Christopher M. Hussey
Your business goals are the objective; every decision should serve those goals.
Contact: P /612.604.6710E /[email protected]
Administrative Contact: Gabrielle Hackl P /612.604.6616E /[email protected]
Education
William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2013
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, B.S., Business Management and Philosophy, 2006
Bar Admissions
Minnesota, 2013
My Approach
In my practice, I often find that the word “lawyer” is too restrictive. Together, clients and I achieve the best outcomes when I can serve as an extension of their business, learn everything I can about its inner workings and future goals, to make sure every decision that is made serves those needs. I work with my clients to cut to the core of what is essential to them in each transaction or matter, and advise on a range of issues, from complex deal management and capital raising activities, to day-to-day operational requests and customer and vendor relationships.
I started my career as a finance consultant to publicly traded Fortune 500 companies before I became a lawyer, which grounds my practice in the day-to-day realities of every client I represent – theory and academics are nice, but it’s the common sense, practical solutions that typically prevail.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy playing hockey and was a former NCAA Division I ice hockey player, make use of the fantastic Twin Cities bike trail system, and am an avid Minnesota sports fan.
Practice Areas
Practicing Mergers & Acquisitions
My Experience
I advise private companies and private equity funds with middle-market merger and acquisition transactions. In addition, I consistently lead the drafting and negotiation of a wide range of commercial contracts for a number of privately held businesses, assist companies with raising capital and advise clients regarding general business matters.
I have closed more than 100 transactions with an aggregate value of more than $5,000,000,000. These transactions range from routine management buyouts and small company sales to highly complex transactions valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Representative Matters
- Represented a top tier real estate development company in a spin-off transaction financed by nearly $400,000,000 in debt, equity and operating properties.
- Represented a financial technology company in its sale to J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
- Represented a multi-state behavioral health clinic in its sale for $180,000,000.
- Represented one of the largest franchisees of Planet Fitness clubs in half a dozen acquisitions across the United States.
- Represented a leading medical device contract design and manufacturing company in its platform sale to a private equity company for $80,000,000.
- Represented a German-based private equity fund in its acquisition of an industrial refractory service company.
- Represented an oil and gas equipment distribution company in its sale to a publicly traded competitor for approximately $110,000,000.
- Represented a medical device company in its sale to a publicly traded international conglomerate for approximately $140,000,000.
- Represented a private equity fund in its acquisition of a franchise system for $300,000,000.
- Represented a provider of clinical trial supply chain management in its sale to a private equity fund for approximately $30,000,000.
- Local and company counsel to an international software company in its sale to a private equity fund for approximately $750,000,000
- Represented a fitness club franchisee in its majority equity investment transaction with a private equity fund establishing the franchisee’s enterprise value at approximately $90,000,000.
- Represented an engineering software company in its sale to a publicly traded German company for approximately $50,000,000.
- Represented a US-based software company in its disposition of its European-based software business to a European private equity fund for approximately $25,000,000.
- Represented a national commodity producer in its sale to a publicly traded Canadian competitor for $85,000,000.
- Represented a brand loyalty company in the sale of its financial incentives division to a private equity fund for $140,000,000.
- Represented a private family wealth office in its acquisition of an information technology staffing firm for approximately $30,000,000.
General Business Matters
- Involved in multi-year in-house assignment with a Minnesota-based company with operations in 11 states.
- Managed the international corporate governance for an international software company with operations in 8 countries.
Capital Raising Matters
In addition to my general mergers and acquisitions practice, I also represent a variety of operating companies, financial sponsors and real estate developers in capital raising and capital deployment transactions, which include private offerings, venture capital financings and joint ventures. I have completed nearly 60 engagements resulting in approximately $1,000,000,000 in transaction value.
Awards
The Best Lawyers in America©
Mergers & Acquisitions Law, 2023
The Best Lawyers in America© Ones to Watch
Mergers & Acquisitions Law, 2021-2022, 2024
Also experienced in
Securities & Corporate Finance
Private Equity
General Corporate
Honors & Awards
The Best Lawyers in America©
Mergers & Acquisitions Law, 2023
Rising Stars
Minnesota Super Lawyers®, 2018-2023
The Best Lawyers in America© Ones to Watch
Corporate Law, 2021-2022, 2024-2025
Mergers & Acquisitions Law, 2021-2025
MSBA North Star Lawyer
Pro Bono Service, 2014-2017
Associations & Memberships
American Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
LegalCORPS
Volunteer attorney
William Mitchell College of Law
Alumni mentor, 2013-2015