. Washburn’s Dallas colleague Peter Bogdanow is frequently called upon by private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies to advise on transactions in sectors such as energy and waste management. Chicago-based Thomas Lamprecht has a proven track record in assisting private equity clients with platform acquisitions and exits. In the same office, Mark Grossmann has vast experience in handling transactions across a broad array of sectors.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • American Guardian Holdings, Inc.
  • Constellation Energy
  • Deerfield Management
  • Direct Scaffold Supply, LLC
  • MBX Systems
  • SMS Assist LLC
  • Specialty Networks, LLC
  • TTI, Inc.
  • Vespa Sports

Work highlights

  • Represented an ownership group in the acquisition of the Charlotte Hornets NBA team.
  • Advised SMS Assist on its sale to tech-heavy property services firm Lessen.
  • Represented American Guardian Holdings Inc. in its sale to Reynolds and Reynolds.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Mark Grossmann

Mark Grossmann

Hall of fameKatten

Mark Grossmann knows how to make deals happen. For more than 20 years, he has guided principals and finance sources alike through critical transactions that have helped them grow, compete and realize value. He is known for a refreshingly direct approach that cuts away extraneous issues and gets to the heart of what the parties need. Mark knows that lawyers are often seen as obstacles who can bury the deal in the legal details. He takes a different approach — one based on market knowledge, sharp analysis and a keen sense of priorities. He'll stand firm to get the "right" terms for every deal, but never lets minor or academic issues bring progress to a halt. By keeping the deal moving toward a timely close, Mark makes sure his clients reap its full benefit, while at the same time protecting their legal interests. A deft quarterback, Mark assembles and balances resources from around the firm to address the diverse issues that arise in every transaction. He weighs competing points of view with client priorities in mind and emerges with strategies that meet both immediate needs and long-term goals. Mark has handled hundreds of transactions in the United States and around the world. Clients often turn to him for insight on "what's market," in a given industry or deal structure. Not only does he know the terms, he knows why they matter and how they will play out from contract negotiations through post-closing operations. Mark has deep experience in industries including finance, technology, manufacturing, consulting, real estate, retail, parking, pharmaceutical, security and health care.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Kimberly Smith, Christopher Atkinson, David Washburn

Other key lawyers

Mark Grossmann, Thomas Lamprecht, Peter Bogdanow, Mark Solomon, Victor Zanetti