A. Mark Getachew

Willkie advised Versaterm, a leading provider of public safety technology solutions, on its acquisition of Aloft, the industry-standard in airspace intelligence and flight safety solutions. On February 18, Versaterm, a portfolio company of Banneker Partners, announced that it acquired Aloft and will integrate the company into its DroneSense platform. The addition of Aloft to the platform provides the critical regulatory and compliance layer required to transition drones into a standard part of an agency’s daily operations. Aloft is an FAA-approved Unmanned Service Supplier that specializes in real-time airspace intelligence and flight authorizations. It powers the vast majority of Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability authorizations in the United States, serving as the backbone for compliant drone operations in complex and restricted airspace. Banneker Partners is a private equity firm specializing in investing in and growing enterprise software businesses. The Willkie team was led by partners A. Mark Getachew and Jeffrey Daniel and included associates Nidhi Modani and Jack Kaelin, and law clerk Aryan Pour-Bahreini

Feb 19

1 min

Willkie represented Ariel Alternatives, LLC in its acquisition of a 58.5% stake in My Code, a leading multicultural media and marketing services company, from existing shareholders Falfurrias Capital Partners, My Code management and employees and other investors at an enterprise valuation of $400 million, based on current and future performance projections. My Code offers solutions to brands that meet the rapidly growing need for multicultural marketing, with a mission to build a future for media and advertising where everyone is authentically represented. Formerly known as H Code, the company was initially created to provide offerings for advertisers to reach U.S. Hispanic consumers. Since its launch, My Code has expanded its products to address Black, AANHPI and LGBTQIA+ audiences, among others. The company’s network includes a collection of over 1,200 consumer media platforms that reach diverse audiences, in addition to owned and operated properties such as: 110-year-old El Diario, the U.S.’s oldest Spanish-language newspaper; Remezcla, one of the most influential digital media brands for the Latine community; and advertising-based video on demand platform Butaca TV. Ariel Alternatives is the private equity subsidiary of global asset manager Ariel Investments, LLC, the first African American-owned mutual fund company in the U.S. The acquisition of My Code is the third acquisition under “Project Black,” Ariel Alternatives’ strategic initiative and $1.45 billion inaugural fund to create scalable, sustainable minority-owned businesses to services the Fortune 500. Through its portfolio companies, Project Black plans to close the racial wealth gap by aiming to generate jobs and economic growth within underrepresented communities. The Willkie deal team was led by partner A. Mark Getachew, and included counsel Emerson Girardeau and associates Zoe Sellman and Rishika Nallapareddy.

Nov 30

1 min

Willkie advised IMB Partners and Pro Foods Solutions, a leading food supplier to the U.S. military worldwide that comprises Alder Foods, Elite Brands and Richmond Wholesale, in connection with a $130 million dividend recapitalization. On July 10, IMB announced the completion of a dividend recapitalization of its three portfolio companies Alder Foods, Elite Brands and Richmond Wholesale, which collectively form its military food supplier holding group, Pro Food Solutions. Pro Food Solutions closed on a $153 million debt financing, of which $130 million will be used to pay off existing debt and to fund a distribution to shareholders. IMB acquired Alder Foods in 2016 and invested in Richmond Wholesale in 2020 and in Elite Brands the following year. Willkie represented IMB in its investments in Richmond Wholesale and Elite Brands. IMB is a private equity sponsor focused on investing and partnering with management teams to grow lower middle market companies serving government agencies and utilities. The Willkie team was led by partner A. Mark Getachew and included counsel Emerson W. Girardeau, III, and Ajanaclair Nicole Lynch.

Jul 10

1 min

Willkie advised Jacmel Partners and its portfolio company Arora Engineers, a global infrastructure solutions firm, on Arora Engineers’ acquisition of J.A. Watts, LLC (“JWI”), a Chicago-based program and construction management firm with offices across North America. On January 20, Jacmel Partners announced that Arora Engineers completed its strategic acquisition of JWI, expanding its aviation and infrastructure solutions capabilities. JWI specializes in infrastructure construction, project, and program management services for public and private owners across the country. Similar to Arora Engineers, it focuses on serving clients across aviation, transportation, and other key infrastructure markets. Jacmel Partners is an alternative investment firm dedicated to partnering with private companies and investing in projects that strengthen the nation's infrastructure. The Willkie team was led by partners A. Mark Getachew and Najeh Baharun and counsel Emerson W. Girardeau III, and included associates Alexandra Rios and Jayla Simmons

Jan 21

1 min

Willkie represented Banneker Partners and its portfolio company Versaterm Public Safety, a global public safety solutions leader, on the acquisition of Integrated Computer Systems (ICS), a provider of public safety software. Texas-based ICS provides public safety software to cities, towns, and school districts across the state through its complete Athena™ Public Safety Suite — Athena CAD, Athena ICC, Athena RMS, and Athena MDC. The acquisition aligns with Versaterm's focus on developing a versatile public safety ecosystem by providing technology for agencies of all sizes. Willkie previously advised Banneker Partners in connection with its investment in Versaterm Public Safety in 2020. Among numerous other transactions, Willkie has represented Versaterm Public Safety in its subsequent acquisitions of CI Technologies, FivePoint Solutions and Visual Labs. The Willkie team was led by partner A. Mark Getachew and counsel Jeffrey Daniel.

Apr 22

1 min