Old Friends

The long-standing friendship between Kirkland & Ellis partner John Weissenbach and Avy Stein, managing partner of Willis Stein & Partners, has resulted in a stable and productive professional relationship between the two firms.  Weissenbach and Stein attended Harvard Law together, and eventually worked together at Kirkland.  Now, they collaborate on the complex acquisition and divestments that are essential to Willis Stein. 

Recently, Weissenbach oversaw Willis Stein’s acquisition out of bankruptcy of Jays Foods, a popular Chicago potato-chip manufacturer and a cornerstone of Willis Stein’s “snack food initiative”.  Jays Foods has since emerged from bankruptcy into profitability, while retaining the local factory and employees.

This article appeared in its entirety in the October 11, 2004 edition of The Deal.