The Deal

Nathan Pund, Global Head of Outdoor, Active Lifestyle and Tactical Industries at Houlihan Lokey, brings a wealth of experience, having advised on over 200 transactions. He discusses post-pandemic shifts in consumer preferences from hard to soft goods in the outdoor industry. Pund emphasizes the importance of branding with his 'hat test' and explores the evolving direct-to-consumer landscape. He highlights the fitness industry's adaptations post-COVID, including new gym models and the rising popularity of outdoor activities like rock climbing and pickleball.

Keith Townsend, an M&A partner at King & Spalding with over 25 years of experience, shares insights on his business development journey shaped by his father's legal career. He discusses the importance of mentorship in corporate law and reflects on changes in capital markets that have shifted focus towards issuers. The conversation highlights the dynamics within legal teams, stressing communication and teamwork, while emphasizing the need for young lawyers to proactively engage in business development for career advancement.

Expert network platform Inex One owner Max Friberg discusses why activists and others retain expert networks ahead of insurgency campaigns. 

Katten's Mark Solomon discusses the evolution of family offices over the past generation and how the Dallas economy has changed since he started practicing law in the city in 1985.

Alon Nassan, head of private equity and M&A at Goodwin Procter, shares insights from his extensive career in corporate law. He discusses the evolution of legal practices in M&A, emphasizing a generalist approach for success. Nassan highlights the critical role of networking in developing a legal career and the importance of diverse connections. He also addresses the impact of personal well-being in high-stress environments and the unique challenges that arise with generational transitions in private equity.

In the most recent episode of Drinks With The Deal, Randi Lesnick, co-chair of the corporate practice, discusses key deals in her career and issues that AI raises both for law firms and for companies doing deals.

Gores Group's Senior Managing Director Mark Stone discusses the private equity firm's approach to the SPAC market and his perspective on recent developments in the sector as well as Gores' very successful de-SPAC of Twinkies maker Hostess Brands. Guest hosted by Bill Meagher, senior reporter.

Olshan Frome shareholder activism practice chair Andrew Freedman offers a postmortem of sorts on why 17 directors in two waves resigned ahead of a Browning West director contest at Canadian clothing company Gildan.

George Casey, Global Chairman of Corporate at Linklaters and M&A educator at Penn, unpacks his 30-year journey in cross-border deals. He shares insights on navigating the complexities of international regulations and the evolution of M&A practices. Casey recounts the political sensitivities faced during a $17 billion deal amid the 2007 financial crisis. He also reflects on the challenges and rewards of teaching these intricate topics, alongside his recent transition to Linklaters and the firm's culture in the U.S. legal market.

Vinson & Elkins activism defense adviser Patrick Gadson explains why economic activists aren't leaning into ESG as much and talks about the upcoming federal election's effect on both M&A and operational activism.