The group welcomes two new partners in Texas
DLA Piper has welcomed Alan Bickerstaff and Cassandra Cuellar as partners in the firm’s Emerging Growth and Venture Capital (EGVC) group in the US. Bickerstaff will serve as head of Texas emerging growth.
Bickerstaff and Cuellar have worked together for more than a decade. They represent entrepreneurs and public and private emerging growth companies on private equity and venture capital financings, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, formation and corporate governance matters, securities law reporting and compliance matters. Their clients span a wide array of industries, including technology, media, telecommunications, medical device and life sciences, consumer products, energy and renewable energy.
“Our EGVC group dates back to the early days of the Silicon Valley, and our market-leading group has grown to be among the largest in the country,” said Andrew Gilbert, US chair of the firm’s Corporate practice. “Alan and Cassandra’s arrival further demonstrates our commitment to providing clients with strategic counsel on transactions involving emerging technologies and innovative solutions.”
Throughout his career, Bickerstaff has represented acquirers and targets in more than US$3 billion of public and private company M&A transactions. His notable experience includes representing Volumetric Biotechnologies, Inc. in its acquisition by 3D Systems; Mavenir Systems, Inc. in its acquisition by Mitel Networks for US$560 million in a public/public merger; and Spatial Communications, Inc. in its acquisition by Alcatel for approximately US$300 million.
Cuellar’s notable experience includes representing Hitachi Energy Ltd. in its investment in H2 Green Steel; Caris Life Sciences in its US$830 million Series D financing and US$400 million term loan financing; and Citigroup in its strategic investments in T-REX Group, Inc. and Aiera, Inc.
“We are delighted to have Cassandra and Alan join us as we continue to enhance our capabilities in Texas and in key sectors such as tech, life sciences and energy,” said Nicole Brennig, managing partner of the Austin, Texas office.
DLA Piper’s EGVC practice includes more than 200 lawyers who provide strategic counsel to emerging companies in high-growth industries, including technology, healthcare, pharma & biotech, financial services, manufacturing, and communications.
