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Philip B. Taub
Partner / Head of Private Equity
Introduction
Since joining Nixon Peabody more than 27 years ago, Phil Taub has had the pleasure of advising investors, middle-market private companies, large public companies, entrepreneurs, and C-level executives in many different kinds of corporate transactions all over North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Phil was born in Southern Africa and finished his secondary education in the United States. His love of family, travel, outdoor adventure, and community permeates everything he does.
My focus
I have more than 27 years of experience in middle market corporate transactional work, including mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, joint ventures, startups, shareholder disputes, and venture capital financing. Nixon Peabody’s platform enables our team to represent the full range of clients at any one time. By way of example, we recently worked on the following transactions:
- Formation of a family office after a successful sale of business
- Represented a large, Fortune 50 company in its acquisition of a business from a private equity fund
- Represented a fast-growing, early-stage technology company in its first institutional round of financing
- Represented a portfolio company of a private equity fund in the financing of an add-on acquisition in the UK
- Represented a family office investor in a joint venture with a private equity investor and the roll-up of multiple companies
- Represented a private equity fund in the acquisition of a family-owned business
- Represented the owner of a family-owned business in the sale to a private equity fund
- Represented a group of investors in the acquisition of a privately held company
- Advised a local company on the merits of a possible international joint venture in China
- Advised the board of directors of a growing technology company in a multitude of issues, including in raising capital
- Represented a Fortune 200 company in its acquisition of a business from a multigenerational family
- Represented a family office in an acquisition of a privately held company
This is just a small sample of recent work, but illustrates the breadth of experience and our capabilities. Often I find myself in a familiar negotiation that I have been involved in before, but wearing a different hat. Sometimes it is advising the investor, but other times it is the target in a similar type of transaction. Sometimes it is advising the seller on how to secure the best deal, but often it is the buyer on how to become the winning bidder. Sometimes it is the board of directors on how to best deal with an important issue, but other times it is representing the management team on how best to manage their board of directors. The experience of sitting on each side of the table has been invaluable in providing practical and relevant advice to each client.
Looking ahead
Our clients continue to be tested to manage in a challenging market. A number of trends have suddenly been accelerated, which, when combined with so much dislocation in the market, creates opportunities for those who can see the trends, are bold enough to pursue them, and have the liquidity to do it successfully. Management teams will be challenged to survive and thrive, but some will fail. Valuations for weaker companies will drop and some of those companies will be acquired by purchasers still flush with cash. Companies in now hot areas, for example, telemedicine, non-perishable food production, and vaccine production, will command higher valuations. Both strategic and financial sponsors are going to have a tougher time trying to win the “hot” sellers, but both will have opportunities to acquire weaker companies at distressed prices. Through it all, I think the middle market continues to present great opportunities for savvy dealmakers to find and create value for their investors and stockholders.
Insights
Phil has been described as “the consummate trusted advisor,” who is “very practical and determined to get the deal closed,” and who “consistently excels at solving client’s complex problems.” Phil routinely taps into a broad network of middle-market contacts to help clients source new transaction opportunities, identify sources of capital, hire key employees, and engage other key service providers, from investment bankers to accountants. Phil believes that “as lawyers we have to do a lot more than just provide excellent service and work; we need to understand our client’s business and find ways to add value to their business.”
At Nixon Peabody, Phil has served in many prior leadership roles, including chair of the Business Department and on the firm’s Management Committee. Phil currently leads the firm’s nationally acclaimed Private Equity and Family Office practice group. This is a dynamic and experienced group comprised of private equity lawyers around the firm, ranging in skills from fund formation, to transactions, to representing portfolio companies, to resolving claims among investors. Phil also chairs the firm’s Policy Committee.
Phil is a frequent lecturer and presenter on the latest trends in mergers and acquisitions, business strategies, and issues most important to PE funds, independent sponsors, family offices, CEOs, CFOs, and general counsel. Deeply committed to our community, Phil and his wife Julie started a new charity in the spring of 2017 to benefit our veterans called Swim With A Mission. So far, they have already raised over $7 million to benefit tens of thousands of veterans needing assistance. Phil is a board member at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Ft. Pierce, Florida. Phil is also the immediate past president of the board of the Granite State Children’s Alliance, which attends to child victims of abuse. He also serves on the board of Elliot Hospital and Elliot Health System. In 2015, Phil co-founded a de novo bank called Primary Bank, a full-service community bank headquartered in Bedford, NH, and currently serves on the board of directors. He is a former member of a number of boards, including, the Derryfield School, the YMCA, and Junior Achievement.
When Phil is not on his phone or in front of his computer, he is likely spending time with his family, working out with a Navy SEAL, or walking his English springer spaniels through the woods, occasionally skeet shooting, sometimes competing in triathlons, and always happy to share a single malt scotch or fine tequila. If not for the complete intellectual engagement of working with a wonderful group of clients, Phil would enjoy being a safari guide in the Okavango Delta.
Publications
- Mergers & Acquisitions Law 2012, 2012 ed.
- Inside the Minds: Business Due Diligence Strategies, 2010 ed.
Presentations
- Moderator, “Private Equity and M&A Outlook: Trends & Opportunities,” Nixon Peabody Hot Topics in the Middle Market, November 15, 2022
- Moderator, NHIOP Distinguished Speaker Series: Gen. David H. Petraeus, Virtual Program, New Hampshire Institute of Politics, February 3, 2022
- Speaker, “Phil Taub on Supporting Veterans with PTSD,” Military Matters with Jack Heath podcast, September 29, 2020
- Speaker, “Startup Investing in a Changing Landscape,” Sustainable Change Alliance, Webinar, July 15, 2020
- Moderator, “NP Connects Live Webinar” weekly series: 4/2, 4,9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14 and 5/21
- Speaker, “Best Practices in Family Office Structures: Mistakes Can Cost Millions,” Family Office Association, April, 2018
- Moderator, “Direct Investing: Lessons Learned from the Road,” Family Office Association Conference, November 2017
- Moderator, “Family Offices: Direct Investment Trends,” Nixon Peabody and FTI Consulting Family Office Dinner, October 2017
- Moderator, “Family Offices: Direct Investment Trends,” Nixon Peabody and FTI Consulting Family Office Dinner, September 2017
- Moderator, “Investing Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities in the Cannabis Industry,” Nixon Peabody Hot Topics in the Middle Market, June 2017
- Moderator, “Private Equity Investing Outlook: What is next for investing in Health Care,” Nixon Peabody Hot Topics in the Middle Market, May 2017
- Moderator, “Private Equity Investing Outlook: What is next for the Consumer Products & Services Industry,” Nixon Peabody Hot Topics in the Middle Market, May 2017
- Speaker, Aon Boston Transaction Liability Forum, May 2017
- Moderator, “Family Offices and Private Equity: Direct Investment Trends, Opportunities and Challenges Ahead,” Nixon Peabody Family Office Dinner, May 2017
- Moderator, “Private Equity and M&A Outlook: Trends & Opportunities,” Nixon Peabody Hot Topics in the Middle Market, January 2017
- Moderator, “Private Equity and M&A Outlook: Trends & Opportunities,” Nixon Peabody Hot Topics in the Middle Market, December 2016
- Moderator, “Private Equity Investing Outlook: What is next for the Food & Beverage Industry,” Nixon Peabody Hot Topics in the Middle Market, April 2016
- Moderator, “Private Equity and M&A Outlook: Trends & Opportunities,” Nixon Peabody Hot Topics in the Middle Market, January 2016
- Moderator, “Private Equity Investing Outlook: What is next for the Food & Beverage Industry,” Nixon Peabody Hot Topics in the Middle Market, April 2015
In the news
- The Deal
Carlyle- and GTCR-Backed Resonetics to Acquire Two SAES Units
Jan 9, 2023Article detailing Resonetics LLC’s acquisition of Memry Corp. and SAES Smart Materials Inc. from SAES Getters SpA in an all-cash deal worth $900 million, including Nixon Peabody attorneys Phil Taub and Amy O’Keefe.
- Law Enforcement Today
This incredible non-profit raised $2 million in one weekend – but their plans to save Americans are way bigger
Article detailing the nonprofit organization SWAM, featuring comments from the organization’s founder, Phil Taub.Jan 8, 2023 - The American Lawyer
A law firm partner and a Navy SEAL share tips for thriving in big law
Jan 2, 2023Manchester Corporate partner Phil Taub, leader of the firm’s Private Equity & Family Offices team, cowrote this article discussing how lawyers can apply several fundamental U.S. Navy SEAL tenets to their practices to boost effectiveness and productivity.
- The Deal
Resonetics to acquire two SAES units
Dec 9, 2022The following article covers Resonetics LLC’s $900 million agreement to acquire Memry Corp. and SAES Smart Materials Inc. from NP client SAES Getters SpA. The article mentions Manchester partner and Private Equity & Family Offices team leader Phil Taub and Boston partner Amy O’Keefe, both of the Corporate group, for leading the NP team representing SAES Getters on U.S. legal matters. The team also includes Chicago partner and Global Finance co-leader Rob Drobnak; Corporate partners Alexandra Lopez-Casero and Thomas McCord from Boston, Andrew Share from Manchester, and Sean Clancy from Washington, DC; Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Mark Beaudoin from Manchester and Alison Torbitt from San Francisco; Boston Labor & Employment partner Jeff Gilbreth; Rochester Intellectual Property partner Kristen Walsh; Washington, DC Complex Disputes partner and Antitrust leader Gordon Lang; Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights; Rochester counsel and Cybersecurity & Privacy deputy leader Jenny Holmes; Boston Corporate counsel David Crosby; Washington, DC Complex Disputes counsel Brian Whittaker; Albany Affordable Housing & Finance counsel Dana Stanton; Corporate associates Shaziah Singh from New York, Anthony Bova from Boston, Corey Habib from Manchester, and Hrishikesh Shah from Chicago; and Manchester Corporate department attorney Dave Zimmermann.
- PLANSPONSOR
Retirement industry moves
The following roundup of retirement industry news mentions NP as legal counsel for direct-indexing asset technology company Veriti Management in its pending sale to First Trust Capital Partners. The deal team includes Boston partners Greg O’Shaughnessy and Amy O’Keefe, and Manchester partner and Private Equity practice leader Phil Taub, all of the Corporate group.July 8, 2022 - InvestmentNews
First Trust acquires direct-indexing fintech Veriti
The following article mentions NP for representing direct-indexing asset technology company Veriti Management in its pending sale to First Trust Capital Partners. The deal team includes Boston partners Greg O’Shaughnessy and Amy O’Keefe, and Manchester partner and Private Equity practice leader Phil Taub, all of the Corporate group.July 6, 2022 - Bloomberg Law
First Trust acquires direct-indexing provider Veriti Management
The following article mentions NP for representing direct-indexing asset technology company Veriti Management in its pending sale to First Trust Capital Partners. The deal team includes Boston partners Greg O’Shaughnessy and Amy O’Keefe, and Manchester partner and Private Equity practice leader Phil Taub, all of the Corporate group.July 6, 2022 - New Hampshire Union Leader
Granite Recovery Centers acquired by Texas company
This article on BayMark Health Services’ acquisition of Granite Recovery Centers mentions NP for the work by Manchester partner and Private Equity practice leader Phil Taub, Washington DC partner and Tax practice co-leader Sean Clancy, and New York City partner Rachel Pugliese and associate Shaziah Singh, all of the Corporate group, for advising Granite Recovery Centers.Jan 5, 2022 - Behavioral Health Business
BayMark Health expands SUD treatment footprint with purchase of Granite Recovery Centers
This article on BayMark Health Services’ acquisition of Granite Recovery Centers mentions NP for the work by Manchester partner and Private Equity practice leader Phil Taub, Washington DC partner and Tax practice co-leader Sean Clancy, and New York City partner Rachel Pugliese and associate Shaziah Singh, all of the Corporate group, for advising Granite Recovery Centers.Dec 23, 2021 - Discover Your Talent–Do What You Love Podcast
A Day in the Life: What's It Really Like to Be a Mergers and Acquisitions Expert?
Dec 6, 2021In this podcast episode, M&A partner Philip Taub discusses his career path, and how he has focused his strengths, talents, and skills in a profession he feels passionate about.
- Wreaths Across America Radio
Swim With a Mission
Manchester Corporate partner Phil Taub joined this veterans’ advocacy radio program to discuss his nonprofit, Swim With a Mission, which raises money to support worthy organizations that service, support, and honor our nation’s veterans.Feb 24, 2021 - New Hampshire Union Leader
Phil Taub: A Thanksgiving tradition
Manchester Corporate partner Phil Taub wrote this op-ed about the many things for which he’s thankful this year, from our country’s active service members and veterans to those giving back to their local communities. Of note, Phil’s nonprofit, Swim With A Mission, was chosen to distribute over $4 million to veteran service organizations dedicated to helping veterans struggling with homelessness and mental health issues.Nov 23, 2020 - New Hampshire Union Leader
"Swim with a Mission" to oversee distribution of $4M to NH veterans groups
Sep 21, 2020Private Equity team leader and Swim with a Mission co-founder Phil Taub is quoted in this feature story on the unprecedented leadership role for the nonprofit in distributing $4 million to Hew Hampshire veterans groups.
- The Deal
Paper Store Receives Higher Bid at Auction
Boston Financial Restructuring & Bankruptcy partner Rick Pedone is mentioned in this article for representing TPS Group Holdings LLC in its stalking horse bid in Paper Store LLC’s bankruptcy auction. Private Equity group leader and Manchester partner Phil Taub is also representing the investor group.Aug 28, 2020 - The Deal
Paper Store Names Insider Vehicle as Lead Bidder in Ch. 11
Boston Financial Restructuring & Bankruptcy partner Rick Pedone is mentioned in this article for representing TPS Group Holdings LLC in its stalking horse bid in Paper Store LLC’s bankruptcy auction. Private Equity group leader and Manchester partner Phil Taub is also representing the investor group.Aug 6, 2020 - The Boston Globe
Investors are making tough decisions on startups
This article quotes Manchester Corporate partner Phil Taub, head of the firm’s Private Equity team, on difficult decisions private equity firms are having to make in terms of which startups get funding and which do not in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.April 28, 2020 - New Hampshire Union Leader
Fighting pandemic without TP requires mental toughness
Following up on last month’s Union Leader op-ed (“I didn’t have a plan, so I bought toilet paper”), Manchester Corporate partner Phil Taub wrote this article on developing resilience and mental fortitude amid the pandemic. Phil includes insights from a Marine, a Green Beret, and an Army veteran.April 25, 2020 - New Hampshire Union Leader
Swim with a Mission, Recovery Logistics Network deliver essential protective gear to veterans home
This article highlights a donation made by the veteran support group Swim with a Mission of PPE, including 140 N95 masks and gowns to the New Hampshire Veterans Home. Swim with a Mission worked with Recovery Logistics Network to secure the equipment. Swim with a Mission is a charity co-founded by Manchester Corporate partner Phil Taub and his wife Julie.April 10, 2020 - <a href="https://www.unionleader.com/opinion/op-eds/your-turn-nh-phil-taub-i-didn-t-have-a/article_63b6d6e9-df0a-59f0-a60b-38e349bde417.html" target="_blank">New Hampshire Union Leader</a>
Phil Taub: I didn’t have a plan, so I bought toilet paper
Manchester Corporate partner Phil Taub wrote this op-ed sharing the insights of three retired Navy SEALs who talked about how people react in times of fear and anxiety, and how we can be strategic in our approach to the coronavirus outbreak.March 18, 2020 - <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/private-equity-firms-begin-to-wrestle-with-coronavirus-risk-11582844933" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a>
Private equity firms begin to wrestle with coronavirus risk
Manchester Corporate partner Phil Taub talks to the Wall Street Journal about the personal and professional impact of the coronavirus outbreak on private-equity practitioners.Feb 27, 2020 - New Hampshire Union Leader
NH Newsmakers: Birch Hill adds four trustees
Manchester Corporate partner and Private Equity practice team leader Phil Taub is mentioned in this article for his elevation to board director of the National Navy UDT-Seal Museum in Florida. Phil co-founded the nonprofit Swim for a Mission, which has raised more than $1.2 million for veterans’ causes over the past two years.March 24, 2019 - New Hampshire Business Review
Q&A with Attorney Phil Taub
Nov 23, 2018Manchester Corporate partner Phil Taub is featured in this interview about his view on the market for mergers and acquisitions. The article also mentions Phil’s extensive work on behalf of our nation’s veterans.
- New Hampshire Business Review
Q and A with attorney Phil Taub
Manchester Corporate partner Phil Taub is featured in this interview about his view on the market for mergers and acquisitions. The article also mentions Phil’s extensive work on behalf of our nation’s veterans.Nov 23, 2018 - iHeart Radio
Movers & Shakers
Manchester private equity and family office partner Phil Taub was featured in this podcast discussing his career at Nixon Peabody and the success of the “Swim with a Mission” charity event he founded. He will also be featured in a chapter of the book that will be published based on this podcast series.Sep 8, 2018 - New Hampshire Union Leader
Newfound Lakes' 'Swim with a Mission' to benefit veterans
Manchester corporate partner Phil Taub is quoted in this article previewing Swim With a Mission, a fundraising event founded by Phil and his wife, Julie, to benefit veterans’ organizations.June 11, 2018 - The Union Leader (Manchester, NH)
Navy SEALS storm Newfound Lake for military fundraiser
This article is about the inaugural Swim With A Mission fundraiser organized by Private equity and investment funds leader and Manchester partner Phil Taub. The event raised money for various military charities. Many Nixon Peabody attorneys and staff participated and volunteered at the event.July 15, 2017 - Law360
Pricey Deal Auctions Squeeze Small PE Players
Partner and co-head of the Private Equity Transactions group Phil Taub is quoted in this article discussing how smaller private equity firms are impacted by auctions for a limited number of quality targets.Nov 19, 2014 - Law360
3 Tips for Navigating Today's Crowded Deal Auctions
Partner and co-head of the Private Equity Transactions group Phil Taub is quoted in this article on how the imbalance in the number of investors looking quickly close deals and the number of targets has forced bankers to elongate the auction process and potential buyers to adapt.Sep 25, 2014 - Law360
Dealmakers Q&A: Nixon Peabody's Phil Taub
Partner and co-head of the Private Equity Transactions group Phil Taub is featured in this Q&A, part of Law360’s series with dealmaking movers and shakers.July 30, 2014
Admitted to practice
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
District of Columbia
U.S. District Court, District of New Hampshire
Education
Boston University, B.S.
George Washington University National Law Center, J.D.
Professional activities
Phil currently serves on the following boards: Swim With A Mission, Inc. (Co-Founder and President), National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum (Ft. Pierce, Florida), Primary Bank (New Hampshire), Granite State Children’s Alliance (Past President) and Elliot Health Systems (New Hampshire). Phil formerly served on a number of other community boards, including, the Greater Manchester Family YMCA, the Derryfield School and Junior Achievement. Philip is a former president of the local bar association.
Recognition
Philip was selected for inclusion in The Legal 500 M&A Private Practice Powerlist – USA Region 2023.
Philip was selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023 in the fields of Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; and Venture Capital Law. Philip has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2010.
Philip has been recognized for exceptional standing in the legal community in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2022 for Corporate/Commercial (New Hampshire). He has also been recognized in Chambers in previous years.
Philip has also been recognized as a “New England Super Lawyer” in business and corporate law based on a peer-review survey by Thomson Reuters (2007-2018, 2020).
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllJohn P. Beals
Partner / Co-leader, Investment Funds Practice- Boston
- Office:617.345.1060
- jbeals@nixonpeabody.com
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Benedict Kwon
Partner / Co-leader, Investment Funds Practice- Los Angeles
- Office:213.629.6164
- bkwon@nixonpeabody.com
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Todd Tidgewell
Partner / Leader, Corporate Practice Group- Albany
- Office:518.427.2705
- ttidgewell@nixonpeabody.com
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Christopher P. Keefe
Partner
Chair, Business & Finance Department- Boston
- Office:617.345.1350
- ckeefe@nixonpeabody.com
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