(New York, NY)—Dickstein Shapiro LLP is pleased to announce the expansion of its national M&A and Private Equity Practices with the arrival of five partners and seven associates. Working both from New York City and the firm’s newly launched Stamford, Connecticut office, the group includes Partners Christopher Cerrito, Martin Clarke, John Flaherty, Thomas Freed, and Evan Seideman, previously with Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP. They represent a wide variety of fund clients, Fortune 1000 companies, management teams, buyers, sellers, and lenders in M&A deals and private equity and venture capital financings. Collectively, they have closed more than 40 deals in the last 12 months.

“We are truly fortunate to be adding such an exceptional group of lawyers,” said Howard Graff, managing partner of the firm’s New York office. “They not only fit perfectly with our strategic plan to grow our New York area presence, but also with our multi-disciplinary approach to problem-solving that has achieved enormous success for our clients — particularly in this challenging economic climate.”

“With a formidable reputation in M&A, private equity, and venture capital transactions, as well as an entrepreneurial business savvy and strong geographic footprint in financial center cities nationwide, Dickstein Shapiro is a natural fit for our practice,” said Thomas Freed, who will serve as a deputy practice leader of Dickstein Shapiro’s Corporate & Finance Group. “The transactions experience of our combined groups and the full-service support of the firm at-large will provide unmatched service to clients.”

“Dickstein Shapiro has decades of extensive experience representing clients such as Arlington Capital Partners, Charmer-Sunbelt Group, Harbour Group, The Gladstone Companies, Rockbridge Equity Partners, Warburg Pincus, and The Wickes Group in private equity and M&A transactions, and we continue to aggressively support the expansion of our premier capabilities in this area,” said Jim Kelly, Dickstein Shapiro partner and leader of the firm’s Corporate & Finance Group. “This team strengthens our bench and increases our presence in the M&A, private equity, and venture capital arenas nationally and will provide expanded service offerings to our clients.”

Thomas J. Freed, who is recognized by Chambers USA among the top 10 Corporate/M&A attorneys in Connecticut, is a transactional attorney who represents Fortune 1000 companies undertaking middle market mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures; individuals and entities that provide and receive seed and venture capital; and private equity funds and private companies engaged in one or a series of mergers and acquisitions or other strategic lending or capital raising transactions. Mr. Freed has closed more than 10...