Global law firm Greenberg Traurig has continued the expansion of its private equity practice with the addition of Francesco Castaldi and Robert Graham as shareholders in its Chicago office. Castaldi joins the firm from Kirkland & Ellis. Graham joins the firm from Katten Muchin Rosenman.
Castaldi focuses his practice on negotiating and structuring complex business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, leveraged buyouts, private equity investments, strategic investments, venture capital and growth equity investments, executive compensation and incentive equity arrangements, and other general corporate matters. He has represented private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in transactions ranging from middle-market deals to multibillion-dollar transactions across a wide range of industries. His notable representative experience, among others, includes advising a leading private equity firm on the acquisition of a majority stake in a financial technology company valued at $18.5 billion, the sale of a majority stake in a financial technology company valued at $24.25 billion, and an investment in a continuous testing and quality engineering company valuing the business at $4.5 billion.
“Francesco brings exceptional experience navigating high-value deals across diverse industries. Combined with his deep knowledge of the private equity market, he is an outstanding addition to our team,” Peter H. Lieberman, co-chair of the firm’s private equity practice, said. “He will be an important contributor as we continue to grow our private equity practice and service our clients.”
Castaldi said, “I am excited to join Greenberg Traurig and its nationally recognized private equity practice. The firm’s team-oriented culture, expansive platform and commitment to delivering practical, business-driven counsel make it an ideal place to continue growing my practice. I look forward to working alongside such talented colleagues in Chicago and across the firm to contribute to the practice’s continued growth and to help our clients navigate their most significant transactions.”
Castaldi earned his B.A. from Northwestern University, his M.A. in teaching from Dominican University, and his J.D., with honors, from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
Graham brings significant experience in representing private equity firms, independent sponsors, investment and venture capital firms, and privately held companies in complex domestic and cross-border transactions. He works with clients across diverse industries, providing strategic guidance on mergers and acquisitions, growth investments and other corporate transactions. His experience spans leveraged buyouts, growth equity investments, minority and majority recapitalizations, joint ventures, strategic alliances, add-on acquisitions, carve-out transactions, restructurings and distressed M&A. Graham also counsels clients on corporate governance and general corporate matters, helping businesses navigate critical legal and operational challenges.
“We are thrilled to welcome Robert to the firm. He brings significant transactional experience and a proven track record of advising private equity sponsors and companies on their complex and strategic transactional matters,” Lieberman said. “His addition reflects our continued commitment to expanding the breadth and depth of our private equity practice, both in Chicago and nationally.”
Graham said, “I was drawn to Greenberg Traurig’s collaborative culture and strong reputation in the market. The firm’s global reach and deep bench of talent provide an exceptional platform to deliver creative strategies for clients navigating complex transactions.”
Graham earned his B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and his J.D., with honors, from the University of Notre Dame Law School.
