PRESS RELEASE
Prominent Global Executive Compensation Partner Joins McDermott in London
December 15, 2023
Read time: 4 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery welcomes Robert (Rob) Marshall as a partner in its Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Practice Group in London. Rob is a highly skilled lawyer in global equity and cross-border executive compensation and represents some of the world’s largest multinational companies. He will lead McDermott’s cross-border executive compensation and benefits practice and boost the Firm’s international transactional practice.
“Rob is truly a ‘unicorn’ lawyer who we have admired for several years,” said Andrew Liazos, global head of McDermott’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Practice Group. “His extensive experience practicing in both London and Silicon Valley on complex, cross-border equity and executive compensation projects for large multinational companies has great synergy with our existing clients and significantly strengthens our practice.”
“The majority of our client base is multinational in nature, and Rob’s international experience will bring instant value to our client offerings on both sides of the Atlantic,” added Hamid Yunis, managing partner of McDermott’s London office.
Rob has advised public and private companies on executive compensation and equity plan issues spanning more than 140 countries. His practice covers counsel advice on securities compliance and disclosure, tax, corporate governance, stock-and cash-based plans, cross-border transactions and spin-offs, executive transfers, human resources, employment and severance packages, and stock exchange matters.
“Challenging compensation and benefits issues are a critical component of our cross-border transactional work,” said Harris Siskind, global head of McDermott’s Transactions Practice Group. “Clients increasingly require a global approach to problem solving. Having a lawyer of Rob’s caliber and experience is vital to expanding our multi-jurisdictional capabilities.”
“I was quickly drawn to the strength and reputation of McDermott’s employee benefits and tax practices, and, more specifically, the complex nature of the client work and ongoing projects they advise on,” said Rob.
Rob is a Registered Foreign Lawyer (England and Wales) and a member of the State Bar of California.
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.
Media Contact
Schulte advises Blue Torch Capital LP in Pegasus Home Fashions, Inc. acquisition
PRESS RELEASE
Schulte advises Blue Torch Capital LP in Pegasus Home Fashions, Inc. acquisition
December 15, 2023
Read time: 3 min
Schulte Roth & Zabel advised Blue Torch Capital LP (“Blue Torch”), a middle market direct lender providing credit solutions to stakeholders and management teams of companies requiring capital support for growth, operational challenges and financial distress, in its acquisition of Pegasus Home Fashions, Inc. (collectively, “Pegasus” or the “Company”).
Pegasus, who is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of bedding products in the United States, filed for bankruptcy protection with a stalking horse credit bid from Blue Torch in August 2023. Schulte helped to position Blue Torch as the best bid offer and after extensive marketing the bid, which included substantially all of the Company’s assets, was accepted.
The Schulte team was led by partners Adam C. Harris, co-chair of the firm’s Business Reorganization Group, Gregory D. Ruback (Finance) and Joseph Reich (Tax) with special counsel Theodore A. Keyes (Environmental); associates Jessica Berman (Tax), Julia R. Cummings (M&A and Securities), Reuben E. Dizengoff (Business Reorganization), Lauren M. Troeller (M&A and Securities) and law clerk Yessenia Gonzalez (M&A and Securities).
Read the press release here.
Media Contact
McDermott’s Energy & Project Finance Practice Group Named “Legal Adviser of the Year” by IJInvestor
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott’s Energy & Project Finance Practice Group Named “Legal Adviser of the Year” by IJInvestor
December 14, 2023
Read time: 3 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery’s Energy & Project Finance Practice Group has been named “Legal Adviser of the Year” as part of the IJInvestor Awards Americas 2023. The category honors outstanding performance by law firms advising clients that deploy capital in energy and infrastructure assets.
Within the research period, the McDermott team advised:
- Beam Suntory, Inc. in its $400 million Renewable Energy Services Agreement with 3Rivers Energy Partners
- Pine Gate Renewables in nearly $500 million in tax equity investment and debt financing by Google’s renewable energy investing subsidiary
- BayoTech, Inc. in its hydrogen hub expansion and Nikola partnership
“In recent years, we have more than tripled our energy and infrastructure practice to over 55 lawyers globally and have invested in creating one of the leading renewable energy and energy transition practices in the US,” said Edward (Ed) Zaelke, global co-head of the Energy & Project Finance Practice Group. “This recognition is a testament to our successful track record and the decades of experience our lawyers bring to the table in advising clients who invest in the energy and infrastructure space.”
The IJInvestor Awards Americas 2023 celebrate the best funds and M&A activity in the energy and infrastructure markets. Nominations are submitted by the industry and reviewed by a panel of independent judges. Read about the winners.
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.
Media Contact
McDermott Represents Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. on Acquisition of PONVORY®
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Represents Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. on Acquisition of PONVORY®
December 13, 2023
Read time: 2 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery represented Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Vanda), a leading global biopharmaceutical company, in its acquisition of US and Canadian rights to PONVORY®, a treatment for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease.
The McDermott deal team was led by Kristian Werling with support from Paul Hughes, Nate Wolfe, Tom Conaghan, Caroline Ngo, Daniel McGuire, Dave Santangelo, Matt Celano, Alex Ruiz, Yuxin Jin, Dan Marino, Margaret Sampson, Anisa Mohanty, Scott Weinstein and Dana McSherry.
Media Contact
McDermott Welcomes Back Commercial Litigator in Miami
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Welcomes Back Commercial Litigator in Miami
December 13, 2023
Read time: 3 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery welcomes Audrey Pumariega as a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. Audrey rejoins the Firm after spending the last two years as an assistant county attorney in the Tort Liability & Medical Malpractice Section and Federal Litigation Section of the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office.
“Audrey is a highly experienced litigator in a wide range of cases, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. This broad background will be of tremendous value to our litigation clients,” said Steven Scholes, global head of McDermott’s Litigation Practice Group. “Outside of the courtroom, Audrey is passionate about pro bono work, which is a Firm priority.”
Before her time at the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office, Audrey represented Fortune 50 companies in an array of commercial disputes, with a focus on healthcare, auditing and accounting litigation, and regulatory investigations.
In the healthcare space, Audrey represented hospital systems, health insurance companies, physicians, ambulatory surgery centers and management services organizations in matters involving payor-provider reimbursement, anti-kickback regulations, Medicare and Medicaid fraud, physician noncompete agreements, hospital privileges and exclusive medical provider agreements.
Audrey also represented international and national accounting firms, individual accountants and financial institutions in litigation and regulatory investigations by state and federal regulators and licensing authorities.
“Working in local government was an amazing opportunity to hone my trial skills while simultaneously serving the public. With that, I am excited to return home to my McDermott family,” said Audrey. “The Firm’s culture and commitment to public service is something I’ve missed.”
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.
Media Contact
McDermott Advises AQEMIA in its $140m Multi-year Collaboration with Sanofi
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Advises AQEMIA in its $140m Multi-year Collaboration with Sanofi
December 13, 2023
Read time: 3 min
McDermott Will & Emery a conseillé AQEMIA, une “pharmatech” révolutionnaire combinant l’IA et des algorithmes de physique quantique pour accélérer la découverte de candidats-médicaments à base de petites molécules ayant de plus fortes chances de succès en phase clinique, dans le cadre de sa collaboration de recherche pluriannuelle avec Sanofi.
Cette collaboration vise à découvrir des candidats-médicaments à base de petites molécules dans plusieurs domaines thérapeutiques. AQEMIA s’appuiera sur sa plateforme unique qui combine la physique profonde et l’IA générative à grande échelle pour identifier les bonnes molécules chimiques pour les cibles thérapeutiques intéressant Sanofi.
Dans le cadre de cet accord, AQEMIA pourra potentiellement recevoir jusqu’à 140 millions de dollars sur la base d’un paiement initial et de la réalisation d’étapes de recherche et de développement sur un certain nombre de cibles thérapeutiques spécifiques. Sanofi sera responsable des activités de recherche en laboratoire, de développement et de commercialisation.
L’équipe McDermott qui a conseillé AQEMIA était composée de :
- Emmanuelle Trombe, associée, et Edouard Becker, collaborateur
McDermott Will & Emery est l’un des plus importants cabinets d’avocats internationaux. Il compte plus de 1400 avocats et est implanté dans 20 bureaux en Amérique du Nord, en Asie et en Europe. Véritable plate-forme intégrée, McDermott permet à ses différentes équipes à travers le monde de collaborer étroitement et régulièrement.
Media Contact
McDermott Advises Rock Island Capital on Fourth Fund Totaling $240 Million
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Advises Rock Island Capital on Fourth Fund Totaling $240 Million
December 11, 2023
Read time: 3 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery represented Rock Island Capital, a private equity firm based in Oak Brook, IL, in the formation of its fourth fund, Rock Island Capital Fund IV, with $240 million in capital commitments, exceeding its target. Rock Island Capital invests in lower middle market companies to support their ownership transition and growth strategies.
The McDermott team was led by partner David Nestler and included associates Matthew Stern, Jordan Greene and Jonathan Chasin. Partner Kevin Hall and associate Kwabena Yeboah advised on tax matters.
McDermott’s Investment Funds Group is a global leader representing investment fund sponsors and institutional investors and provides sophisticated counsel to its clients across the full spectrum of investment fund issues and transactions. The Investment Funds Group is embedded in McDermott’s global private equity practice with lawyers who serve as lead counsel to institutional investors and investment funds through their full lifecycle.
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.
Media Contact
McDermott’s FinTech Practice Recognized in Chambers FinTech Guide 2024
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott’s FinTech Practice Recognized in Chambers FinTech Guide 2024
December 11, 2023
Read time: 4 min
December 11, 2023 – International law firm McDermott Will & Emery has been ranked in Chambers FinTech Guide for the second year in a row.
McDermott received two practice rankings, one in USA Nationwide: Crypto-Asset Disputes (Band 2) and the other in USA Nationwide: FinTech Legal (Band 5). The Firm was described as “very knowledgeable in case issues, including highly technical aspects related to crypto,” with one source stating that the FinTech team makes clients “feel cared for and regularly reaches out with issues that may be relevant.” Additionally, the FinTech Group was noted for having long-standing experience in cryptocurrency matters, including crypto-asset disputes, and for providing regulatory and product structuring advice to clients involved with digital assets. The guide also highlights that the Firm’s FinTech partners are often sought out to assist with novel projects related to non-fungible tokens.
One client stated, “McDermott thoroughly understands the complexities of cyber and cryptocurrency investigations.” Another client said, “The whole team consists of individuals that have very complementary skill sets and excellent depth. At no point were we missing anything, thanks to the guidance of the McDermott team.”
Lawyer Highlights
- Joseph Evans moved up in individual ranking to Band 1 in USA Nationwide: Crypto-Asset Disputes, receiving high praise from clients. One said, “Joe is genuinely crypto literate; he is deeply immersed in the projects space and his understanding of how to apply legal frameworks to crypto issues is as sharp as it gets. He offers really good practical advice to clients, and he is arguably one of the best crypto lawyers globally.”
- Alexandra Scheibe was listed as a notable practitioner and a key contact for the FinTech and blockchain practice.
View our full rankings here.
ABOUT CHAMBERS FINTECH GUIDE
Chambers and Partners launched its first Chambers FinTech Guide in 2020. More than 40 countries around the world, including every major FinTech market, are researched by Chambers’ team of specialist research analysts. The research covers four key FinTech verticals: payments and lending, blockchain and cryptocurrency, data protection and cybersecurity, and corporate, securities and financing.
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.
Media Contact
Schulte announces 2023 pro bono honorees
PRESS RELEASE
Schulte announces 2023 pro bono honorees
December 11, 2023
Read time: 3 min
Schulte Roth & Zabel hosted the firm’s 2023 Pro Bono Awards celebration, where Schulte lawyers and business professionals who made a significant impact through their pro bono service were honored. Each honoree contributed more than 50 hours of pro bono work in 2023.
The evening’s guest speaker was SAGE CEO Michael Adams, who on behalf of SAGE (Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders) received the firm’s Brooks Burdette Strategic Partner Award, which recognizes public service organizations for their enormous contributions to the betterment of society.
Randall Adams, litigation partner and 2022 recipient of the Howard Godnick Public Service Award, presented this year’s award to M&A associate Casey Daggett, who also received a $1,000 donation to the pro bono client of her choice. “The Howie” Award is given to the Schulte associate or special counsel who has shown exemplary leadership and commitment to their pro bono work.
Sara Solfanelli, Special Counsel for Pro Bono Initiatives, introduced the inaugural edition of the Schulte Pro Bono Initiatives ̶ Impact magazine, which highlights some of the firm’s pro bono clients and pro bono work.
Read the firm’s Impact magazine.
View the list of the 2023 Schulte Pro Bono honorees.
Learn more about the firm’s pro bono work.
Media Contact
McDermott Advises Contentserv and Investcorp on Acquisition of Shoppingfeed
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Advises Contentserv and Investcorp on Acquisition of Shoppingfeed
December 5, 2023
Read time: 3 min
Frankfurt/Paris, December 5, 2023 – McDermott Will & Emery has advised the Contentserv Group and its majority shareholder Investcorp Technology Partners on the acquisition of the French software company Shoppingfeed. The McDermott team not only provided comprehensive transactional advice, but also advised on an ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) financing.
This strategic move expands Contentserv’s offering and capabilities to efficiently publish information on marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay and Zalando as well as on digital marketing channels such as Google Shopping and Instagram Ads.
Shoppingfeed specializes in marketplace and feed management solutions and has more than 1,000 customers in Europe and the US.
Contentserv is a leading provider of product information management (PIM) systems. Since 2019, the company has been a portfolio company of Investcorp Technology Partners, a global private equity firm with a focus on investments fast-growing, owner-led technology companies in Europe.
McDermott regularly advises Investcorp Technology Partners on transactions. The team, led by partner Michael Cziesla, advised on acquiring a majority stake in the Contentserv Group and on the acquisition of cybersecurity company Avira and its sale to NortonLifeLock.
The German French team advising Contentserv and Investcorp was led by partners Dr. Michael Cziesla, Dr. Felix Ganzer, Ludwig Zesch and Fabrice Piollet, and included partners , Christoph Coenen, , Dr. Heiko Kermer, Pierre-Arnoux Mayoly, Frédéric Pradelles, Antoine Vergnat, Sabine Nauges, counsel Marcus Fischer, Laura Stammwitz and Lorraine Maisnier-Boché as well as associates Isabelle Müller, Lisa Schickling, Berfin Sahin, Matthias Bosbach, Romy Lanz, Luana Bijaoui, Zakarya Mahi, Mary Hecht, Alexandre Gaspar, Charles de Raignac, Paul-Henry de Laguiche, Claire Boosz, Naré Arshakyan, Hélène Adda, and Abdel Abdellah.
