K&L Gates represents private equity firms across a broad range of sectors and asset classes. The Charlotte-based team advises clients on matters concerning various industries. Practice head Rick Giovannelli represents buyers and sellers, and financial sponsors in complex buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth investments. Kevin Stichter represents multinational public companies in cross-border acquisitions, while John Blair focuses on structuring and negotiating leveraged buyouts, growth equity investments, and joint venture agreements. Another key team member is Mary Scott Kennedy, who focuses on mezzanine finance transactions and corporate law matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Speedy responses and great market knowledge.
- John Wingerter is fantastic. Always available. Distills complex items into easy decision-making. Organized and keeps M&A processes on track.
- Service and practicality, especially John Wingerter.
- They are available and flexible - exactly like I would expect them to be.
- They give solid advice and are able to find another qualified resource in the organization to assist with requests.
- Give solid advice. Able to find another qualified resource in the organization to assist with last-minute requests.
- Michael Hutson is hands-on, in the details, but still retains the bird's-eye commercial view to help navigate key issues.
- Highly responsive experts in every business function/area so that we can rely on their expertise when our internal team is not available. There is a plethora of experience across deals to be able to say what is "market" and suggest clever solutions to problems, often before they emerge.
- Barry Price and Patrick Rogers are thought partners in our deals, always helping us navigate oddities. Michael Hutson and Morgan Kleinhandler are always quick to support our venture investments, even with off-the-wall timeframes.
Key clients
- OnSight Industries, LLC
- McCorquodale Transfer, LLC
- Carousel Capital Partners
- Landscape Workshop, LLC
- QAS Holdings, LLC
- Falfurrias Capital Partners
- Incline Equity Partners
- CSLC MSO Buyer, LLC
- AquaPhoenix Scientific, LLC
- NovaVision, LLC
- Pike Street Capital, LP
- The SEER Group LLC
- Blue Point Capital Partners LLC
- Aldinger Company
- Riverarch Equity Partners (f/k/a PNC Riverarch)
Work highlights
Represented Falfurrias Capital Partners, a Charlotte-based private equity firm, in connection with its purchase of Snak-King LLC, a manufacturer of private-label and co-manufactured snack food products headquartered in City of Industry, California.
Represented Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center, an aesthetic medical practice, in its acquisition of Boyd, PLC d/b/a Boyd Beauty.
Represented Incline Equity Partners in the sale of its platform company, Charter Industries Holdings LLC, to Wynnchurch Capital, L.P.
Practice head
Rick Giovannelli
Other key lawyers
Kevin Stichter; John Blair; Mary Scott Kennedy; Michael Hutson; John Wingerter