Global M&A Network recognized Haynes Boone and Partner Brent Beckert as national leaders in mergers and acquisitions at its 16th Annual M&A Atlas Americas Awards Gala on Feb. 6 in New York City.
Beckert was acknowledged with the Americas Rising Star Dealmakers Award, which recognizes the achievements of exceptional young dealmakers from the private equity, M&A and restructuring industries in North and South America. The prestigious honor recognizes dealmakers for their achievements, dedication, and talents for closing value creating transactions.
As a firm, Haynes Boone won the mid-market Wellness & Service Deal of the Year for its representation of Valesco Industries in the acquisition of Earthlite. Headquartered in Vista, CA, Earthlite is the world’s preeminent provider of high-quality wellness equipment along with a suite of complementary products, including consumable supplies and accessories for the spa and massage markets.
The Haynes Boone deal team on the Valesco/Earthlite transaction was led by Beckert and Finance Partner Sakina Rasheed Foster, and was supported from a broad cross-disciplinary team of Haynes Boone lawyers, including:
- Mergers and Acquisitions: Associates Eli Brook and Ryan Ward
- Finance: Counsels Karina Oshunkentan and Mei Zhang, and Associates Dani Leon-Osorio and Remya Menon
- China: Partner Liza Mark and Associate Maisy Chang
- Business Planning and Tax: Counsel Danielle Marr
- Labor: Partner Raquel Alvarenga and Associate Sean Lewis
- Employee Benefits: Partner Scott Thompson and Associate Isabella Blanes
- Environmental: Partner Mary Mendoza
Earthlite’s portfolio includes several revered wellness brands, including Living Earth Crafts and Tara Spa Therapy. Over the past 50 years, the company has built powerful, authentic brands and an award-winning reputation for innovation, quality and sustainability. Valesco completed a majority buyout of the previous ownership group, partnering with management to continue Earthlite’s legacy and capitalize on the company’s long-standing reputation, favorable industry tailwinds and growth opportunities.
Haynes Boone’s M&A Practice Group has comprehensive experience handling middle-market deals, having helped clients close more than 500 transactions in the last five years, with an aggregate value exceeding $50 billion. The firm routinely represents private equity firms, closely held corporations, founders, large financial institutions and Fortune 500 public companies.
