America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2006: Private Equity: Buyouts & Venture Capital Investment
Chambers & Partners has compiled their independent and objective list of America's Leading Lawyers for Business based on comments gathered from thousands of interviews with clients and lawyers from Maine to Hawaii. This guide -- which is designed to reflect market opinion -- contains a view of the firms and attorneys who are considered leaders in their field.
In Chambers' 2006 review of national legal talent in the area of "Private Equity: Buyouts & Venture Capital Investment," our Firm and our lawyers are listed among the best in the country.
Chambers' comments:
New York Ranking: 2
The Firm: That the market is no longer focusing purely on the Chicago office when discussing this firm is surely indicative of its success in establishing aprominent and respected New York group. Private equity has always been a focus for K&E, and a substantial number of its attorneys are involved in private equity activities. Peers are perhaps right to consider it "a significant and real threat," while clients point to its "cost-effective, capable and tough negotiators." Although this tough stance is not to the taste of all, clients appreciate the high service levels and results-driven approach of this seamless international group.
The Lawyers: Stephen Fraidin remains a major figure in the industry. He recently acted for key client Forstmann Little on its $750 million acquisition of IMG and its $1.6 billion acquisition of 24 Hour Fitness. Clients say that Kirk Radke is a rare beast: a complete deal lawyer. "He can do everything, soup to nuts, has the ability to step away from the immediate legal issues and focus on the business concerns." Radke acted for BainCapital in the $550 million acquisition of Innophos from Rhodia.
Clients/Work Highlights: The firm acts for both marquee names (such as Forstmann Little and AIG Capital Partners) as well as smaller clients, an approach that results in greater diversity and exposure to the marketplace.
Reprinted with permission from Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2006 - www.chambersandpartners.com.