Mayer Brown has appointed John Grothaus as a partner in its Corporate & Securities and Global Insurance practices in Chicago, expanding its capabilities in insurance-related mergers and acquisitions, reinsurance, capital markets, and complex financing transactions.
Grothaus joins the international law firm from Sidley Austin, bringing experience advising insurance companies, financial services businesses, private equity sponsors, and other institutional investors on strategic transactions.
His practice encompasses a broad range of corporate and securities matters, including mergers and acquisitions, capital investments, public and private securities offerings, reinsurance transactions, and insurance-related financing.
Grothaus has particular experience working with clients in the life insurance sector, where capital management, investment structures, and reinsurance arrangements frequently require specialized transaction expertise.
His work includes strategic equity and hybrid capital raises, enabling insurance businesses to evaluate different ways to strengthen their capital positions and finance expansion.
He also advises clients on funding agreement-backed note transactions, which can provide insurance companies with access to institutional financing markets.
These transactions require coordination across insurance regulatory requirements, capital markets documentation, and the financial objectives of insurers and investors.
Grothaus’ practice also includes strategic reinsurance arrangements and cross-border insurance transactions.
He has developed substantial experience advising on transactions involving the Asia-Pacific region, including outbound reinsurance arrangements originating from those markets.
This background is relevant to international insurance companies seeking access to additional capital, risk-transfer solutions, and strategic transaction opportunities across different jurisdictions.
At Mayer Brown, Grothaus will work with colleagues across the firm’s Corporate & Securities and Global Insurance practices.
The firm’s insurance platform provides legal services spanning corporate transactions, regulatory matters, reinsurance, capital markets, and other areas affecting insurers and financial institutions.
Grothaus’ arrival expands its ability to advise clients on transactions that involve multiple legal disciplines and geographic markets.
His experience also supports the firm’s relationships with private equity investors and asset managers participating in the insurance industry.
These investors frequently evaluate acquisitions, capital investments, reinsurance arrangements, and other transactions involving insurance businesses.
By adding Grothaus, Mayer Brown intends to strengthen its capabilities across the insurance transaction lifecycle.
The appointment reflects the firm’s continued investment in its Chicago office and broader international insurance practice.
David Alberts, Co-Leader of Mayer Brown’s Corporate & Securities practice, identified Grothaus’ experience across insurance and financial services as an important addition to the firm’s transactional capabilities.
The firm’s Chicago office is led by Joanna Horsnail, who also emphasized Grothaus’ experience in complex insurance and financial services transactions.
Mayer Brown intends to integrate his practice with its existing domestic and international teams, giving clients access to coordinated legal advice across transactional, regulatory, and financing matters.
The addition increases its senior legal resources in a market where insurance companies, private equity firms, and other financial institutions regularly undertake complex capital and corporate transactions.
Grothaus’ international experience will also support clients evaluating cross-border opportunities, particularly those involving life insurance and reinsurance markets in Asia-Pacific.
His appointment continues Mayer Brown’s expansion of its insurance transactions platform as the firm invests in additional expertise serving insurers, reinsurers, and institutional investors.
KEY QUOTES:
“John’s arrival reflects our continued investment in the insurance and financial services sectors and our commitment to building one of the industry’s premier transactional platforms. He brings a strong combination of technical excellence, deep industry knowledge, and a client-focused approach that will further enhance our ability to advise clients on their most important strategic transactions.”
David Alberts, Co-Leader Of Mayer Brown’s Corporate & Securities Practice
“The firm has built a truly exceptional insurance platform with deep transactional, regulatory, and international capabilities. I was particularly attracted to the firm’s collaborative culture, global reach, and commitment to helping lawyers build and grow their practices. I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues to help clients capitalize on opportunities across the insurance and financial services industries.”
John Grothaus, Partner At Mayer Brown
“His experience advising clients on complex insurance and financial services transactions, coupled with his collaborative style and entrepreneurial mindset, make him an excellent fit for our firm.”
Joanna Horsnail, Managing Partner Of Mayer Brown’s Chicago Office
