About
Michael Du Bay represents buyers, including private equity funds and family offices, on leveraged buyouts and mergers. He represents independent sponsors on acquisitions and closely held businesses on sales. He negotiates those sales with financial buyers and with operating companies. He structures joint ventures, recapitalizations, and growth equity investments. He handles restructurings and workouts. He earned a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. He holds an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Notre Dame and has handled hundreds of transactions.
Who is a good fit for Michael Du Bay
- Private equity funds negotiating a leveraged buyout.
- Family offices making a growth equity investment.
- Independent sponsors acquiring a business for a portfolio company.
- Owners of a closely held company selling to an operating company.
Education and admissions
- Education
- University of Michigan Law School, J.D.
- University of Michigan Ross School of Business, M.B.A.
- University of Notre Dame, B.A. in Economics
- Bar admissions
- Michigan, Illinois
Recognition
- The M&A Advisor: 2017 Turnaround Award Winner, Distressed M&A Deal of the Year (Over $250MM to $500MM)
- Listed in Chambers USA, 2012-2026, Recognized in Corporate/M&A in Michigan; Chambers USA states: "Mike is excellent. He is extremely experienced on corporate matters and has very good commercial judgment." "Michael is a great partner who understands the full client service model."; "Michael DuBay is widely respected for his strong track record in private equity. Having conducted a number of significant acquisitions, he is skilled in sales and dispositions, investments and corporate governance."; "Clients describe Michael as 'knowledgeable, responsive, articulate,' with one adding, 'He is a very good lawyer and he runs a very strong practice.'"; One of his peers depicts him as 'a great lawyer, he is my top choice when it comes to conflict-of-interest referrals.'"; "Michael DuBay guides clients through acquisitions, debt financing and private equity transactions. Market sources remark that he is 'very talented.'"; "Michael DuBay advises clients on acquisitions and sales in the private equity market and is praised by one source as 'one of the go-to lawyers in town.'"; "Michael DuBay advises on a range of acquisitions and dispositions as well as matters of corporate governance. He co-heads the firm's private equity practice and is described by sources as ' a fabulous lawyer' with a ' terrific' reputation in the market."; "Michael DuBay has over two decades of experience in the corporate market and is described by commentators as a' very bright, practical and reasoned lawyer.' He routinely advises prominent clients on finance and investment deals, as well as a range of complex M&A transactions."; "Michael DuBay has a fine reputation in the private equity and venture capital arena, and excels in secured and subordinated financing. He is also much sought after for his corporate governance work."; "\[Mike\] leads the firm's private equity practice group, and is recognized in particular for his abilities within the spheres of private equity and venture capital. He is praised as solution-oriented and 'practical, effective and tough.'"; "' Very strong practitioner' Michael DuBay is noted for handling private equity transactions. Clients highlight his 'good commercial instincts' and 'deep transactional experience.'"; "Michael DuBay is commended for his transactional work involving private equity and venture capital funds. Clients praise him as a ' very strong negotiator who puts us in a very favorable position in our deals.'"
- The Best Lawyers in America, 2016-2027, Recognized in practice areas of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Detroit Corporate Law "Lawyer of the Year," 2026
- DBusiness, Top Lawyers, 2011-2013, 2017-2018, and 2022-2026
- Michigan Super Lawyers, 2011-2026, Recognized as one of the: Top 100 Super Lawyers, 2014-2018; Top 50 Business Super Lawyers, 2014-2016; Recognized as a Rising Star, 2008-2010
- Law Bulletin Media, Leading Lawyers, Closely & Privately Held Business Law, 2017, 2023-2024; Leading Lawyers, Mergers & Acquisition Law, 2017, 2023-2024; Leading Lawyers, Publicly Held Corporations Law, 2017, 2023-2024; Leading Lawyers, Securities & Venture Finance Law, 2017, 2023-2024
- Legal 500 Elite City Focus Detroit Recognition, Corporate and M&A, 2026
Specialties
Buy-side M&A representationSell-side M&A representationRollover equity and recapitalizations
Representative matters
As described on the firm’s website.
- Represented numerous closely held businesses in sales to both financial and strategic buyers, with aggregate enterprise value in excess of $5 billion
- Represented numerous independent sponsors in connection with their acquisition and investment activities
Deal profile
- Typical deal size
- Any deal size
- Remote work
- In-person / regional
Frequently Asked Questions
Michael Du Bay manages manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive deals. He also serves distribution, food products, and software businesses. He covers education, building products, and industrials as well.