About
Rick Giovannelli represents buyers, sellers, and financial sponsors in buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth investments. He has advised on mergers and acquisitions and on private equity for nearly three decades. He handles senior debt and mezzanine financing, plus growth equity investments. His clients work in retail, media, technology, life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services. He earned his J.D. at William and Mary School of Law and joined K&L Gates LLP in 1996. Before joining the firm, he worked in the general counsel's office of a business information company. He chairs the firm's Management Committee and is a leader of its global Corporate practice. In Charlotte, he counsels entrepreneurs, corporate boards, and private equity firms on their deals.
Who is a good fit for Rick Giovannelli
- Financial sponsors arranging a buyout or a recapitalization.
- Owners of manufacturing companies preparing to sell.
- Healthcare and life sciences companies negotiating a sale.
- Retail, media, or technology businesses raising growth equity.
Education and admissions
- Education
- William and Mary School of Law, J.D., 1996
- University of Virginia, B.A., 1990
- Bar admissions
- North Carolina
Recognition
- Recognized by Chambers USA for Corporate/M&A in North Carolina: Charlotte & Surrounds, 2020-2026
- Recognized by The Legal 500 United States as a Recommended Lawyer:, M&A: Middle-Market (US$500m-999m), 2024-2025, Private Equity Buyouts: Middle-Market (Up to US$500m), 2025-2026
- Recognized in The Legal 500 Private Practice Powerlist for M&A in the United States, 2024
- Named "Lawyer of the Year" by The Best Lawyers in America® for Corporate Law in Charlotte, 2024
- Named to The Best Lawyers in America® for Mergers and Acquisition Law, Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Venture Capital Law, 2007-2017, 2019-2024
- Named "Lawyer of the Year" by The Best Lawyers in America ® for Venture Capital Law in Charlotte, 2015 and 2018
- Named "Lawyer of the Year" by The Best Lawyers in America® for Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law in Charlotte, 2012 and 2017
- Listed in North Carolina Super Lawyers for Business/Corporate Law, 2006-2013
- “Mover and Shaker” award from Business Leader Magazine, 2008
- “40 Under 40” award from Charlotte Business Journal for outstanding achievements in both business and community involvement, 2004
Specialties
Deal profile
- Typical deal size
- Any deal size
- Remote work
- In-person / regional