Corporate Practice Group Co-Chair Carl Roston spoke with Law360 for the publication’s reporting on Akerman’s second PErspective Report focused on market trends for sub-$1 billion private equity (PE) funds, including first-time buyout funds. The Akerman report found deal flow for sub-$1 billion PE funds accelerated at the start of 2018 and set an all-time record for any first quarter, Law360 reported. Roston explained what distinguishes these PE vehicles, in particular when it comes to first-time funds and how they create competitive advantage and manage risk, by collaborating with legal and financial advisers to create investment opportunities.

Law360 wrote, “In particular, sourcing deals has become an area where law firms can be of value. Attorneys can help first-time fund managers in their pursuit of developing deep relationships with key industry players by putting them in touch with executives, investment bankers, lenders and others. Those types of connections can lead to a client being in touch with people who will be effective in sourcing proprietary deals and facilitating relationships with management teams, in some cases even before companies come to market, Roston said.”