Private Equity
Investment Insight. Execution Excellence. Full Lifecycle Support.
At Barnes & Thornburg, we serve as trusted legal and strategic advisors to private equity funds and sponsors and high-growth companies across all stages of the investment lifecycle. Whether forming a fund, sourcing deals, acquiring portfolio companies, or guiding exit strategies, our team delivers the precision, pace, and experience the market demands.
Our practice spans industries and geographies, connecting capital to opportunity and growth companies to investors. With a deep bench of attorneys and a multidisciplinary approach, we guide clients through complex transactions with agility and business acumen — always focused on creating and protecting value.
Private Equity: Built for Sponsors. Backed by Experience.
Private equity clients choose Barnes & Thornburg because we know how to get deals done — swiftly, strategically, and with the right level of legal firepower. We advise on:
- Platform acquisitions and add-on investments
- Tax and transaction structuring
- Acquisition Financing
- Debt Financing
- Recapitalizations and exit strategies
- Management and leveraged buyouts
- Founder negotiations and rollover structures
- Portfolio company governance and ongoing support
We staff our deals with senior attorneys who remain actively involved from kickoff through closing. Our collaborative teams include experienced advisors in tax, labor and employment, executive compensation, intellectual property, environmental, finance, and regulatory law — providing seamless, end-to-end support.
Whether you're navigating a competitive auction or planning a strategic exit, we help sponsors maximize returns and minimize friction with smart, tailored legal strategies.
Fund Formation and Structuring: From Vision to Capitalization
We represent domestic and international venture capital and private equity funds through every step of formation, fundraising, and internal governance. Our fund services include:
- Capital and ownership structuring
- Vesting and compensation terms
- Compliance with ERISA, tax, and securities laws
- Advising fund sponsors, LPs, and institutional investors
- Domestic and offshore fund formation strategy
With experience on both sides of the table — fund and investor — we bring a balanced perspective that strengthens negotiation and protects our clients’ long-term interests.
A National Footprint with Market Reach
We bring a national perspective with local execution, helping bridge coastal capital with Midwestern and national investment opportunities. Our strong ties in business and finance hubs across the United States — and internationally — make us a valued partner to funds, founders, and financial institutions alike.
Your Investment Goals, Our Priority
From forming a fund to closing the next deal, we are with you at every stage — helping you scale, invest, and exit with confidence. At Barnes & Thornburg, we don’t just deliver legal advice — we become part of your team, helping you build what’s next.
Let’s grow together.