Satisfied clients of Seward & Kissel LLP commend it as a ‘solutions-oriented practice that does everything possible to get the deal done’. The firm’s robust funds practice is reflected in its M&A work, with the team particularly active on behalf of private equity clients on buy- and sell-side transactions. Other sectors of focus include shipping, where it stands out for its ability to link up with its premier maritime and TMT offerings. The New York-based business transactions group is led jointly by Craig Sklar and seasoned corporate finance specialist James Abbott, both of whom represent a range of public and private companies, investment funds, business owners, and financial institutions on middle-market M&A deals. The team also benefits from the senior experience of Nick Katsanos, who is noted for M&A involving the TMT, broker-dealer, veterinary, and shipping industries, and Gerhard Anderson, who has a focus on financial services-related transactions. Danielle Lemberg is recommended for her growing activity in both strategic and private equity deals.
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- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The firm dedicates a team of individuals so there is continuity of service and client knowledge. James Abbott and team know our pressure points, house positions and internal colleagues and this is always helpful.’
- ‘James Abbott is an excellent lawyer and a trusted advisor. He is extremely knowledgeable and an expert negotiator. He is available and supportive at all times.’
- ‘It really comes down to service and quality. They are by far the most detailed and services-oriented team I have worked with. Lawyers are quick to respond with complete information that is very impactful when making decisions. Standout folks include Nick Katsanos and James Cofer.’
- ‘A sophisticated and sensible team. Never lawyering for the sake of lawyering nor grandstanding to upstage opposition counsel. Client centric. No nonsense. Timely. Special mention to Craig Sklar and Nick Katsanos; outstanding tag team and leadership of broader team.’
- ‘S&K offers a premier M&A service. Having worked with all the leading law firms during my career, in my area (financial services) S&K is as good or better than any large firm. Excellent domain expertise, great problem solvers and are aligned to get deals done efficiently and effectively.’
- ‘Craig Sklar is one of the top lawyers I have ever worked with. He is smart, focused, client-friendly and a fantastic problem solver. Craig works efficiently and effectively and delivers a world-class service to his clients.’
- ‘A highly client-focused, motivated and hard-working team. At times you feel like you are the only client, while knowing full well that you are just one in a large practice.’
- ‘Incredibly thoughtful, solutions-oriented practice doing everything possible to get the deal done. Most notable is not just dotting all the I's and crossing the T's from a legal perspective but also wanting to make sure that it works from a business perspective.’
Key clients
- AlTi Global, Inc.
- Pangaea Logistics Solutions
- Growth Catalyst Partners
- Estancia Capital Management
- Kennedy Lewis
- Riverbridge Partners
- Marex Group
- The Investment Center
- Kudu Investment Management
- iM Global Partner
Work highlights
- Advised UK-based Marex on its acquisitions of ED&F Man Capital Markets and the legacy prime brokerage business of TD Cowen.
- Advised Tiedemann Advisors and TIG Advisors on their merger with UK-based Alvarium and a SPAC to form publicly-traded investment manager, AlTi Global.
- Advised Eneti on its merger with Denmark-based Cadeler.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Craig Sklar; James Abbott
Other key lawyers
Nick Katsanos; Gerhard Anderson; Danielle Lemberg; James Cofer