AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
Fatema Orjela Named Among Most Influential Private Equity Lawyers by Private Equity News
Read time: 3 min
May 8, 2025 – International law firm McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to announce Fatema Orjela has been recognized in Private Equity News’ Twenty Most Influential Private Equity Lawyers 2025 list.
Fatema is an award-winning private equity partner whose practice focuses on providing strategic counsel to European and US private equity sponsors. She has pan-European cross sector experience on the full range of corporate matters, including leveraged buyouts, strategic mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, structured and minority equity investments, equity and debt restructurings, and management equity plans, as well as related advisory work.
Private Equity News’ Twenty Most Influential Private Equity Lawyers series celebrate the leading legal minds in the European buyout sector. The list includes lawyers who excel in areas such as fundraising, structuring, and deal-making.
View the full list of honorees.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Emery for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,400+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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Schulte Advises Shelter Growth Capital in Minority Equity Investment by Cantilever Group
PRESS RELEASE
Schulte Advises Shelter Growth Capital in Minority Equity Investment by Cantilever Group
May 7, 2025
Read time: 2 min
Schulte Roth & Zabel advised Shelter Growth Capital (“Shelter Growth”), a real estate credit focused investment manager, in a minority equity investment by Cantilever Group, an independent investment firm specializing in middle-market GP stakes.
Cantilever’s investment will enable Shelter Growth to pursue substantial growth initiatives without making changes to their investment process or firm operations.
The Schulte team was led by partners Daniel Eisner (M&A) and Joseph Reich (Tax), with special counsel Adam Gartner (M&A), and associates Casey Daggett (M&A), Jake Gach (Tax) and Stephen Appel (IP).
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Schulte Advises Anson Funds in Campaign for Board Refreshment at Match Group, Inc.
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Schulte Advises Anson Funds in Campaign for Board Refreshment at Match Group, Inc.
May 7, 2025
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Schulte Roth & Zabel represented Anson Funds in its engagement with Match Group, Inc., a technology company that owns and operates popular online dating services, including Tinder, Match.com, OkCupid and Hinge, which resulted in meaningful board refreshment (including the appointment of two new independent directors and the departure of a long-tenured director), as well as Match Group’s commitment to declassify its board. In connection therewith, Anson Funds and Match Group entered into an Information Sharing Agreement to facilitate ongoing collaboration between the parties.
The Schulte team advising Anson Funds was led by partners Ele Klein, chair of the Global Shareholder Activism Group, and Brandon Gold, and included associates Samuel Dayan and John Treon.
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McDermott Expands in Dallas with Move to New Office Space
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McDermott Expands in Dallas with Move to New Office Space
May 6, 2025
Read time: 4 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery has relocated its Dallas office to the top floor of Harwood No. 14, a trophy high-rise office building in the Harwood District. The new space is home to 65 lawyers and professional staff.
“We’re thrilled to relocate to our new office at 2801 North Harwood Street. This move not only provides us with a more dynamic and efficient workspace but also positions us to better serve our clients and attract top talent in Dallas,” said Jason Krieser, managing partner of the Firm’s Dallas office.
Home to numerous Fortune 500 corporations and top private companies, the Dallas-Fort Worth region is a thriving commercial and technological hub whose influence extends throughout Texas and worldwide. Against this backdrop, our leading practitioners in Dallas who advise clients on technology transactions and outsourcing matters, recently launched a new AI toolkit to help companies accelerate their AI strategy and empower them to create a foundation for responsible AI. In addition, the Dallas office is home to highly-ranked lawyers in health and life sciences, intellectual property, commercial litigation, tax, mergers & acquisitions and corporate restructuring. They represent clients across a broad range of industries, including airlines, consumer products, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and technology.
The design of the new office is consistent with the bold, innovative design approaches taken across other McDermott offices in the network. The Dallas office is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, reflecting McDermott’s dedication to creating a modern and efficient work environment. Notable design elements include an expansive collection of art, an open floor plan with glass partitions that maximize natural light into the core spaces of the suite and soaring 20-foot ceilings. The firm’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in the design, with features that promote energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
The newest addition to the Harwood District, Harwood No. 14 expands upon Harwood International’s trophy office portfolio and renowned hospitality group. It is centrally located in the 19-city block Harwood District further facilitating effortless accessibility from each of Dallas’s major transportation arteries. This office move is part of McDermott’s growth mindset for the future, ensuring clients have the support and counsel they need in the geographies where they need it most.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Emery for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,400+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Represents Constellation Brands in Connection with its $500 Million Senior Notes Offering
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Represents Constellation Brands in Connection with its $500 Million Senior Notes Offering
May 5, 2025
Read time: 3 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery represented Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ) (Constellation), a leading beverage alcohol company, in connection with its public offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.800% senior notes due 2030 which closed on May 1, 2025. BofA Securities, Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as joint book-running managers of the offering.
The McDermott team was led by Heidi Steele and included Rich Bass, Charles Darantiere, Riley O’Farrell, Felicia Alderete, and Robin Riley.
Read Constellation Brands’ press release.
About Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands is an international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. Constellation’s brand portfolio includes Modelo Especial, Corona Extra, Pacifico, Robert Mondavi Winery, Kim Crawford, The Prisoner Wine Company, High West Whiskey, Casa Noble Tequila, and Mi CAMPO Tequila.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Emery for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,400+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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Capital Markets Dealmaker Joins McDermott, Boosts Private Equity Offering
PRESS RELEASE
Capital Markets Dealmaker Joins McDermott, Boosts Private Equity Offering
May 5, 2025
Read time: 4 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery welcomes Craig Garvey to its Transactions Practice Group as a partner based in Chicago. Craig has extensive experience advising global public and private companies, including leading private equity funds and their portfolio companies, on multibillion-dollar equity offerings, bond issuances, liability management transactions, and acquisition financings. He joins McDermott after a distinguished career as a partner at Kirkland & Ellis.
“Craig’s deep understanding of evolving capital markets dynamics coupled with his extensive private equity experience will help guide clients through the complexities of today’s market with precision and foresight,” said Harris Siskind, global head of McDermott’s Transactions Practice Group. “His reputation for legal excellence, outstanding client service, and entrepreneurial mindset make him an ideal addition to McDermott, further enhancing our market-leading capital markets and private equity practices.”
Craig represents global corporations and private equity funds in their critical investments and exits shaping markets. He also advises publicly traded companies and their executive officers and directors on corporate governance, SEC compliance and disclosure matters, investor relations considerations, corporate communications matters and executive compensation.
Some of Craig’s notable representative matters include:
- Ryan Specialty, an international specialty insurance firm providing innovative solutions for brokers, agents and insurance carriers, in its $1.6 billion Up-C IPO.
- The leading e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars, in connection with a successful liability management transaction, including a $5.5 billion exchange offer and debt solicitation.
- Solera with its $1.7 billion bond financing in connection with its take-private sale to Vista Equity Partners.
- Toys “R” Us in its Chapter 11 cases relating to the restructuring of its prepetition indebtedness in excess of $5.2 billion and its entry into debtor in possession facilities totaling $3.125 billion.
“McDermott’s collaborative culture and entrepreneurial spirit are a natural fit for my commitment to delivering meaningful results in a dynamic environment,” said Craig. “I can’t wait to get started and reconnect with former colleagues who’ve joined the Firm throughout the years.”
McDermott’s Capital Markets & Public Companies team was ranked the top investor legal counsel for private investment in public equity (PIPE) transactions of at least $1 million USD between January 2025 and March 2025 by The Deal. Most recently, a McDermott team led Tether in its oversubscribed tender offer to acquire a controlling interest in Adecoagro.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Emery for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,400+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Advises Bpifrance on Investment in Septeo’s Capital
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Advises Bpifrance on Investment in Septeo’s Capital
April 30, 2025
Read time: 3 min
McDermott has advised Bpifrance on its acquisition of a stake in Septeo, a leading European software publisher.
This strategic transaction follows Téthys Invest and GIC’s acquisition of a stake in Septeo at the end of 2024, alongside Hugues Galambrun, CEO and his management team, and its long-standing partner Hg. Hg, one of Europe’s leading software investors, remains the company’s reference shareholder.
This partnership confirms Septeo’s development strategy, which has recently strengthened its position in the hospitality, human resources and training markets through several targeted acquisitions.
The McDermott team involved in this transaction comprised:
Corporate
- Fabrice Piollet, Partner
- Grégoire Andrieux, Partner
- Gabin Beaudor, associate
Tax
- Anne-Sophie Maes, Partner
- Armand d’Aboville, Associate
Financing
- Elizabeth Amzallag, Associate
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
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McDermott Represents Tether Investments in its Successful Tender Offer to Acquire a Controlling Interest in Adecoagro
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Represents Tether Investments in its Successful Tender Offer to Acquire a Controlling Interest in Adecoagro
April 29, 2025
Read time: 3 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery represented Tether Investments (Tether), a member of the Tether Group which includes the issuer of USDT, the world’s largest stablecoin, in Tether’s successful tender offer to acquire 49,596,510 common shares of Adecoagro S.A., a Luxembourg stock corporation and leading sustainable production company in South America, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $615.5 million.
McDermott also handled the negotiation on behalf of Tether of the definitive transaction agreement with Adecoagro entered on March 26, 2025, pursuant to which the tender offer was launched. After the closing of the tender offer, which was oversubscribed by Adecoagro’s shareholders, Tether owns approximately 70% of the outstanding common shares of Adecoagro, which continues to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
The McDermott cross-border team was led by Dan Woodard and David Lipkin with invaluable assistance from Rich Bass, Caroline Samuelson, Oliver Cheng, Elai Katz, Mélissa Hui and Greg Weigand.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Emery for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,400+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Appoints New Litigation Practice Group Leader
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Appoints New Litigation Practice Group Leader
April 28, 2025
Read time: 4 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery has appointed Josh Simon as global head of the Litigation Practice Group. The group has over 250 litigators representing clients across every business segment in high-impact cases, government investigations, and dispute resolution proceedings.
“I’m thrilled to lead McDermott’s Litigation Practice Group as we continue to expand our capabilities,” Josh said. “Going forward we’re particularly excited about leveraging the firm’s significant investments in artificial intelligence to enhance the quality and efficiency of our work. Our commitment to innovation and deep industry expertise should allow us to continue delivering great results and service to our clients long into the future.”
Josh has litigated complex litigation matters in state and federal courts across the country and also represents clients in arbitrations and regulatory proceedings. He frequently litigates high-stakes ERISA, RICO, antitrust, and contract disputes for clients in the health insurance industry, including disputes about claims payment, fraudulent billing by healthcare providers, competition, provider contracting, and medical necessity coverage determinations.
Working seamlessly with colleagues spanning a variety of practice areas, our litigators take on emerging issues in virtually every industry (with a focus on healthcare, life sciences, accounting services, private equity, and technology) to help our clients stay a step ahead of potential risks. When needed, we also develop effective and cost-efficient solutions to address complex commercial disputes, consumer and data breach class actions, international arbitrations, deal and ERISA litigation, and other business challenges. Our nationally recognized US Supreme Court and appellate practice has successfully handled hundreds of appeals and is named on The National Law Journal’s Appellate Hot List. Known for “superb lawyering combined with practical, hands-on effort” (Chambers), our team is recognized globally in Chambers, Legal 500, Best Law Firms, Global Investigations Review GIR 100, and Global Arbitration Review GAR 100.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Emery for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,400+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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Schulte Expands Finance Capabilities with New Partner Joseph Gambino
PRESS RELEASE
Schulte Expands Finance Capabilities with New Partner Joseph Gambino
April 28, 2025
Read time: 4 min
Schulte Roth & Zabel (“Schulte” or “the firm”), a leading law firm focused on private capital, is pleased to announce that Joseph Gambino has joined the firm as a partner in its Finance practice, based in the New York office. Joe brings over two decades of experience in structured credit, with a particular focus on collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and specialty finance transactions. His arrival marks a significant step forward in the firm’s ongoing strategy to expand its capabilities on both the arranger and manager sides of the CLO market.
Joe’s practice centers on advising arrangers and collateral managers in the CLO space, with additional expertise in regulatory issues and structured lending facilities. He also brings deep knowledge in esoteric ABS and specialty finance transactions — a growing area of demand within Schulte’s finance practice.
“Joe’s addition strengthens our position in the CLO market and significantly expands our ability to represent arrangers, a natural next step for our platform,” said Craig Stein, co-head of the Finance Group. “We’ve long had strong relationships with arrangers, and with Joe’s skill set and reputation, we’re now in an excellent position to fully serve that side of the market.”
Throughout his career, Joe has held senior positions across law firms, investment banks and credit funds, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the finance industry. His diverse background and client-driven approach align with Schulte’s vision for the future.
“Joe has a proven track record of running sophisticated transactions and delivering exceptional client service,” said David Efron, co-managing partner. “He also fills a critical need in our specialty finance practice, which has seen remarkable growth and will benefit from a seasoned deal maker to keep pace. We’ve worked across the table from Joe before and are thrilled to now work alongside him.”
Joe saw the opportunity to join a firm with a robust CLO practice and a strong trajectory for expansion. With his move to Schulte, he says, that goal has been achieved.
“I’m excited to join Schulte’s top-tier finance team and support the continued build out of its CLO platform on both the arranger and manager sides,” said Joe. “The opportunity to grow the firm’s arranger representations, while also contributing to the specialty finance platform, is a perfect fit for the direction of my practice and the needs of my clients.”
Joe joins the firm from Linklaters, where he was a partner in the Capital Markets Group. Prior to his tenure at Linklaters, he held roles at Alston & Bird, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, and worked in-house at Merrill Lynch, Stifel Financial Corp, and FSI Capital. Joe earned his BA from Marist College and his JD from Fordham Law School.
