The Deal

Rob Kindler, an M&A partner at Paul Weiss, discusses his career as an M&A lawyer and banker, doing deals at Morgan Stanley and the importance of lifelong connectivity. 

When corporations install anti-activist poison pills they are less likely to implement new share buybacks and their operationally-focused capital expenditures tend to be higher, UC Berkeley School of Law professor Ofer Eldar explains.

Joele Frank discusses how she came to public relations and her approach to growing her own firm.

Solomon Partners head of business services Tim Shea discusses private equity's growing interest in residential and facilities services and dealmaking activity in the market in 2025. 

Bruce Goldfarb, CEO and president of Okapi Partners, discusses launching the proxy solicitor in 2008 and how the client service skills he learned working in his father's dry cleaning business are relevant on Wall Street.

Kimberly Petillo-Decossard, the co-head of M&A at White & Case, discusses building her career, her decision to change firms and how her husband's willingness to retire from his career as a banker has been pivotal to her success. 

Pierre LeComte, Managing Director at TSG Consumer Partners, shares his extensive experience in consumer retail and private equity. He discusses investment strategies that prioritize long-term growth and profitability, especially in the beauty and home services sectors. LeComte also highlights the importance of strategic partnerships during challenging times, such as the pandemic, to enhance post-acquisition value. Additionally, he delves into the evolving fitness industry, consumer behavior shifts, and the broader M&A landscape, emphasizing resilience and adaptability.

William Regner, an M&A partner at Debevoise & Plimpton, dives into the latest legal amendments affecting Delaware corporate law. He shares his journey from paralegal to M&A expert, illustrating how mentorship transformed his career. Regner discusses the challenges and lessons learned during the tumultuous mid-1990s M&A market, particularly regarding cross-border mergers between German and U.S. laws. He offers insights into the delicate balance of buyer objectives and target firm cultures in investment management transactions.

Keith Gottfried, a defense advisor and leader of Gottfried Shareholder Advisory, discusses the urgent need to revamp outdated disclosure rules for shareholder activism. He highlights how current regulations hinder transparency and accountability in modern activism campaigns. Gottfried critiques the stagnant SEC Form 8-K requirements and the complexities of 13D filings, emphasizing that clearer, more specific disclosure regulations are essential. He advocates for improved corporate disclosure practices to provide investors with timely information, especially during proxy contests.

Guy Barudin, managing director at Chardan Capital Markets, dives into the intricate world of SPACs. He discusses the dual role of his firm as investor and advisor, shedding light on their innovative strategies to secure capital for growing companies. The conversation highlights the dramatic rise and subsequent decline of SPACs, influenced by market fluctuations and regulatory changes. Barudin emphasizes the essential traits of effective SPAC sponsors and explores how SPACs remain an appealing option for companies navigating the complexities of going public.