Weil, Gotshal & Manges has added Jonathan Stott and Michael Hanna as partners in its U.S. Private Equity Group in San Francisco, further expanding a California private equity platform that now includes approximately 20 partners focused on PE clients.
Stott joins Weil from Dechert, where he served as Managing Partner of the firm’s San Francisco office and led its West Coast Private Equity practice.
Hanna joins from Kirkland & Ellis, where he was a partner in the Private Equity practice.
Stott advises private equity sponsors, alternative asset managers and operating companies on mergers and acquisitions, carve-outs, growth investments, joint ventures and other strategic transactions.
His experience spans technology, healthcare, industrials, aerospace and financial services.
Hanna advises sponsors and portfolio companies on leveraged acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, joint ventures, corporate governance and other strategic transactions.
The hires extend Weil’s investment in California following the firm’s 2024 openings in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Weil views the Bay Area as a strategically important private equity market given the concentration of financial sponsors, investment firms and innovative companies operating across Northern California.
The firm’s U.S. Private Equity Group has doubled in size during Chairman of the Corporate Department Michael J. Aiello’s tenure, according to the announcement.
Weil said its global PE practice advises more than 300 private equity clients and works with some of the world’s largest investment firms throughout the full investment lifecycle.
The additions of Stott and Hanna deepen both Weil’s transaction bench and its relationships within the competitive Bay Area sponsor market.
KEY QUOTES:
“The Bay Area is one of the world’s most important private equity markets, and Jon and Michael’s experience and relationships will further strengthen our ability to serve clients at the highest level.”
Barry Wolf, Executive Partner At Weil
“Jon and Michael are outstanding lawyers with deep market relationships and a collaborative and team-oriented approach to client service, which we value.”
Kyle Krpata, Co-Head Of Weil’s U.S. Private Equity Group, And Tana Ryan, Managing Partner Of Weil’s Los Angeles Office
