Sidley’s search fund team is composed of the industry’s legal market leaders. As thought leaders, our team has more than 40 years of combined market experience representing entrepreneurs, investors, and boards of directors in more than 200 transactions. The team provides clients with market-leading legal and business counsel throughout the entire search fund life cycle by drawing on its experience and Sidley’s market-leading global practices, including Private Equity, M&A, Private Equity Fund Formation, Tax, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, and Regulatory.
How We Add Value
Fundraising: Our experience and familiarity with investors offers our entrepreneur clients a true market advantage. We serve as trusted advisors and resources, connecting first-time and veteran entrepreneurs with investors to help them access the capital necessary to close their search funds. We also advise domestic and international searchers on fund formation and structuring, as well as compliance with state and federal laws.
Acquisition: We work with entrepreneurs and search funds to assess and close domestic and international acquisitions in a wide range of industries. Over the past 10 years, our search fund team has led the legal industry in search fund acquisition closings. With a deep understanding of the return and risk characteristics of entrepreneurs, investors and sellers, we are well positioned to help clients close acquisitions efficiently and create value for themselves and their investors.
Portfolio Company Operations: Once the acquisition is complete, our transactional team helps entrepreneurs, investors and boards of directors grow their investment and maximize returns. Our roles include serving as company counsel, advising on day-to-day issues and representing boards as they negotiate and close major transactions to promote the growth of their companies. We have the vital combination of experience and business and legal acumen necessary to navigate all tasks encountered by our clients.
Exit: As entrepreneurs, investors and boards of directors assess exit alternatives at various points over the life cycle of their investments, we help develop an effective exit strategy. We also represent clients during liquidity events, such as sales and divestitures, mergers and initial public offerings. Our team has the market knowledge, experience and skill to negotiate all aspects of the exit transaction, including navigating the issues that arise between entrepreneurs and investors, as well as between sellers and buyers.
