Chair, Mergers and Acquisitions Practice

With a focus on the strategic acquisitions and divestitures carried out by both public and growth-stage private companies, Marita Makinen values — and is valued for — her long-term approach to client relationships. She is regarded by her clients in the technology and consumer industries as a "company-focused" lawyer, one who becomes deeply involved in their business and who sees each transaction in the context of its impact on the company's future prospects.

Marita's transactions — whether buy-side or sell-side — frequently involve highly complex capital structures, intricate management incentives, talent retention issues and intellectual property that needs protecting. Her ability to understand the impact of these issues, while anticipating potential problems down the road, has brought her a steady stream of significant deals in recent years.

For public companies, Marita counsels on a wide range of issues, particularly in the areas of corporate governance and reporting obligations. Known for bringing a clear focus to the interpretation of SEC rules and regulations, she regularly provides her clients with practical disclosure advice grounded in a solid understanding of their business.

Her principal areas of focus include:

• Mergers and acquisitions — acquisitions, exit and change of control transactions, joint ventures, spin-offs, distressed asset transactions
• Finance transactions, including minority and control investments
• Governance
• Securities law requirements