Numan Siddiqi, an attorney with more than two decades of experience handling complex transactions involving both public and private companies, has joined BakerHostetler as a partner in its Business Group, based in Costa Mesa. Siddiqi was previously a partner at Brown Rudnick LLP. Siddiqi’s practice consists of general corporate representations, including public and private securities offerings of debt and equity, mergers and acquisitions, finance, and ongoing counseling. Much of his work focuses on emerging companies in the life sciences, software and semiconductor sectors.   “We’re thrilled to add Numan and his broad capabilities to the team here in Costa Mesa,”

Northleaf Capital Partners (Northleaf) is opening an office in Melbourne, Australia as the firm continues to expand its USD10 billion global private markets investment management platform. The announcement coincides with Northleaf reaching financial close on its third Australian infrastructure investment – a 40 per cent equity interest in Lal Lal Wind Farms, two wind generation projects located near Ballarat, Victoria.   “A formal presence in Australia extends Northleaf’s worldwide network, enhancing our capabilities to provide investors with access to highly differentiated mid-market infrastructure, private equity and private credit investments globally,” says Stuart Waugh, Managing Partner of Northleaf. “Establishing the Melbourne

Gunderson Dettmer has appointed Malcolm B Nicholls III as a partner in the firm’s fund formation practice in Boston. Nicholls brings over 20 years of experience representing venture capital, private equity fund managers and investment advisors globally on a wide range of issues, including formations, secondary transactions, internal governance, and divestments and distributions. A significant portion of Malcolm’s practice focuses on representing general partners in the formation and maintenance of venture capital and private equity investment funds and funds of funds.   “We are delighted to welcome Malcolm to the firm,” says Robert V Gunderson, Jr, Chairman of the firm.

Great Rock Capital, an asset-focused commercial finance company specialising in middle market lending, has appointed Jared Grabow as Managing Director of Originations.   Grabow will be based in Dallas, TX, and will be responsible for sourcing new investment opportunities and building relationships for the firm in Texas and the surrounding markets.   “We are excited to have Jared join Great Rock as we expand into the Texas market,” says Stuart Armstrong, CEO of Great Rock Capital. “Jared is a native of Texas and we look forward to having a local presence in a market that we view as critical to our future growth.”   Grabow joins Great Rock Capital

Akerman has added to its M&A and Private Practice in New York with the appointment of experienced corporate partner Michael O’Brien.   Joining from Vedder Price, he brings more than three decades of experience in advising a wide range of public and private companies, with an emphasis on the private equity, life sciences and fintech sectors. O’Brien is the third New York partner to join Akerman’s national M&A and Private Equity Practice in the last four months, following the team’s continuing national expansion across major U.S. business centres.    “Michael is a superb corporate lawyer, respected by clients and peers for

Lovell Minnick Partners, a private equity firm specialising in financial and related business services companies, has appointed Joan Binstock as a Senior Advisor to the firm.  Binstock is a senior financial services executive with a strong track record of aligning operational and financial infrastructure, corporate governance and fiduciary oversight. She spent the majority of her career at Lord, Abbett & Co, serving as Partner, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Financial Officer and chair of its audit committee over nearly two decades.   Most recently at Lord, Abbett & Co. as a member of its executive team Binstock played a leading role in key strategic directives such as broader product development, global distribution initiatives and rigorous risk management practices across the firm. During her tenure as COO and CFO, she assisted with expanding the firm’s business into foreign markets and worked to successfully transform Lord, Abbett & Co from being a US-focused financial

Eight Advisory, a financial and operational consultancy firm specialising in transactions, restructuring and transformation, has hired former EY senior partner, Steve Taylor to expand its valuation practice in the UK. Taylor joins with more than 25 years’ experience in valuations, advising governments, private equity firms, lawyers and corporates. He brings extensive knowledge in the industrial products, consumer products and financial services and is particularly well known for taking expert roles on fairness opinions and in commercial litigation.   Taylor joins a well-established European valuation team of 30 full time specialists at Eight Advisory to expand the UK and to provide