In June of 2023, Northbrook, Illinois-based Pinstripes Inc., which at the time had 13 locations in eight states and Washington, DC, announced plans to go public with a large-scale expansion of its experiential dining and entertainment brand combining bistro, bowling, bocce and private event space. As part of its growth strategy, Pinstripes is filling holes left by disappearing big-box shopping mall anchors, revitalizing retail spaces with its brand of dining and entertainment and hosting events that range from company outings and birthday parties to weddings.
Tapped by Partner Christopher Atkinson, Co-Chair of Katten's Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Practice, Capital Markets Partner Mark Wood led the legal team that helped Pinstripes go public through a merger with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Banyan Acquisition Corporation (Banyan). The deal, which closed at the end of 2023, valued Pinstripes at approximately $380 million, based upon a value of $10 ascribed to each SPAC share. The transaction included an equity investment of over $20 million directly in Pinstripes by Middleton Partners, a Chicago-based investment firm, and a debt investment of $50 million in the combined company by Oaktree Capital Management. The deal closed on schedule, with Pinstripes' common stock commencing trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on January 2, 2024.