Ross D. Williams
Partner, Attorney at Reed Smith LLP
Chicago Bar AssociationAmerican Bar AssociationWorks with buyers & sellers
About
Ross D. Williams, a partner in Reed Smith LLP's Global Corporate Group, handles private equity deals and middle-market mergers. From Chicago, he represents sponsors, investors, and management teams. He also represents operating companies that buy businesses. He earned his J.D. from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law in 2017. He also earned an M.B.A. in Finance from Loyola University Chicago that year. He advises founders on sales of their companies to private equity buyers. He structures and negotiates those transactions through closing.
Who is a good fit for Ross D. Williams
- Private equity sponsors acquiring a middle-market business.
- Founders who are selling a company to private equity.
- Management teams that take part in a sale to investors.
- Operating companies buying an existing business.
Education and admissions
- Education
- Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, J.D., 2017
- Loyola University Chicago, M.B.A. in Finance, 2017
- Indiana University, B.S. in Business Management, 2014
- Bar admissions
- Illinois
Specialties
Buy-side M&A representationSell-side M&A representationPrivate equity platform and add-on deals
Representative matters
As described on the firm’s website.
- Advised legendary music executive in establishing a new record label and joint venture with leading music talent.
- Served as outside general counsel to grammy winning gospel music artist and related touring business.
- Represented celebrity TV personality in a joint venture with a private equity backed entertainment business.
- Advised world renown DJ and producer on an investment and partnership with AI music generator business.
- Represented numerous institutional investors on co-investments alongside leading private equity sponsors.
- Represented a founder-owned business process outsourcing firm in a sale to a portfolio company of a US-based private equity sponsor.
- Represented several small business owners pro bono in connection with various startup matters.
- Advised an artificial intelligence/virtual reality company in its Series B financing round.
- Represented private equity portfolio company in the insurance industry and its management team in a debt and equity recapitalization and partial exit, and the negotiation and implementation of a new management incentive equity plan.
- Represented specialty pharmaceutical company in a strategic licensing transaction and convertible debt financing.
Deal profile
- Typical deal size
- Any deal size
- Remote work
- In-person / regional
Frequently Asked Questions
Ross D. Williams counsels athletes, recording artists, and film and television stars on business ventures. He also counsels brands and media companies that form celebrity partnerships.