Private Equity – Portfolio Company Services
Williams Mullen is often engaged to represent portfolio companies of private equity firms across a wide range of sizes and industry verticals in situations where we represented the company in its sale to the private equity firm; just as often we are engaged by the portfolio company that was represented by a different law firm in the sale. Private equity firms support our engagement because, as they tell us, we are well-aware of the issues these companies address post-closing that drive portfolio company performance.
We regularly advise on the types of agreements and decisions that shape enterprise value, allowing us to integrate quickly and effectively with management teams and then become their partners in executing efficient resolutions of these core values.
In this role, we then act as outside general counsel for the portfolio company through its second life. As trusted advisors, we manage the legal matters essential to the success of portfolio companies, including as deal counsel in follow-on acquisitions and dispositions. These services routinely encompass operational and commercial agreements; licensing, outsourcing, and supply and distribution arrangements; joint ventures; corporate governance and restructurings; loan and credit negotiations; tax matters; labor and employment issues; regulatory; employee benefits and executive compensation; intellectual property; real estate and environmental compliance; and business litigation. Each client is supported by a dedicated relationship partner who coordinates services across the firm and ensures a seamless, efficient experience.
Our engagement with portfolio company clients frequently begins after an M&A transaction following a sponsor’s acquisition of a platform company, whether we represented the seller in that deal or not. In these matters, clients recognize the value of our high-quality legal services delivered in a cost-effective manner. In this capacity, we have often been engaged to represent portfolio company clients with initial platform transaction values of up to and exceeding $500 million.
Clients say they value our experience and ability to execute transactions efficiently and effectively at a significantly lower cost than Am Law 100 firms, without compromising responsiveness, quality, or experience. Following the transaction, we have the breadth of specialties available to service the platform’s operational needs and ability and team to jump right in. We emphasize direct partner involvement, competitive pricing, and appropriately scaled staffing models that align with each client’s needs.
A longstanding commitment to middle‑market companies is central to our practice. As a result, clients benefit from consistent access to experienced partners who remain actively involved throughout each engagement. Our depth of experience and transaction volume in the middle market enable us to efficiently manage matters ranging from $5 million to $2 billion in value. Our portfolio companies team is dedicated to developing a thorough understanding of each client’s business and delivering practical, business‑focused legal counsel.
As portfolio companies grow and evolve—whether through acquisition or in preparation for their second exit—clients benefit from a legal team that already understands their business, maintains strong relationships with management, and brings relevant transactional experience. This continuity enhances efficiency, reduces execution risk, and helps maximize value at every stage of the investment lifecycle.