Drew Harmon

Simpson Thacher is representing Portfolio Advisors in connection with its definitive agreement to merge with FS Investments for an undisclosed amount. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2023, subject to applicable regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.~~Portfolio Advisors is a global middle-market private asset specialist with more than $38 billion in assets under management. FS Investments is a pioneer in the democratization of alternative investments with more than $35 billion in assets under management.~~The Simpson Thacher team includes Ryan Williams, Elizabeth Cooper, Drew Harmon, Irina Nica, Chan Ho Park, Jacob Kornman and Eduard Popov (M&A); Olga Gutman, Steven Homan and Mia Pisk (Funds); Ryan Brizek and Jaime Dinan (Registered Funds); Marcy Geller, Andrew Purcell, Jacqueline Clinton and Lina Pan (Tax); Jamin Koslowe and Charles Pfeifer (ECEB); Tom Howland (Credit); Richard Jamgochian, Kelly Karapetyan and James Goldfeier (Antitrust); and Lori Lesser, Bobbie Burrows and Mark Natividad (IP).

Feb 15

1 min

On February 7, the New York office hosted 17 students in the ninth and tenth grades from New Visions KAPPA International High School as part of the Firm’s Urban Education Initiative. The students learned about different jobs within a law firm and participated in a moot court activity. Twenty six Simpson Thacher staff members and attorneys participated in the program that was organized by Kristin Glaudel, Urban Education Initiative Program Manager. Corporate Partner Drew Harmon gave welcome remarks.

Feb 13

1 min

Simpson Thacher is representing Blackstone in connection with the acquisition of Aria Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel and Spa from MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) for $3.89 billion in cash. Following the acquisition, both properties will be leased to MGM Resorts for initial annual rent of $215 million.~~Blackstone’s acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter, subject to certain closing conditions.~~The Simpson Thacher team includes Erik Quarfordt, Greg Ressa, Jason Mohr, Sam Rudik and Emily Rosenthal (Real Estate); Nancy Mehlman and Edward Grais (Tax); Benjamin Wells and Drew Harmon (Funds); Michael Carnevale, Daniel Levien and David Caldwell (International Regulatory and Compliance); Jeanne Annarumma (ERISA); and Andrew Blau (ECEB). Summer Associates Elizabeth Greene and Josh Goldman provided valuable assistance.

Jul 26

1 min

Simpson Thacher is representing Quirch Foods in its announced acquisition of Colorado Boxed Beef, a large food distributor. Quirch Foods is a portfolio company of Palladium Equity Partners. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.~~Quirch Foods is a food distribution company servicing large and independent retailers across the United States, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. With one of the most comprehensive portfolios of brands for a distributor of its type and size, Quirch operates 11 distribution facilities representing a combined 800,000 square feet of refrigerated warehouse space and a fleet of more than 190 refrigerated trucks. Quirch Foods® is the exclusive distributor of Chiquita® Brands frozen Tropicals and Fruits, Panamei Seafood®, Kikiriquirch® poultry, Mambo Foods®, and a licensed distributor of Certified Angus Beef®.~~The Simpson Thacher team includes Katherine Krause, Mark Pflug, James Parry, Jule Walsh, Carina Kan and Heesu Kim (M&A); John Creed, Joseph Tootle and Scott Grundei (Tax); Larry Moss, Jake Phillips and Alan Fenyes (ECEB); James Cross, Leah Nudelman and Samuel Arthur-Wintergreen (Banking and Credit); Kirsta McManus and Dennis Loiacono (Real Estate); Sara Razi and John Goheen (Antitrust); Lori Lesser and Alysha Sekhon (IP); Olga Gutman, Drew Harmon and Daniela Chediak (Funds); Adeeb Fadil and Timothy Mulvihill (Environmental); and Abram Ellis and Mark Skerry (Regulatory).

Sep 30

1 min

Simpson Thacher advised Stonecroft Management, as part of a syndicate consisting of a group of U.S. and international investors, in its minority investment in Thrive Capital.~~Thrive Capital is an investment firm that builds and invests in internet, software and technology-enabled companies.~~Stonecroft Management was founded in 2022 with the purpose of managing capital for Henry R. Kravis.~~The Simpson Thacher team included: Ryan Williams, Drew Harmon, Matt Gabbard, Chris Scavone and Nathaniel Little (M&A); Michael Wolitzer, Amanda McGovern, Irina Nica and Alex Starr (Funds); and Russell Light and Shoshana Schorr (Tax).

Jul 2

1 min