Department profile
Kirkland & Ellis

Private Equity: Buyouts

USA Guide 2026 : Illinois

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Kirkland & Ellis

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Provided by Kirkland & Ellis

For more information about Kirkland & Ellis’ practices, please visit kirkland.com/services.


Chambers Review

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Private Equity: Buyouts - Illinois

What the Team is Known For

Kirkland & Ellis has a market-leading transactional practice with a stellar reputation for its expertise in high value, international transactions. It demonstrates outstanding credentials in private equity buyouts and exits, alongside deep strengths in public M&A. The firm leverages its extensive resources in wider practice areas to offer an integrated transactional service, drawing from experts in tax, intellectual property and litigation.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Kirkland & Ellis advised AE Industrial Partners-backed Kellstrom Aerospace on its $200 million sale to VSE Corporation.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Kirkland & Ellis has a highly seasoned M&A team that understands how to navigate the thorniest of issues.

    Private Equity: Buyouts respondentUSA

  • Kirkland offers deep M&A expertise, creativity and work ethic.

    Private Equity: Buyouts respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Jon A Ballis
    Jon A Ballis

    Jon A Ballis

    Jon Ballis is chairman of Kirkland & Ellis. He is a highly experienced practitioner who is well versed in representing private equity firms in substantial transactions.

    • Jon is exceptional.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentUSA
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  • Sanford E Perl
    Sanford E Perl

    Sanford E Perl

    Sanford Perl is a leading corporate lawyer who represents prominent private equity firms. His experience includes acting on multibillion-dollar mergers.

    • Sanford is fantastic.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentUSA
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  • Douglas C Gessner
    Douglas C Gessner

    Douglas C Gessner

    Douglas Gessner has a practice which includes recapitalizations and the formation of private equity funds. He also frequently handles acquisitions and sales.

    • Doug is a gentleman. He is smart and advocates strongly for his clients.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentUSA
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  • Richard J Campbell
    Richard J Campbell

    Richard J Campbell

    Richard Campbell frequently handles M&A and capital markets transactions. He is experienced in advising on cross-border matters.

    • Richard really helps see around corners. He can read a room and has high EQ to go along with his legal acumen.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentUSA
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  • Ted M Frankel
    Ted M Frankel

    Ted M Frankel

    Ted Frankel represents a range of clients that include private equity sponsors. He has strong skills in acquisitions, divestitures and recapitalizations.

    • Ted is an outstanding M&A lawyer. He is highly commercial, practical and strategic.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentUSA

    • Ted is an excellent lawyer who acts like a true partner.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentUSA
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  • Brendan Head
    Brendan Head

    Brendan Head

    Brendan Head is engaged on numerous transactions in the private equity space. He has experience acting on acquisitions and joint ventures.

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  • Corey Fox
    Corey Fox

    Corey Fox

    Corey Fox is a respected practitioner who works on a host of deals. His expertise covers financings and M&A.

    • Corey Fox is very commercial. He knows how to get the deal done. He always provides really good, data-based advice in sticky situations.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Kirkland & Ellis (7)

Illinois

Members

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