Corporate/M&A & Alternative Entities
USA Guide 2024 : Delaware
Band 1
About
Provided by Richards, Layton & Finger PA
Richards, Layton & Finger’s corporate practice dominates Delaware’s legal landscape. The lawyers helped craft—and continue to develop—Delaware’s corporation, LP, LLC, GP and statutory trust statutes, and are recognized authorities in interpreting them. Their key role in the evolution of Delaware corporate law keeps them at the forefront of the state’s cutting-edge practice.
- The firm has served as Delaware counsel on more M&A deals valued at or above $100 million than any other Delaware firm for 30 years running in The Deal’s annual rankings.
- Richards Layton is regularly tapped as trusted Delaware counsel by national and international institutions, global corporations and leading law firms.
- Recent transactions include the purchase of Warner Media from AT&T, the Sprint/T-Mobile merger, Johnson & Johnson’s acquisition of Momenta, Drizly’s acquisition by Uber and Dell’s acquisition of Vmware.
- The firm’s pioneering alternative entities practice advises global law firms, international financial institutions, private funds, investment vehicles, publicly held entities, conflict committees and others on a full range of transactional as well as high-value confidential matters.
- They have deep expertise in the structuring and operation of LLCs and partnerships, including structured finance, joint venture, hedge fund, financing, cross-border, merger, conversion, acquisition and dissolution transactions, as well as private equity investment funds and bankruptcy-remote LLCs and LPs.
Chambers Review
Richards, Layton & Finger PA is a powerhouse in the Delaware market, with a deep bench of expert attorneys. Acts at the vanguard of Delaware corporation law, playing a significant role in the development and drafting of Delaware statutes. Offers significant expertise in the formation and operation of alternative entities, including LLCs, partnerships and statutory trusts. Excels in M&A and fund formation work, and is also regularly sought after for its counsel on governance issues.
Work Highlights
- Richards, Layton & Finger PA served as Delaware counsel to Veritiv on its sale to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice LLC for $2.3 billion.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Richards Layton are excellent at bringing to bear the broader knowledge of the firm in complex situations."
"They have extensive experience and effectively communicate possible concerns. They're able to explain complex, sophisticated matters to their clients."
"Their consistent presence on top-tier M&A matters places them in the position of having the latest information on commercial terms in transactions."
"Richards Layton are excellent at bringing to bear the broader knowledge of the firm in complex situations."
"They have extensive experience and effectively communicate possible concerns. They're able to explain complex, sophisticated matters to their clients."
"Their consistent presence on top-tier M&A matters places them in the position of having the latest information on commercial terms in transactions."
Notable Practitioners
Eric Mazie is a highly respected alternative entities attorney. He is especially known for his contribution to the sphere of statutory trusts.
Paul Altman is a seasoned practitioner with broad experience in Delaware entity structuring. He regularly works with major private equity sponsors on the formation of high-value funds.
William Haubert is well regarded for his expertise in transactional corporate work. His practice spans work with both buy and sell-side parties in M&A and buyouts.
Stephen Bigler is a leading practitioner with expertise in the full range of corporate transactions. In addition to representing notable corporates, he regularly acts for private equity funds.
"Stephen is very capable in balancing the technical legal aspects of an issue with the practical reality of doing a transaction. He has good judgment."
"He's great, our go-to person on anything related to Delaware."
John Mark Zeberkiewicz provides experienced counsel to clients undertaking significant transactions, including M&A and initial public offerings.
"John is amazing. He is always on top of current developments in law and he can think through tricky situations creatively."
"He is a young leader with deep knowledge and a winning manner with clients."
Mark Gentile regularly handles transactions involving household-name listed companies, including IPOs, acquisitions and dispositions. He has notable experience in acting for clients in the software and technology sectors.
Srinivas Raju is cochair of the firm's corporate department and handles a range of matters, including simplification transactions.
"He is practical, thoughtful, dedicated and creative."
Doneene Damon combines her alternative entities practice with sitting as chair of the firm's Corporate Trust and Agency Services Group. She is particularly adept at handling complex securities matters.
"Doneene is knowledgeable and responsive. She openly shares her knowledge and is a mentor to all."
Elisa Erlenbach Maas advises on matters relating to Delaware entities, including the use of limited partnerships and LLCs. She is frequently called upon to advise corporate trusts on transactions.
"Elisa is my trusted adviser for all things Delaware. She's a creative and commercial partner, responsive, reliable and skilled at navigating complex situations."
Gregory Ladner is a highly experienced practitioner specializing in alternative entities. His practice sees him advising on the full range of Delaware company structures.
"Greg is a pragmatic and thoughtful lawyer who impresses clients with his market knowledge."
Michael Allen is recommended for his astute representation of major corporates. His practice spans both M&A and capital markets transactions.
"Michael provides sound judgment and practical advice. He has a stellar reputation in the market."
Up-and-coming attorney Stephanie Norman is noted for her expertise in handling high-value M&A transactions, including advising on fiducary duties and related matters of Delaware corporate law.
"She is responsive, a practical thinker and a real partner when complex situations arise."
Ranked Lawyers at
Richards, Layton & Finger PA
Delaware
Members
Provided by Richards, Layton & Finger PA
Claire Love
Drew Sloan
J. Weston Peterson
James Leyden
John Seraydarian
Joshua Novak
Kenneth Jackman
Mark Purpura
Matthew Criscimagna
Melissa Stubenberg
Monica Ayres
Nathaniel Stuhlmiller
Richard Facciolo
Tara Hoffner