Stephen E. Reil

What do you focus on?

I handle a full range of corporate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, reorganizations, joint ventures, growth equity financing and corporate governance. I focus on middle-market private equity matters representing public and private companies and private equity funds in a broad range of corporate transactions. I also represent companies in the health care industry related to corporate matters.

Private Equity

I have been the lead attorney on a number of deals negotiating and drafting a wide variety of deal-related documents, including merger agreements, stock and asset purchase agreements, security holders’ agreements and various other primary and ancillary documents for both public and private clients. I also advise clients and boards of directors with respect to fiduciary duties and shareholder democracy issues, as well as negotiating and drafting ’33 and ’34 Act disclosure documents and security offerings and supporting agreements, including 144A offerings.

Mergers and Acquisitions

I regularly represent corporate clients throughout the acquisition and sale process. I also assist private equity funds in the acquisition and disposition of assets or equity positions in portfolio companies. I also regularly represent companies and shareholders in sale transactions, often with founders looking for an exit or some liquidity.

Growth Equity Investments and Capital Raises

I regularly represent corporate clients raise capital through a variety of equity and debt financings, including venture capital financings and convertible note offerings.

Intellectual Property

I assist clients with intellectual property license agreements related to trademarks, copyrights and patents, often in connection with the purchase or divestiture of entities or assets. I also assist clients with buy-side and sell-side diligence review of intellectual property documents.

What do you see on the horizon?

I see an active middle market in private equity and the need for solid corporate guidance in complex deals across a wide variety of verticals, including intellectual property and health care. I see strategic buys remaining active while both private equity funds and family offices making direct investments continue to compete for desirable assets.

Prior Experience

Prior to attending law school, Stephen was an engineer with Bechtel National and ATI Architects and Engineers. He is a licensed civil engineer in California.

Presentations

• Speaker, “Breaking Down the Boardroom Door—California’s ‘Women-On-Boards’ Law, SB826: Potential Implications, How to Comply and Best Practices for Creating a More Diverse and Inclusive Workforce,” Nixon Peabody Annual MCLE Seminar, San Francisco, January 2019
• Moderator, “Private Equity Outlook: What is Next for Investing in Health Care,” Nixon Peabody Hot Topics, Los Angeles, February 2018
• Moderator, “Private Equity and M&A Outlook: Trends & Opportunities,” Nixon Peabody Hot Topics in the Middle Market, January 2017
• Presenter, “Term Sheets in Early-State Investments,” Pipeline Angels, October 2015
• Presenter, “Fundraising II: Advancing the Ball – Accessing Investment to Support R&D and Achieve Commercialization,” Caltech OTT Entrepreneurship Speaking Series, May 2014
• Presenter, “Entity Formation,” Caltech OTT Entrepreneurship Speaking Series, March 2014