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Reed Smith adds Partner to Global Corporate Practice in Philadelphia

Global law firm Reed Smith has appointed Michael N Peterson as a partner in the firm’s Global Corporate Group in Philadelphia.

Formerly head of Morgan Lewis’ Philadelphia Corporate Business & Transactions practice, Peterson has a thriving private equity practice and more than 20 years of experience representing public and private companies over a broad range of industries in a variety of complex transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, cross-border transactions, joint ventures and financing transactions.
 
“Mike has a stellar reputation in the Philadelphia business and legal communities,” says Matthew Petersen, co-chair of Reed Smith’s global corporate practice. “His busy practice plays to our strengths in sophisticated M&A, private equity, and corporate finance. We are very excited to welcome him to our team. Our global corporate practice is thriving and expanding. Mike will be a cornerstone of our continued growth – in the Philadelphia market and beyond.”
 
Peterson’s work in the private equity space spans his legal career, and includes long-standing relationships with numerous high-profile portfolio companies and funds. As primary outside counsel, he manages complex acquisition and disposition strategies for funds and the creation of funds. In addition, he routinely advises public companies and boards of directors on defensive preparedness, corporate governance and general corporate law. He has represented foreign and domestic companies from a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, trucking, communications, life sciences, and financial and professional services.
 
“Mike’s practice and client base dovetail perfectly with two of Reed Smith’s key industry groups – financial services and life sciences – making him a valuable addition to our M&A and PE practices,” said Sandy Thomas, Reed Smith’s Global Managing Partner.
 
In the financial services space, Peterson has represented buyers and sellers in the niche area of bulk mortgage servicing transfers among those that participate in Government Sponsored Entity lending programs. He has handled a broad array of transactions in that area, including equity sales, asset sales, and servicing portfolio transfers. He also has worked extensively in the life sciences industry, which includes significant experience in “raising” venture-backed life science companies to public companies.
 
“Reed Smith’s global platform and its ongoing commitment to expanding its corporate practice are among the many reasons I decided to join the firm,” Peterson said. “I have long-standing professional relationships with a number of Reed Smith partners. Having spent my entire legal career at one firm, I am excited and energised by the opportunity to join this talented group.”
 
Peterson received a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and his JD from Hofstra University School of Law. From 1993-1996, he competed nationally and internationally as a member of the US Olympic Rowing Team.
 
“We are delighted to have Mike join us in Philadelphia,” says Leonard Bernstein, Philadelphia office managing partner. “His capability in M&A and our capabilities in tax, litigation, intellectual property, real estate and life sciences are a powerful combination. He is highly regarded in the legal industry and the Philadelphia community, and he exemplifies all the attributes that we look for in colleagues at Reed Smith.”
 

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