Fast-growing private companies are exciting to observe as outsiders, but on the inside the company founder has the challenge of securing enough capital to fuel the rapid growth of the business. The company’s continuous need...more
Conflicts between co-owners in private companies are common, but the vast majority are worked out through dialogue and negotiation. When these internal conflicts cannot be resolved, however, minority investors may file suit...more
Changes and trends in private company equity incentive plan terms over time - A client who remembered equity plans from Silicon Valley in years past asked about what has changed in private company equity plans over time....more
Private growth companies have ups and downs – only rocket ships tend to go straight up. Therefore, it can be difficult for an investor holding a minority stake in a private company to know whether a challenging time for the...more
Amid intense focus on investor liquidity (and paths to potential liquidity) in private companies, we provide an update on developments around direct listings as an alternative to traditional IPOs in the United States. On...more
As equity valuations of public companies remain high in comparison to recent historical norms, the use of public company stock as an acquisition currency by SEC registrants in acquisitions of private companies will continue,...more
Coke is buying British coffee-shop chain Costa for $5.1 billion, as the coffee wars just keep on chugging. Costa has 3800 stores in 32 countries and “a foothold in China,” making Coke an instant player in the field....more