Jay Sachetti joined Jeff O’Brien, partner at Husch Blackwell and Dyanne Ross-Hanson, president of Exit Planning Strategies talked about the market for mergers and acquisitions, exit planning opportunities for companies that don’t end up for sale and how companies can maximize their eventual sale price during an early October panel at the first Upsize on Tap event at Summit Brewing Co. in St. Paul.
When the state Legislature passed a law requiring employers to provide paid leave and safe time for employees, Justin Bieganek started hearing differing details from friends, colleagues and peers.
Attorneys at Lommen Abdo in Minneapolis now sometimes hear “Funkytown” and “Car Wash” playing in the halls, now that their firm’s new lawyers represent those songs.
Formerly known as Lommen Nelson, the law firm became Lommen Abdo January 1 after adding the five attorneys who formerly made up Abdo, Abdo, Broady & Satorius. Abdo specialized in entertainment law, especially intellectual property, a practice area that Lommen didn’t have before.
“We had been looking for a niche market in the business practice,” says Margie Bodas, attorney and vice president-practice management. Lommen has always had a business practice, she says, but was better known for litigation.
“We now have records on the wall instead of our typical art work,” she says, because Abdo’s attorneys represent many in the music and film business.
Her biggest job: “Making sure that we have a new firm culture,” Bodas says, something that can be difficult to create at a law firm where attorneys focus on generating billable hours. They’re planning social occasions, such as a visit to the Hudson office and dinner with a client there.
Abdo’s offices were kitty-corner from Lommen’s, and discussions to join forces started informally last April. Bodas says a lot of time was spent on the new name. Also, having lawyers review every detail of a merger agreement is time-consuming.
“Sometimes the people who know what can go into a contract, can make it more difficult,” Bodas says. “There was a lot of discussion of the possible combinations.”Margie Bodas, Lommen Abdo: 612.336.9329; ma****@****en.com; www.lommen.com
