Jason Pearl

Willkie represented Ryerson Holding Corporation (NYSE: RYI), a leading value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals, in its successful merger with Olympic Steel, Inc. (formerly NASDAQ: ZEUS), a leading U.S. metals service center. On February 13, Ryerson and Olympic Steel announced that they completed their merger, enhancing Ryerson’s presence as the second-largest North American metals service center. Ryerson is issuing 1.7105 shares of Ryerson common stock for every share of Olympic Steel common stock, after which former shareholders of Olympic Steel will hold approximately 37% of Ryerson. In connection with the merger, Ryerson amended its existing revolving credit facility, including, to increase the aggregate commitments to $1.8 billion and to extend the maturity thereunder. The proceeds under the amended credit facility will be used, among other permitted uses, to repay in full Olympic Steel’s existing loans. As of February 24th, the company will trade on the New York Stock Exchange as Ryerson Holding Corporation under the ticker “RYZ”. The Willkie team was led by partners Cristopher Greer, Adam Turteltaub, Brian Hamilton and Thomas Sharkey and included partners Jason Pearl, Rose Ohanesian and Wesley Powell, counsel Adam Cohen and Agathe Richard, and associates Daniela Abadi and Loren Flath.

Feb 20

1 min

Willkie advised VSS Capital Partners on its investment in Treya Partners, a management consulting firm specializing in procurement value creation, strategic sourcing, and spend management advisory services for mid-market private equity-backed corporate clients. On October 7, VSS announced that it completed a platform investment in Treya, and plans to expand the company’s product offerings and explore strategic M&A opportunities. Treya serves clients across vertical industries such as healthcare, retail, manufacturing and business services, leading to meaningful cost savings for private equity portfolio companies. Headquartered in New York, VSS Capital Partners is a private investment firm investing in the healthcare, education, and business services industries. The Willkie team was led by partners Adam Turteltaub and Justin Sommerkamp and included associates Alexandra Ku and Patrais Strzelecki. Partner Jason Pearl, and associates Lee Henderson and Matthew Sanders advised on financing aspects.

Oct 11

1 min

Willkie is advising Xerox on financing and other corporate aspects in its agreement to acquire Lexmark. On December 23, Xerox Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: XRX) announced it has agreed to acquire Lexmark International, Inc., from Ninestar Corporation, PAG Asia Capital, and Shanghai Shouda Investment Centre in a deal valued at $1.5 billion, inclusive of assumed liabilities. This acquisition is expected to strengthen the Xerox core print portfolio and build a broader global print and managed print services business to meet evolving client needs in the hybrid workplace. Lexmark, based in Lexington, Ky., is a provider of innovative imaging solutions and technologies including best-in-class printers and multifunction printers. The acquisition combines Lexmark’s solutions with Xerox® ConnectKey® technology and advanced Print and Digital Services and is expected to strengthen Xerox’s ability to serve clients in the large, growing A4 color market and diversify its distribution and geographic presence, including the APAC region. Xerox expects to finance the acquisition with a combination of cash on hand and committed debt financing. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, approval of Ninestar’s shareholders, and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second half of 2025. Xerox is a leader in office and production print technology. Xerox continues its legacy of innovation to deliver client-centric and digitally driven technology solutions and meet the needs of today’s global, distributed workforce. The Willkie team is comprised of partners Joshua Deason and Jason Pearl, who are co-leading the financing aspects, and John Ablan, Sean Ewen and Russell Leaf, who are leading the capital markets and other corporate aspects of the deal.

Dec 24

1 min

Willkie served as financing counsel to Novacap and H5 Data Centers in connection with the acquisition of four carrier hotel facilities as anchor assets for a newly formed digital infrastructure joint venture, HyscaleIX Data Centers. On February 2, Novacap and H5 Data Centers announced the formation of HyscaleIX Data Centers, a joint venture focused on acquiring and operating mission-critical carrier hotels to deliver highly interconnected data center services throughout North America. The joint venture will be anchored by four carrier hotel facilities, including three acquired from 365 Data Centers located in Buffalo, New York, Nashville, Tennessee, and Tampa, Florida. HyscaleIX will also acquire a fourth facility in the Midwestern U.S. Each of the anchor assets hosts the local internet exchange and the portfolio provides an immediate operating presence across four established regional data center markets. Novacap is a leading North American private equity investor and one of Canada’s most experienced private equity firms. H5 Data Centers is a leading owner and operator of data center properties across North America. The Willkie team was led by partner Jason Pearl and associate Loren Flath and included partner Russell Leaf, associate Ayushi Dwivedi and law clerk Hillary Gabriele.

Feb 2

1 min

Willkie advised Recognize on its significant majority investment in Blue Mantis, a premier IT services provider with deep expertise in managed services, cybersecurity and cloud solutions. Blue Mantis services mid-market and enterprise clients with a North American focus across multiple vertical markets including business services, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and public sector. Abry Partners, which has backed the company since 2020, will continue as a minority investor in the company. Recognize is an investment platform exclusively focused on the digital services industry. The Willkie team was led by partners Eric Halperin, Amanda M. Burke and Jason Pearl with associate Pablo Benjumea Gutierrez.

Sep 9

1 min