Sidley partners Kai Liekefett and Brien Wassner have been named by Crain’s New York Business to its 2025 “Notable M&A Dealmakers” list. The feature recognizes New York-based professionals who “exemplify the vision and execution powering today’s dealmaking.”
Kai co-chairs Sidley’s Shareholder Activism and Corporate Defense practice. He has approximately 25 years of experience in corporate law and spends 100% of his time on shareholder activism campaigns, proxy fights, short attacks, and hostile takeovers. Crain’s has highlighted Kai’s role protecting shareholder value for leading public companies and his position on the advisory board of the New York chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors.
Brien is global co-leader of Sidley’s Private Equity practice, co-leader of the New York M&A and Private Equity group, and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He represents large-cap and middle-market private equity sponsors and other private capital investors and asset managers, as well as their portfolio companies, in connection with complex transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, financings, and general corporate matters. Crain’s has especially recognized Brien’s decades of M&A and private equity experience on topics including leveraged buyouts, take-privates, and joint ventures.
