Advises private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and founders on complex mergers and acquisitions throughout the entire investment lifecycle
Handles new platform acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, add-on acquisitions, and high-stakes exits
Bridges gaps in founder-led transactions by leveraging a background as an entrepreneur and software developer
Leads the firm’s Technology and Private Equity Knowledge Management committees, implementing AI and data-driven efficiencies into the deal process
Michael Hacker is a commercially minded deal architect who advises private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and founders on complex mergers and acquisitions throughout the entire investment life cycle. With a background as a former entrepreneur and software developer, coupled with an MBA, Michael brings a distinct founder’s mindset to the practice of law – offering clients a level of economic fluency and operational insight that allows him to ensure their legal strategies align with their ultimate exit objectives.
Michael’s experience as an entrepreneur also provides a unique advantage when advising sponsors acquiring or recapitalizing founder-led targets. He understands the emotional and economic drivers of founder-sellers, allowing him to bridge gaps in negotiation and design creative structures that align incentives between sponsors, sellers, and management teams.
Within the firm, Michael serves as chair of the Technology and Private Equity Knowledge Management committees, positioning him at the forefront of innovation in the delivery of legal services. In these roles, he leverages his background to implement AI and data-driven efficiencies into the deal process.
- Represented AE Industrial Partners in its acquisition of Powder Alloy Corporation, a leading producer of highly engineered metallic, ceramic, and thermal spray powders used across mission-critical surface enhancement and joining applications
- Represented Gauge Capital across more than 20 transactions, including:
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- The acquisition or recapitalization of Reliable Medical, a provider of Complex Rehabilitation Technology and related mobility and home medical equipment solutions across the US
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- The acquisition or recapitalization of Lucent Health, a leading third-party administrator and cost containment solution provider to self-insured employers
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- The acquisition or recapitalization of Rovia Clinical Research, a clinical research site management organization
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- The acquisition or recapitalization of Flowstone, a manufacturer of commercial tissue and personal care products
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- The acquisition or recapitalization of EMSAR, a leading independent service organization
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- The acquisition or recapitalization of RIP-IT, an athletic equipment and footwear company
- The Best Lawyers in America, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, 2026-2027
- Chambers USA, Corporate/M&A & Private Equity, 2020-2026
- Legal 500 US, Recommended, 2025
- Daily Business Review, Florida Legal Awards, On the Rise Honoree, 2025
- Super Lawyers, Rising Star for Mergers & Acquisitions, 2017 – 2026
- Lawyers for Children America, attorney ad litem
- University of Florida Levin College of Law, JD, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif
- University of Florida, MBA
- University of Florida, BA
- Florida