Private Equity

PKJ attorneys advise clients on matters relating to private equity investments on both the buy-side and the sell-side of such transactions.  Our private equity team includes a former staff member of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well as seasoned transactional attorneys with industry focus on technology companies and regional focus on Europe and India.  Members of our team also possess extensive experience working with investments and investors in Asia and a number of other offshore jurisdictions.  Our attorneys have significant experience in evaluating tax aspects of fund investments and have significant tax structuring experience.  Our attorneys also have experience structuring domestic and offshore investment vehicles; equity financings, including common, preferred, and convertible structures; mezzanine and convertible debt financings (subordinated or senior); as well as structuring divestitures of business unit(s).

At PKJ, we have the in-house capacity aided by strategic alliances with investment bankers to help clients assess overall market information and business strategies relevant to their operations.  With our collective backgrounds, in-depth understanding of business issues, and strategic partnerships, we are able to provide insight and help clients maintain some control over how an investment process is conducted, subject to overall market conditions.

For example, we help guide clients through the complex process of capital raising from private equity funds and portfolio investment companies, advising clients at each step of an investment life cycle, including:

- Preparing summary and detailed information for distribution to potential investors and/or buyer candidates.

- Preparing transaction documents and overseeing a due diligence process.

- Assisting clients in preparation for an investment transaction closing, including assistance with respect to documenting compliance with pre-closing covenants.

- Advising clients on structuring investment exits, such as public offerings and alternative liquidity strategies.

PKJ’s Private Equity Practice is led by Cheri Carper Bennett and Sandhya Mehta.

Ms. Bennett began her career at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Corporation Finance.  She later worked in the corporate securities practice of leading law firms, Patton Boggs LLP, K&L Gates LLP and Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP.  Prior to joining PKJ, she also served as Associate General Counsel at E*Trade Financial Corporation.

Ms. Mehta is an Indian-born attorney licensed to practice in India as well as in several jurisdictions in the U.S.  She began her U.S. legal career in the corporate practice at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and later worked as corporate and technology transactions counsel for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.  Prior to joining PKJ, she led the India practice at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C., a 550-attorney law firm with offices throughout the Southeast United States.