Law Firm News

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Law Firm News

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Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Greenberg Traurig Represents Freedom Acquisition in its Agreement to Acquire UK's GLG Partners
Greenberg Traurig today announced that it has served as counsel to Freedom Acquisition Holdings, Inc. (“Freedom”) (AMEX: FRH) in connection with its just announced agreement to acquire UK-based GLG Partners (“GLG”). GLG is the largest independent alternative asset manager in Europe with gross assets under management of over $20 billion. The transaction, announced Sunday evening, is valued at approximately $3.4 billion.

Greenberg Traurig has served as counsel to Freedom and its founders, Nicolas Berggruen, President and CEO of Freedom and founder of Berggruen Holdings, and Martin E. Franklin, Chairman of Freedom and Chairman and CEO of Jarden Corporation, since the time of Freedom’s formation. Freedom was formed in December 2006 for the purpose of acquiring an operating business, and, at the time, was the largest company of its kind having raised gross proceeds of $528 million in its initial public offering.

The legal work on the acquisition transaction was done by a cross-office Greenberg Traurig team led by Shareholders Bruce I. March (Corporate-FL), Donn A. Beloff (Corporate-FL), Alan I. Annex (Corporate-NY) and Kenneth A. Gerasimovich (Corporate-NY), with assistance from Shareholders Brian J. Gavsie (Corporate-FL), Seth J. Entin (Tax-FL), Harry J. Friedman (Tax-AZ), Jeffrey M. Rosenthal (Corporate-NJ) , Cecil S. Chung (Antitrust-D.C.), Kelly A. Terribile (Corporate-DE), Daniel P. Raglan (Corporate-NY), Frederic J. Adam (Tax-CA) and associates: Matthew M. Robbins (Corporate-FL), Steven I. Glantz (Corporate-NY) and Ericka G. Litvak (Tax-FL). Greenberg Traurig worked hand in hand with Olswang, with which GT enjoys a strategic alliance, to address matters of UK law. Tony Leifer led the team from Olswang.

“This was a great example of the extraordinary value of the GT platform,” said Bruce March, Chair of Greenberg’s Fort Lauderdale Corporate Practice Group, “having brought together lawyers with the necessary expertise from a wide-variety of offices throughout GT and its UK strategic alliance partner.” Donn Beloff, Chair of Greenberg’s Fort Lauderdale Securities Practice Group, added “we were able to draw upon the extraordinary talent from throughout the firm to assemble a team with the necessary corporate, securities, anti-trust, tax and other expertise to complete such a unique and complex transaction in an extremely short time-frame. “

Alan Annex, Chair of Greenberg's New York Corporate and Securities Group who has extensive experience working with such blank check companies, noted that “such transactions are commonly referred to as alternative public offerings since the operating business becomes a public company as a result of the acquisition by the blank check company.” Greenberg has been involved as either issuers or underwriters counsel on many such offerings in the past few years, including some of the larger ones, and is a recognized leader in the area. Annex added "these vehicles permit the public to invest in funds with the same goal as a private equity fund - to acquire an operating business - and are therefore frequently referred to as ‘publicly traded private equity funds,” adding that “this transaction is particularly interesting in light of the recent IPOs of several previously private managers of alternative assets and private equity funds."

06-25-2007

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Baker & McKenzie, L.L.P.

Baker & McKenzie Advises Pacific Andes on its Rights Issue to Fund its Increased Stake in China Fishery Group
Baker & McKenzie’s corporate team in Hong Kong recently advised Hong Kong-listed Pacific Andes International Holdings (“PAIH”) on its rights issue in Hong Kong, to fund part of the Pacific Andes Group’s acquisition of an increased stake in its Singapore-listed subsidiary, China Fishery Group Limited (“CFG”).

The PAIH rights issue in Hong Kong raised approximately US$120 million and dealings in the PAIH rights shares commenced on 12 June 2007. The acquisition, at a consideration of approximately US$356 million, was done via another PAIH’s Singapore-listed subsidiary, Pacific Andes (Holdings) (“PAH”), which itself undertook a rights issue and convertible bond issue in Singapore to part-fund the acquisition. Immediately following the acquisition, PAIH’s attributable interest in CFG increased from about 18.7% to about 41.6%.

CFG is one of the world’s leading upstream industrial fishing operators with access to controlled ocean resources through quota shares and licenses to fish, principally in the Pacific Ocean and in Peru. Earlier this year, Baker & McKenzie acted for CFG in its acquisition of companies engaged in operating fishing vessels and fishmeal processing plants in Peru, and its related high-yield debt issuance.

The Baker & McKenzie team was led by Partner Milton Cheng and senior associate Christina Lee. Commenting on the deal, Milton said, “We are delighted that Pacific Andes is becoming increasingly active and prominent in the capital markets and are pleased to be able to continue developing our long-term relationship with the group as it grows. This deal was particularly interesting because of the contemporaneous rights issues and convertible bond issue in Hong Kong and Singapore, which required careful and detailed cross-border coordination, and which presented a number of novel technical as well as execution challenges.”

HSBC acted as the Underwriter of the PAIH rights issue and the PAH rights issue, Lead Manager of the PAH convertible bonds issue and Financial Advisers to PAIH. David Lim & Partners acted as PAH’s Singapore legal advisers.

06-25-2007

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Baker & Hostetler, L.L.P.

Firm Mourns Passing of Guy Vander Jagt
Washington D.C., attorney Guy Vander Jagt, whom President Nixon once described as "the best public speaker in America," passed away Friday, June 22, of pancreatic cancer at the age of 75.

Prior to joining Baker Hostetler in 1993, Congressman Vander Jagt served more than a quarter-century as a U.S. Congressman representing Michigan's 9th District, and was a member of the House Republican leadership for nearly two decades as the Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).

Recognized as an authority on tax & trade policy and election law, Congressman Vander Jagt offered Baker Hostetler's clients a wealth of experience in issues before Congress and within federal agencies.

Congressman Vander Jagt was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1966 where he served for 14 terms. He previously had served in the Michigan State Senate during 1965-66. In the House, Congressman Vander Jagt rose to become the second-ranking Republican on the powerful Ways and Means Committee and the top Republican on the Trade Subcommittee, the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee, and the Health and Human Resources Subcommittee. He also was a member of the Joint Taxation Committee.

As Chairman of the NRCC, Congressman Vander Jagt was a member of the Republican leadership, meeting on a regular basis with Presidents Ford, Reagan and Bush and their Cabinets. "We were elected to Congress on the same day," former President George H.W. Bush told The Detroit News. "We remained close friends. I had great respect for what he did for the party. I was sorry to hear of his passing." Governor Ronald Reagan named him to deliver the Keynote Address to the Republican National Convention in 1980, and in that year he was strongly considered as his party's nominee for Vice President.

A native of Cadillac, Michigan, Congressman Vander Jagt was a graduate of Hope College, Yale University Divinity School and the University of Michigan Law School, and served as a minister in Presbyterian and Congregational churches. He was the keynote speaker at the National Presidential Prayer Breakfast in 1980.

Funeral services will be held at the Dimnet Chapel at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, on Thursday, June 28. A celebration of Guy's life will be scheduled in Washington, D.C., in the next few weeks where Baker Hostetler will play a major part in that commemoration of our remarkable colleague. To read Congressman Vander Jagt's obituary,

06-25-2007

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Andrews Kurth

Andrews Kurth Receives High Rankings in Chambers USA Guide
Andrews Kurth received high marks in the recent rankings released by the Chambers USA Guide. The firm received a national ranking in Energy: Oil & Gas and was recognized in Texas in nine practice areas according to 2007 Chambers USA Leading Lawyers for Business. The guide also identified 22 Andrews Kurth lawyers, including two up and coming attorneys.

In Texas, the firm ranked among the best in Technology: Corporate & Commercial with the guide stating it was "arguably the strongest practice in Texas with respect to representing technology companies in venture capital financings." The firm also ranked in Antitrust, Banking & Finance, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Corporate/M&A, Energy & Natural Resources, Projects, Real Estate and Tax. The firm was also ranked in Energy: Oil & Gas in the District of Columbia.

Four Andrews Kurth lawyers were included in the first tier of the annual individual rankings for Texas: Jerry Beane (Antitrust), Bob Jewell and Michael O'Leary (Corporate/M&A), and John Lee (Bankruptcy/Restructuring).

The Chambers guides are based on thousands of interviews with clients and lawyers. Firms and individuals must be recommended. Researchers develop an analysis of each market sector and of the leading players within it. This research is used to compile the ranking tables. For a full listing of Andrews Kurths' ranked lawyers and practice areas,

06-25-2007

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Andrews Kurth

Bob Jewell Becomes New Andrews Kurth Managing Partner
The law firm of Andrews Kurth is pleased to announce that Bob Jewell has been elected Managing Partner for a three year term commencing July 1. He will succeed Howard Ayers, who has served as Managing Partner since 1997.

The firm also is announcing the formation of an Executive Committee, which Bob Jewell will chair. Other members of the Executive Committee will include Howard Ayers (Houston), Paul Silverstein (New York), Mark Solomon (Dallas) and Rex VanMiddlesworth (Austin).

"Following Howard is a tall order," Bob said. "I'm looking forward to continuing our firm's long record of great client service delivered by talented and committed professionals."

In the last decade, Andrews Kurth grew from 230 lawyers to over 400, opened an office in Beijing and significantly expanded the breadth and depth of its practice areas and client service capabilities.

"I'm proud of the last ten years, and I'm certain that the next ten will be even better," Howard said. "The firm is in good hands with Bob. He and I have worked together often through the years, on client and firm matters, and he is going to be a superb Managing Partner and leader. I'm looking forward to helping Bob pursue our long-term goals and priorities." In addition to serving on the Executive Committee, Howard will serve as non-executive Chairman of the firm and will co-chair several partner-led operating committees.

A hallmark of Howard's tenure was the creation of the firm's Women's Initiative Team and the hiring of a full-time Chief Diversity Officer.

"I believe that the legal profession must continue its efforts to better reflect the clients and communities it serves," he said. "I'm proud that Andrews Kurth is a leader in the legal profession's emphasis on diversity and inclusion as a core value."

Bob joined the firm in 1978 and has served as the Managing Partner of the Houston office since 1995. He has been a member of the firm's policy committee since 1997 and is co-chair of the Corporate/Securities practice. He has been profiled as one of the leading Corporate/M&A lawyers in Texas by Chambers USA Leading Lawyers for Business (2001 to 2007).

06-25-2007

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Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Outstanding Litigation Shareholder Joins Greenberg Traurig
Richard Welsh has joined Greenberg Traurig LLP as a shareholder in the firm's prestigious litigation practice. Welsh left Kirkland & Ellis LLP where he was a highly regarded partner with extensive experience representing clients in diverse industry sectors including real estate, energy, telecommunications, satellite, securities and retail. Welsh's experience extends not only to trial court work in both state and federal courts, but also to appellate court work and to work in administrative and alternative dispute forums throughout the world.

Welsh has represented such household name clients as AES Corporation, Boeing, DirecTV, Home Depot, Hughes Corporation, Morgan Stanley, PGA Tour and Qwest Communications. His representation of those companies came in matters ranging from high-stakes class actions to commercial contract disputes. Welsh also has represented real estate clients in partnership and financing disputes. Most recently, he represented AES Redondo Beach in administrative proceedings and court actions against the City of Redondo Beach, delivering a successful appeal of the City Tax Administrator's $70 million-plus tax assessment.

"We have litigated with and against Richard on extremely significant matters and in all instances were very impressed with his intelligence skill and tenacity in representing his clients," said Jeff Scott, a litigator and Co-Managing Shareholder of Greenberg Traurig's Los Angeles office. "An accomplished trial attorney, he brings the creativity, experience and strategic thinking that delivers winning results. His knowledge of the satellite, telecommunications and energy sectors adds an important dimension to our dynamic litigation practice, while his real estate experience will further expand our capabilities under the leadership of Eric Rowen."

"Richard's extensive experience representing developers, real estate owners, lenders and borrowers in complex litigation involving real estate and secured financing as well as partnership disputes and tax matters adds significant depth to and greatly compliments our existing practice," said Eric Rowen, Chair of Greenberg Traurig's Western Region Real Estate Litigation Practice. "He is an invaluable addition to our talented and growing real estate litigation team."

Formerly a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger and member of the military's special operations community, Welsh developed strong leadership and tactical skills during his years as a weapons and communications expert. After he completed his military service, he obtained his bachelor's degree in political theory from the University of California, Los Angeles summa cum laude and received the High Honors Award for his thesis on the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Welsh earned his juris doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law, where he received the Award for Excellence in Legal Writing.

06-25-2007

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Thompson & Knight LLP

T&K Attorneys Elected State Bar of Texas Tax Section Officers
The international law firm of Thompson & Knight LLP is pleased to congratulate Partners Kevin Thomason and Tyree Collier on their election as 2007-2008 officers for the State Bar of Texas Tax Section. Thomason will serve as Section Chair and Collier will be the Section's Secretary. Their terms begin June 2007.

Thomason is a Partner in the Tax Practice Group in Thompson & Knight's Dallas office. He provides advice and counseling on partnership, corporate, and real estate tax issues, with an emphasis on tenant-in-common syndications, master limited partnerships, and like-kind exchanges. Thomason most recently served as the Chair-Elect and has previously served as Section Secretary and Treasurer.

Collier is also a Partner in the Tax Practice Group in the Firm's Dallas office. His practice focuses primarily on representation of non-profit organizations. He advises and represents many non-profit organizations in a variety of contexts. His clients include large and small private foundations, educational organizations, health care organizations, fundraising organizations, trade associations, title-holding companies, and other types of non-profit organizations. Collier previously served as Section Treasurer and Chair of its Exempt Organizations Committee.

About the State Bar of Texas Tax Section

The purpose of the Section is to promote the objectives of the State Bar of Texas within the field of taxation; provide leadership in the practice of tax law; create a better understanding and cooperation between attorneys engaged in the practice of tax law; improve the education of attorneys and related professionals in the laws of taxation; promote the economic and professional interests of the members of the Section; serve the public good; and participate actively in the drafting, review, and promotion of legislation and administrative rules affecting state and federal tax law.

06-25-2007

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