Partners Michele Cumpston and Christopher Wu Named Among “Private Equity and M&A Business Visionaries” by LA Times Studios
LA Times Studios recognized Kirkland partners Michele Cumpston and Christopher Wu on its 2026 list of “Private Equity and M&A Business Visionaries” for their leadership in middle-market liquidity solutions, corporate turnarounds and enterprise transformation.
Michele advises private equity firms, financial institutions and corporate clients on complex M&A, leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations, leading more than $16 billion in transactions for clients including Francisco Partners, Oaktree Capital Management and Varde Partners in the last two years.
Christopher represents private equity sponsors and portfolio companies in leveraged buyouts, growth investments, acquisitions and divestitures. He has led several major transactions, including Xerox’s $450 million joint venture with TPG Credit to manage IP assets and strategic acquisitions for Ares Management, LightBay Capital and Oak View Group.
