Jeffrey N. Smith

JEFFREY SMITH represents private equity funds and corporate clients on a broad range of M&A, governance and securities matters, including mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, divestitures, restructurings, equity investments, and joint ventures. He has significant experience in transactions involving special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) and in cross-border and multi-jurisdiction transactions. Jeffrey has led transactions in a wide range of industry sectors, including transportation, infrastructure, basic materials, construction, industrial products, distribution, healthcare, consumer products, retail, technology, and service businesses.

Jeffrey serves as co-leader of the firm’s Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPAC’s) group.

Chambers USA has recognized Jeffrey consistently since 2012. Clients in the 2023 edition of Chambers USA say that “Jeffrey goes above and beyond for clients,” and that he is “a fantastic attorney” and “always available, thoughtful and great with opposing counsel.” Jeffrey also is listed as a “Best Lawyer” by The Best Lawyers in America in Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law.

Notable matters include advising:

• Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VII in its US$1.1 billion business combination with One Nuclear.
• Prospect Partners and its portfolio company, Wedgewood Hospitality Group, in the sale of Wedgewood to TJC.
• Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VI in its US$800 million business combination with Namib Minerals.
• ShoreView Capital and its portfolio company, Avidity Science, in the sale of Avidity Science to ATS Corporation.
• Fresh Origins, a LaSalle Capital Group portfolio company, in its sale to private equity firm Sun Capital Partners.
• ShoreView Capital and its portfolio company, Rollease Acmeda, in the sale of Rollease Acmeda to JM Family Enterprises.
• Hennessy Capital Investment Corp.V in its agreement to a US$3.3 billion business combination with Plus, formerly Plus.ai.
• Apex Clearing Holdings in its agreement to a US$4.7 billion business combination with Northern Star Investment Corp. II.
• Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. IV in its US$2.4 billion business combination with Canoo Holdings Ltd.
• Beacon Roofing Supply in the US$850 million acquisition of its Interior Products Business by Foundation Building Materials.
• MP Materials in its US$1.5 billion business combination with Fortress Value Acquisition Corp.
• MI Windows and Doors in its US$725 million acquisition of Milgard Windows and Doors from Masco.
• Beacon Roofing Supply in its US$2.7 billion acquisition of Allied Building Products from CRH.
• Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. III in its US$750 million business combination with NRC Group, a portfolio company of J. F. Lehman.
• Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. II in its US$700 million business combination with Daseke.
• Beacon Roofing Supply in its US$1.1 billion acquisition of Roofing Supply Group from Clayton, Dubilier & Rice.
• Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. in its US$500 million business combination with Blue Bird Bus Company, a portfolio company of Cerberus Capital.
• Bregal Partners, CHS Private Equity, LaSalle Capital, Prospect Partners, ShoreView Capital, among other private equity funds and family offices, in numerous acquisition and disposition transactions.