Caleb Vesey

Willkie is advising FFL Partners and Eyemart Express on the sale of Eyemart Express, a leading optical retailer, to VSP Vision. On October 9, VSP, the first national not-for-profit vision benefits company, announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Eyemart Express from FFL Partners and Leonard Green & Partners. With nearly 250 stores in 42 states, Eyemart Express represents a significant network investment by VSP to serve its more than 85 million members. The Willkie team is led by partners Neil Townsend, Caleb Vesey and Patrick Sandor and includes associates Ryan McNamara and Noor Halloum.

Oct 17

1 min

Willkie represented Brillstein Entertainment Partners, a top entertainment management and production company, in its sale to Wasserman Media Group, a global leader in sports, music, entertainment and culture which is backed by private equity powerhouse Providence Equity Partners. On September 18, Wasserman announced that it finalized the acquisition of Brillstein, adding a strong entertainment management and content vertical to its businesses representing professional athletes, musicians, consumer brands and other intellectual properties. Brillstein is the original management-production company, an industry pioneer that for over 45 years has represented some of the industry’s most successful actors, writers, directors, comedians, authors and producers, and has produced an array of television shows, movies, documentaries and podcasts. Brillstein’s client roster includes Russell Crowe, Tiffany Haddish, Seth Meyers, Brad Pitt, Florence Pugh and Adam Sandler, among many other stars. Brillstein also has extensive experience producing hit series and films for major networks and streamers, including “The Sopranos” and “Real Time with Bill Maher.” The Willkie team was led by partners Alan Epstein and Caleb Vesey and included partner Shane Nix and associate Mark Vible.

Sep 19

1 min

On May 22, Willkie client FFL Partners, a private equity firm focused on growth investments in healthcare and tech-enabled services businesses, announced that it exited its investment in ProService, a leading provider of bundled HR solutions. Willkie advised FFL Partners and ProService on the transaction. FFL acquired a majority stake in ProService in 2017 and helped grow the company over 2.5x during its investment period. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Hawaii, ProService offers HR services including payroll, benefits, insurance, compliance, administrative and risk management services on a fully bundled basis. FFL Partners is a leading middle-market private equity firm based in San Francisco. The Willkie team was led by partners Neil Townsend, Dvir Oren, Caleb Vesey and Hugh McLaughlin and included associate Emma Spath and law clerk Madeline Alagia.

May 25

1 min

Willkie advised REP 1 Football, one of the largest pro football agencies, in its sale to Excel Sports Management, an industry-leading sports agency representing top-tier talent, blue-chip brands and marquee properties. On November 6, Excel announced that it acquired REP 1 Football to launch Excel Football, one of the largest full-service football practices in the industry. Excel Football will manage draft preparation, contract negotiation, marketing and endorsements, broadcast and speaking opportunities, public relations, social media and post-career planning for National Football League talent, including Jared Goff, Cooper Kupp, Ben Roethlisberger, James Conner, Dallas Goedert, Dawson Knox and Marcus Mariota. The Willkie team was led by partners Caleb Vesey and Alan Epstein and included associates Bobby Chipman, Carly Trainor and Sabrina Khan.

Nov 6

1 min

Willkie advised FFL Partners, a private equity firm focused on growth investments in healthcare and tech-enabled services businesses, on its investment in Apex Infusion, a fast-growing provider of ambulatory infusion therapy services. On June 10, FFL announced that it completed its investment in Apex Infusion, which provides intravenous immunoglobulin, specialty infusion, total parental nutrition, and other therapeutic services. Apex Infusion currently operates 11 locations in California. FFL Partners is a leading middle-market private equity firm based in San Francisco. The Willkie team was led by partners Neil Townsend and Caleb Vesey with partners Mark Holdsworth, Laura Jehl, Russell Pinilis and Wesley Powell and associates Brian Kollatz, Chase Tweel, Stefan Ducich, Chase Gorland and Nicole Franki.

Jun 21

1 min