The Deal has included Lowenstein in the shortlists for two categories for The Deal Awards New York 2020.
- Marita A. Makinen, partner, Chair of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions group, and Co-Chair of its Transactions & Advisory Group, has been shortlisted as Consumer, Retail, Food & Beverage Dealmaker of the Year for The Deal Awards New York 2020.
Makinen counsels public and growth-stage technology and consumer products clients on a broad spectrum of issues, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions as well as minority and control investments. She recently represented The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. in its acquisition of Have & Be Co. Ltd., the Seoul-based, global skin care company behind Dr. Jart+ and Do The Right Thing; PVH Corp., one of the world’s largest apparel companies, in the sale of its Speedo North America business to Pentland Group, the parent company of Speedo International Limited; and Topix Pharmaceuticals, a New Mountain Capital Portfolio company, in the acquisitions of Derma E and Clarity Clinical Skin Care, Inc. (dba ClarityRx), two rapidly growing California-based natural skincare companies.
- Lowenstein Sandler’s representation of TRANZACT, and its executive management team, led by Steven E. Siesser, in its $1.4 billion sale to Willis Towers Watson has been included on the shortlist for Private Equity Deal of the Year.
In this transaction, Lowenstein represented TRANZACT, a provider of comprehensive, direct-to-consumer sales and marketing solutions for leading insurance carriers in the United States, and its executive management team in the company’s $1.4 billion sale to Willis Towers Watson, a leading global advisory, broking, and solutions company. TRANZACT continues to operate as an integral part of Willis Towers Watson’s Benefits Delivery and Administration (BDA) business, which focuses on the development and delivery of administrative solutions for employers, employees and retirees. The TRANZACT deal team included Steven E. Siesser, Andrew P. Erdmann, Lesley Adamo, Darren Goodman, Anita L. Chapdelaine, Megan Monson, Bianka V. Barraza, Nicole Stefanelli, and Lauren M. Troeller.
To be considered for this year’s awards, deals must have been announced or completed between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019, involve at least one U.S.-based party (buyer, seller, or target), and be valued at more than $500 million. The Deal’s editors review all of the nominations and look at the complexity and success of transactions to determine the winning advisory teams. While size is considered, the true merits of the deals and their complexity also play into the equation.
Winners of The Deal New York 2020 Awards will be announced on September 25.
About Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Lowenstein Sandler is a national law firm with over 350 lawyers based in New York, Palo Alto, New Jersey, Utah, and Washington, D.C. The firm represents leaders in virtually every sector of the global economy, with particular emphasis on investment funds, life sciences, and technology. Recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and high standard of client service, the firm is committed to the interests of its clients, colleagues, and communities.
