Whether advising on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, or restructurings, Bracewell LLP integrates benefits and ERISA planning into overall deal strategy and execution. Under the leadership of Houston-based Matthew Grunert, the practice spans the full range of arrangements, from qualified plans such as 401(k)s, ESOPs, pension and cash balance plans to nonqualified compensation structures, golden parachute arrangements, and executive retention programs. Grunert is well-versed in executive compensation and employee benefits aspects in corporate transactions such as mergers, acquisition, divestitures, spin-offs, and joint ventures.
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Key clients
- Calpine Corporation
- Avista Corporation
- Kinder Morgan, Inc.
- Rockland Capital, LLC
- NRG Energy, Inc.
- Crescent Energy Company
- Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP
- Phillips 66
- TG Natural Resources LLC
Work highlights
Represented Calpine Corporation in aspects of employee benefits in connection with Calpine’s sale to Constellation Energy Corporation for $26.6 billion.
Advised Avista Corporation in drafting the company’s 2025 proxy statement, preparing the compensation and discussion analysis, or CD&A section, and other sections related to compensation and benefits.
Represented Kinder Morgan, Inc. in aspects of employee benefits and executive compensation in connection with Kinder Morgan’s subsidiary Hiland Partners Holdings LLC’s $640 million acquisition of OE2 North Holdings LLC.
Practice head
Matthew Grunert