Best Acquisition / Leveraged Finance Lawyers in Chicago

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Lippes Mathias LLP
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1965
177 people in their team
English
Lippes Mathias LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 135 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, N.Y.; Albany, N.Y.; Burlington, Ontario; Chicago, Ill.; New York City; Jacksonville, Fla; and Washington, D.C., the firm represents a wide...
Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1869
304 people in their team
English
Howard & Howard is a full-service law firm with a national and international practice that provides legal services to businesses and business owners. The firm has offices in Royal Oak, Michigan; Illinois (Chicago and Peoria); Las Vegas, Nevada; and Beverly Hills, California. From our...
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1946
2,057 people in their team
English
At Arnold & Porter, we are client-driven and industry-focused. Our lawyers practice in more than 40 practice areas across the litigation, regulatory and transactional spectrum to help clients with complex needs stay ahead of the global market, anticipate opportunities and address issues that...
Perkins Coie LLP
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1912
2,875 people in their team
English
Perkins Coie is a leading international law firm that is known for providing high value, strategic solutions and extraordinary client service on matters vital to our clients' success. With more than 1,200 attorneys in offices across the United States and Asia, we provide a full array of corporate,...

Founded in 1984
227 people in their team
English
The founding vision of Barack Ferrazzano in 1984 was to create a new model that departed from the standard "mega-firm" approaches and, instead, focused on delivering efficient, team-oriented services of the highest quality. Our founding partners - two highly respected law professors at Northwestern...
Jones Day
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1893
2,500 people in their team
English
Jones Day has a history of more than 125 years and a culture of client service and professionalism based on explicit shared values. These values include providing pro bono legal services, building diversity in our profession, and supporting outreach efforts around the world.Jones Day has a long...
Bailey Glasser
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1999
123 people in their team
English
Founded by Ben Bailey and Brian Glasser in 1999 in Charleston, West Virginia, Bailey Glasser has grown to include 76 lawyers, with 17 offices across the United States. The firm’s complex litigation practice focuses on high-stakes commercial litigation; class actions for consumers, insureds,...
Ice Miller LLP
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1910
350 people in their team
English
Built on a foundation of legal service more than a century long, Ice Miller LLP is committed to helping our clients stay ahead in a changing world.Our diverse client base ranges from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies and from governmental entities to educational organizations and pension funds. We...

Founded in 1948
1,700 people in their team
English
The traits that fueled Skadden’s rise from a New York startup to a global powerhouse - collaborative, innovative, persistent - continue to define our firm culture. We remain intensely focused on the simple formula of developing an inclusive complement of extraordinary attorneys, working together...
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP.
Chicago, United States

Founded in 1974
1,688 people in their team
English
As the only law firm with offices and attorneys in all 50 states, we deliver maximum value to our clients by combining the resources of a full-service national firm with the local knowledge of a regional firm. Featuring more than 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we provide comprehensive litigation and...
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About Acquisition / Leveraged Finance Law in Chicago, United States

Acquisition and leveraged finance law deals with the legal aspects of borrowing money to acquire businesses or assets. In Chicago, which serves as a central financial hub in the Midwest, these transactions are common among corporations, private equity firms, and institutional investors. Acquisition finance typically involves using debt to buy another company, while leveraged finance refers to raising capital using significant amounts of debt, often with the acquired business’s assets as collateral. These legal services encompass the structuring, negotiation, and documentation of loans and credit facilities, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and local regulations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal professionals in acquisition and leveraged finance help protect your interests throughout complex financial transactions. You may need a lawyer if you are:

  • Considering buying or selling a business using loans or structured financing
  • A private equity firm or investor involved in mergers or acquisitions
  • Negotiating or drafting loan agreements and credit terms
  • Concerned about regulatory compliance or taxation associated with financial transactions
  • Involved in disputes concerning breaches of financial covenants or loan agreement terms
  • Securing collateral or perfecting security interests in Illinois
  • Restructuring debts or refinancing existing loans due to financial distress

Having a lawyer ensures contracts are clear, enforceable, and legally compliant, reducing the risk of costly financial or legal repercussions.

Local Laws Overview

Chicago businesses operate under state regulations set by Illinois as well as federal oversight. Some significant aspects impacting acquisition and leveraged finance law in Chicago include:

  • Article 9 of the Illinois Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which governs secured transactions
  • State usury laws that may limit interest rates and fees
  • Compliance with federal laws such as the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act, and antitrust provisions enforced by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
  • State and local tax considerations and requirements for mergers, acquisitions, and loan transactions
  • Registration and perfection of security interests with the Illinois Secretary of State
  • Specific regulations for banks and lenders operating in Illinois, including licensing and reporting

Due diligence and regulatory compliance are especially important in Chicago, given its role as a center for finance and commerce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is leveraged finance in the context of Chicago business transactions?

Leveraged finance refers to funding acquisitions or expansions using significant amounts of borrowed money, leveraging the assets or cash flows of the acquired company to secure the debt.

How does acquisition finance differ from other types of business loans?

Acquisition finance is specifically structured to fund the purchase of another business, usually involving tailored terms, security interests, and due diligence requirements beyond standard commercial loans.

What are the risks of leveraged buyouts in Chicago?

Risks include potential default on loans, financial covenants being breached, higher interest rates, regulatory scrutiny, and possible negative impacts on company operations if debt is excessive.

Are there specific laws in Illinois that affect acquisition loans?

Yes, state laws like the Illinois Uniform Commercial Code apply to secured transactions, and Illinois usury laws may restrict loan terms. Local laws can also affect documentation and taxation.

Do I need a lawyer to negotiate acquisition or leveraged finance transactions?

It is highly recommended. Lawyers help negotiate terms, draft and review contracts, ensure compliance, and protect your interests against legal and financial pitfalls.

How do security interests work in Illinois?

Security interests must be properly documented and perfected, usually by filing with the Illinois Secretary of State. This establishes priority over collateral in case of borrower default.

What is due diligence in acquisition finance transactions?

Due diligence involves investigating the target company’s finances, assets, liabilities, legal risks, contracts, and regulatory compliance to identify potential issues before closing a transaction.

Can lenders enforce out-of-state provisions in Chicago-based deals?

Generally, parties can choose which laws govern their contracts, but Illinois courts may apply local laws for issues like security interest perfection, usury, and real property concerns.

What government agencies regulate acquisition and leveraged finance?

Federal agencies include the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice. Illinois agencies, such as the Secretary of State, also play a role in regulating financial transactions and filings.

What should I do if a loan covenant is breached?

Contact a lawyer immediately. Breaches can trigger remedies such as acceleration of debt or foreclosure on collateral. Legal advice is crucial to negotiate solutions or defenses.

Additional Resources

For further information or assistance, consider these organizations and agencies related to acquisition and leveraged finance in Chicago:

  • Illinois Secretary of State Business Services - for UCC filings and business registrations
  • Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - for lender licensing and oversight
  • Chicago Bar Association - for lawyer referrals and legal resources
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) - for regulations on securities and capital raising
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division - for merger regulations and compliance
  • Local chambers of commerce and business incubators with legal support networks

Next Steps

If you need legal advice or assistance regarding acquisition or leveraged finance in Chicago:

  • Document all communications, contracts, and relevant financial information related to your transaction
  • Research local and state regulations that might impact your deal
  • Contact a lawyer experienced in acquisition and finance law in Illinois as early as possible
  • Prepare a list of questions and objectives for your initial legal consultation
  • Ensure any lawyer you consult is licensed in Illinois and has relevant experience in your type of transaction
  • Do not sign any agreements or make significant financial commitments without obtaining legal review

Getting proper legal guidance is crucial for successful and compliant acquisition or leveraged finance transactions in Chicago.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Chicago through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Acquisition / Leveraged Finance, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Chicago, United States - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.