Bio

Michael Darby practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions and other significant corporate matters. He also regularly counsels clients on securities law, disclosure matters, corporate governance and activist defense. Recent examples include advising Quest Diagnostics Incorporated in the US$760 million sale of its ownership interest in Q2 Solutions to IQVIA; Crown Holdings in the proposed €1.9 billion sale of its European tinplate business to KPS Capital Partners; Blackboard in the sale of its Transact business unit to Reverence Capital Partners; and B&G Foods in the sale of its Pirate’s Booty business to Hershey. Mr. Darby also has significant experience advising asset managers regarding the diversification of their businesses, including through permanent capital vehicles, such as business development companies. In addition, he advises on strategic transactions involving asset managers, as well as the broader financial services industry. Recent examples include advising Corporate Capital Trust in its listing on the New York Stock Exchange and merger with FS Investment Corporation to create the second largest publicly-traded business development company; BDCA in its acquisition of Siena Capital Finance; and Nicholas Financial in its acquisition of Metrolina Credit. Mr. Darby’s corporate clients span a broad range of industries, such as healthcare, energy, industrials and technology, and have included: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, Crown Holdings, B&G Foods, Blackboard and US Ecology. His asset managers clients have included: KKR, H.I.G. Capital, AllianceBernstein, GoldenTree and Hercules Capital.