Michael Schwartz

Partner
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

St. Louis
United States
T:+1 314 505 8803
St. Louis
United States
T:+1 314 505 8803
Michael Schwartz

Michael Schwartz

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Biography

Michael Schwartz focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances, venture capital investments and corporate restructurings. He regularly advises private equity funds, insurers, brokers, InsurTech innovators and other insurance sector clients on insurance M&A transactions and on a range of corporate and transactional matters.

Michael also represents private equity funds, public and privately held companies and startup enterprises in M&A and other transactional matters across many sectors, including life sciences, industrials, retail, food and agribusiness and technology. He has counseled clients on cross-border transactions and restructurings in Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East.

Earlier in his career, Michael served as a finance director and fundraiser for several political campaigns, including the 2004 Presidential campaign.


Professional experience

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  • JD, cum laude, American University, 2008
  • BA, Tulane University, 2002
  • Illinois State Bar
  • Missouri State Bar

Insurance-Sector Transactions

  • Represented a Canadian mutual insurance company in the stock sale of its California-based subsidiary to a large regional insurance provider. 
  • Represented a global reinsurance company in its equity investment in a newly formed insurance holding company, for which the client is also serving as a reinsurance partner.
  • Represented a fast-growing insurtech company in several acquisitions, including a platform for conducting and analyzing property inspections.
  • Represented a subsidiary of a global insurance company in its acquisition via stock purchase of a US-based cybersecurity company.
  • Represented a private equity fund in connection with the formation of a joint venture entity and the acquisition by the JV entity of two Texas domiciled P&C insurers. The transaction also involved a post-closing restructuring of the insurance holding company system to split out agency and other service functions from the insurers and the negotiation of MGA and other service agreements to govern the provision of such services to the insurers post-closing.
  • Represented an insurtech company in the sale of a shell property and casualty insurance company to a start-up specialty insurer.
  • Represented various clients in connection with shell insurance company acquisitions and dispositions, including shell insurance companies domiciled in California, Illinois and other jurisdictions.

 

General Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Transactions

  • Represented a leading distilled spirits manufacturer in its merger with a publicly-traded producer of distilled spirits and food ingredients for approximately US$475 million in cash and stock.
  • Represented a publicly-traded food technology company in various transactions, including the acquisition of seed germplasm assets and the divestiture of its fresh foods segment.
  • Represented a private equity sponsor in numerous transactions, including the acquisition of platforms in the life sciences, healthcare and scientific research sectors.
  • Represented a manufacturer of licensed collectibles and home décor in its sale to a holding company that includes a portfolio of collectible brands and intellectual property interests. In a related transaction, represented said manufacturer in the sale of assets associated with its subsidiary.
  • Represented a publicly-held footwear company in the acquisition of a major, privately-held athletic shoe manufacturer, the divestiture of a business segment and two complex international reorganizations.
  • Represented an international beverage company in the acquisition of a regional craft brewery and the divestiture of a materials processing subsidiary.
  • Represented a publicly-held computer networking technology company in contemporaneous acquisitions of two major competitors.
  • Represented a major, publicly-held aerospace company in the acquisition of a technical software company.
  • Represented a private equity firm in the acquisition of a leading online marketplace for art and vintage and antique items and the subsequent cross-border combination of the company with a Sweden-based competitor.
  • Represented a private equity firm in various add-ons to its portfolio companies in the electronics, healthcare and pet food industries.
  • Represented a medical device company in connection with the negotiation of a supply agreement and purchase option agreement.
  • Represented a publicly-held solar energy and semiconductor company in acquisitions of substantial solar energy development projects and technology manufacturers.

 

Corporate finance and securities

  • Represented an international reinsurance company in connection with a public offering of senior notes.
  • Represented a major healthcare administration company in connection with a public offering of senior notes.
  • Represented start-up and early-stage companies seeking venture, angel and bridge financing in the telecommunications, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and financial services sectors.

 

Outside general counsel

  • Served as outside general counsel and primary legal contact for a private equity-backed online marketplace for art and vintage and antique items.
  • Represented private equity firm portfolio companies in connection with various internal matters, including recapitalizations, restructurings, corporate governance and general business matters.
  • Legal 500 US, Recommended lawyer, Insurance: Advice to insurers, The Legal 500, 2024

"Mergers & Acquisitions in the Insurance Sector: Strategies for Success," 2023 AICP Annual Conference (Austin), October 31, 2023

  • Board of Directors, Pedal the Cause
  • Finance Committee, Forsyth School
  • American Bar Association
  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis