• Case Western Reserve University School of Law, J.D., 1986
  • Journal of International Law, Research Editor
• The Colorado College, B.A., History and Political Science, 1983

• American Bar Association
• Ohio State Bar Association
• Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

• State of Ohio
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

“Steve has served as our trusted counsel since we began our first fund in 2007. He and KJK have been involved in all legal aspects of our business, including entity formation, providing ongoing regulatory compliance and handling the acquisition and legal needs of many of our portfolio companies. Steve provides outstanding service, high-quality advice and a balanced approach to solving problems. His deep knowledge of the transactional aspects of the private equity business has been truly appreciated. I heartily recommend him and his firm.” 

— Jay Greyson, Partner – Supply Chain Equity Partners

“Steve is an outstanding corporate lawyer. I have worked with him for more than 20 years and he is responsive, detailed and forward-thinking. Steve knows how to maintain the often delicate balance between getting our deals done and protecting our legal interests.”

— Ronald “Chip” Weinberg, Jr., Managing Director – Weinberg Capital Group

• Representing private equity groups in such transactions as:
  • The $140 million sale of an aviation logistics business with international operations
  • Acquisitions of portfolio companies involved in the distribution of pet supplies, pipeline products, industrial batteries and travel products
  • Structuring of a private equity group’s investment in a $124 million acquisition of heavy duty gear and gearbox manufacturer
  • The $44 million acquisition and related financing of a leading provider of airport ground handling services to the air cargo industry
  • A $49 million leveraged buyout, $40 million refinancing and $17 million dividend recapitalization for a direct marketer of apparel, cosmetics and health-related merchandise
  • The acquisition of the assets of a leading manufacturer and Internet retailer of ventilation hoods for commercial kitchens for approximately $30 million
  • A $28 million acquisition of an Illinois repackaging and distribution company, including related senior and mezzanine financings
  • The $10 million acquisition of a leading insurance adjusting firm with operations across the country, Canada and the Caribbean, and related equity and debt financings
• Negotiating such mergers and acquisitions as:
  • A publicly-held manufacturing company with net sales in excess of $300 million in the formation and strategic acquisition of businesses located in the United States and several foreign countries and the $94 million sale of a primary business segment
  • The $200 million merger of a publicly-held natural gas utility
  • A leading regional beer and wine distributor with over $100 million of acquisitions of competing distributors
  • A $90 million sale and recapitalization transaction for the stockholders of a company providing billing services to the health care industry
  • Representing the owners of a direct marketer of women’s apparel, cosmetics and accessories, health-related merchandise and discount buying clubs in a $49 million leveraged buyout
  • The $35 million sale of a designer and manufacturer of thermally sensitive actuators, valves and manifolds for various industrial markets
  • The sale of over $30 million of companies operating pre-schools in the State of Ohio
  • A $27 million sale of a nationwide business engaged in wooden pallet logistics, management and brokerage services to a competitor
  • The sale of one of the largest manufacturers of poultry hatchery and incubation equipment in the world to a European concern