Planning to take your company public? Our Barrington-based attorneys specialize in IPOs, direct listings, SPAC mergers, and alternative paths to public markets for companies across Professional Services, Finance, Healthcare.
Our managing partner provides selective ipo & going public law counsel to clients in Barrington and nationwide, including:
We engage selectively with capitalized founders and investors in Barrington and nationwide:
Chicago is the Midwest's M&A powerhouse, with deep deal activity in manufacturing, food & beverage, financial services, and healthcare. The city's central location and transportation infrastructure make it a hub for logistics and distribution company acquisitions. Chicago's robust private equity community - including firms like GTCR, Madison Dearborn, and Duchossois Capital - drives significant lower middle-market deal flow.
Chicago offers a balanced deal market with strong fundamentals - valuations are more reasonable than coastal markets while target quality remains high. The region's manufacturing base creates consistent opportunities for PE-backed platform builds.
The Chicago metro area's diversified economy and central location make it ideal for platform acquisitions with national expansion potential. The region's deep talent pool in engineering, finance, and operations supports post-acquisition growth.
Illinois enacted strict non-compete reform in 2022 - agreements are unenforceable for employees earning under $75,000 (increasing annually), and employers must advise employees to consult counsel before signing, affecting how buyers retain key personnel post-acquisition.
"Going public changes everything about how you operate. The reporting obligations, the insider trading rules, the proxy requirements. Companies that aren't prepared for life as a public company shouldn't be rushing to get there."
Restricted by salary threshold ($75,000+). Mandatory 14-day review period.
Entity mergers and conversions are filed with the Illinois Secretary of State, Business Services Department. Bulk asset purchases require notification to the Department of Revenue and obtaining Form ST-4 clearance. The Illinois Securities Department may need to be notified for certain stock transactions.
Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment by our managing partner.
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
Common questions from Barrington clients
Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment by our managing partner
Submit Transaction DetailsIn-depth guides to help you prepare for your transaction
State-by-state securities registration requirements and exemptions.
Read guideHow private companies can issue equity compensation under Rule 701.
Read guideFiling requirements for Regulation D offerings at the state level.
Read guideHow reverse mergers work and when they make sense as a path to going public.
Read guideRequirements for selling restricted and control securities.
Read guideOur managing partner provides selective ipo & going public law counsel for transactions nationwide. Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment.
Submit transaction details for review. We engage selectively with capitalized buyers and sellers.
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
Selective M&A practice - Nationwide reach - Managing partner on every deal