Kimberly Smith Featured in Law360 Q&A Series on COVID-19's Impact on M&A/PE Investments

Katten's co-chair of Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity (PE), Kimberly Smith, was featured in Law360's Coronavirus Q&A, a series of interviews with law firm practice leaders on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kimberly shared her perspective on how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted M&A and PE industries more generally and Katten's M&A and PE practices, more specifically. "Like all industries, M&A and PE were dealt the simultaneous blows of a worldwide pandemic, severe economic contraction, a collapse in oil prices and nearly unprecedented response from the federal government," Kimberly explained.

While she noted that M&A and PE deal flow decreased at the beginning of the pandemic, she said that activity has significantly increased.

"It's a bit of a surprise that we're already witnessing what looks like a return of traditional buyout activity in a pretty big way. There's still great hunger in the market for good companies with strong balance sheets, and those companies are coming to the market at Pre-COVID pricing," Kimberly said.

On how the pandemic has impacted Katten's M&A and PE practices, Kimberly praised the firm for its ability to seamlessly transition to a remote working environment. She also emphasized the ability of Katten attorneys to collaborate across offices and its deep bench of "smart, knowledgeable and talented lawyers."

When asked how her daily life has changed, Kimberly said she has become very comfortable working from home and unwinds when she can by running and listening to music.

Read, "Coronavirus Q&A: Katten's M&A and PE Practice Co-Chair," in its entirety.