Jeffrey Daniel

Willkie advised Franchise Group and W.S. Badcock LLC, a leading home furnishings company in the southeastern U.S., in W.S. Badcock’s combination with Conn’s Inc., a specialty retailer of home goods. On December 18, Conn’s announced that it consummated an all-stock deal that resulted in W.S. Badcock becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the company. The transaction combines two complementary businesses, creating one of the country’s largest home goods retailers with 550+ stores across 15 states and approximately $1.85 billion in revenue. Willkie previously advised Franchise Group, an owner and operator of franchised and franchisable businesses, in its acquisition of W.S. Badcock in 2021. The firm also recently represented Franchise Group CEO Brian Kahn in leading the successful take-private acquisition of the company by an investor consortium. The Willkie team was led by partners Russell Leaf and Jared Fertman and counsel Jeffrey Daniel, and included partners Andres Mena, Charlotta Chung and Thomas French.

Dec 20

1 min

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 advised Franchise Group and Sylvan Learning, an enrichment education provider franchise for K-12 students, on the sale of Sylvan to youth enrichment platform Unleashed Brands. On February 20, Unleashed Brands announced a strategic investment in the acquisition of Sylvan Learning from Franchise Group. Sylvan Learning is a leading provider of supplemental and enrichment education for K-12 students, with more than 500 franchised locations. Unleashed Brands will function as the parent company of Sylvan Learning. It is backed by a management team with consumer industry experience focused on serving families. Its other portfolio brands include Urban Air, Snapology, The Little Gym, XP League, Class 101, and Premier Martial Arts. Franchise Group is the owner and operator of franchised and franchisable businesses including Pet Supplies Plus, Wag N’ Wash, American Freight, The Vitamin Shoppe and Buddy’s Home Furnishings. The Willkie team was led by partners Russell Leaf and Jared Fertman and counsel Jeffrey Daniel.

Feb 28

1 min

Willkie advised Mueller Industries, Inc. (NYSE: MLI) on its agreement to acquire Nehring Electrical Works Company and certain of its affiliated companies for approximately $575 million, plus an additional $25 million earn out. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in DeKalb, Illinois, Nehring produces high-quality wire and cable solutions for the utility, telecommunication, electrical distribution, and OEM markets. Mueller Industries, Inc. is an industrial corporation whose holdings manufacture vital goods for important markets such as air, water, oil and gas distribution; climate comfort; food preservation; energy transmission; medical; aerospace and automotive. The Willkie team was led by partners Serge Benchetrit and Sean Ewen and counsel Jeffrey Daniel with associate Zoe Sellman.

Apr 22

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