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“Phil Koutnik and his broad-based team understand our business intimately, from regulatory compliance all the way down to our corporate voice and philosophy. Phil takes representation beyond credentials, demonstrating commitment and unwavering fortitude, culminating in our ability to make informed decisions.”

Dan Wycklendt, Executive Vice President, FirstPathway Partners LLC

Overview

Phil seeks to establish long-term relationships with clients and takes time to understand their businesses and goals. In doing so, he consistently becomes both a trusted advisor and business partner.

Phil’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, reorganizations, commercial contracts, and related business transactions and corporate matters. He routinely serves as lead outside counsel to many of the firm’s corporate clients, interacting directly with general counsels, executives, and key decision-makers on day-to-day issues affecting their businesses. In all instances, Phil’s counsel is strategic, pointed, and practical, helping ensure that clients achieve successful and efficient results. Phil’s transactional practice spans the middle market, representing private equity firms, portfolio companies, public and private companies, family offices, and entrepreneurs. He also regularly advises non-U.S. clients on in-bound domestic transactions, leveraging a network of global professionals with whom he has developed strong working relationships.

Phil has served on the firm’s Executive Board since 2022.

“Phil Koutnik and his broad-based team understand our business intimately, from regulatory compliance all the way down to our corporate voice and philosophy. Phil takes representation beyond credentials, demonstrating commitment and unwavering fortitude, culminating in our ability to make informed decisions.”

Dan Wycklendt, Executive Vice President, FirstPathway Partners LLC

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • The Legal 500 United States
    • M&A: middle-market (sub-$500 million), Recommended attorney, 2024
  • Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer, 2023 and 2024
  • Chambers USA
    • Corporate/M&A, 2022-2024
    • Up & Coming, 2020 and 2021
  • The Best Lawyers in America®
    • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), 2024 and 2025
    • Corporate Law, 2018-2025
    • Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2019-2025
  • Milwaukee Business Journal
    • 40 Under 40, 2018
  • Wisconsin Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2013-2018

Education

  • J.D., Marquette University Law School
    • cum laude
    • Marquette Law Review, Associate Editor
  • B.A., Marquette University
    • magna cum laude

Admissions

  • Wisconsin

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • State Bar of Wisconsin
  • American Bar Association

“Husch Blackwell’s approach to client service, cultural and diversity initiatives, and firm leadership is cutting edge.”

Experience

Representative Transactions

  • Represented OmniMax International, a portfolio company of SVP Global, in its acquisition of Millennium Metals, Inc.
  • Represented a Japanese public company in connection with its strategic acquisition of a majority stake in a U.S. medical electronics manufacturer.
  • Represented TDC Life, a life insurance and estate planning firm, in its sale to EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants.
  • Represented private equity firm, Copper Truss Capital Partners, in the recapitalization of Performance Pallet Corp.
  • Represented a private equity firm in its acquisition of a powersport engine and vehicle solutions manufacturer.
  • Represented OmniMax International, a portfolio company of SVP Global, in the divestiture of its Shade business.
  • Represented OmniMax International, a portfolio company of SVP Global, in the divestiture of its Fabral business.
  • Represented OmniMax International, a portfolio company of SVP Global, in its acquisition of Verde Industries, Inc.
  • Represented Bryant Products, Inc. in its sale to CW Industrial Partners.
  • Represented Woodsage LLC in its sale to Milton Street Capital.
  • Represented Paric Corporation in multiple transactions, including its recent acquisitions of Interior Investments, LLC and Intereum.
  • Represented Hultafors Group North America, a subsidiary of Hultafors Group AB, in its strategic acquisition of Martinez Tool Co.
  • Represented Associated Banc Corp in connection with the sale of its subsidiary, Associated Benefits Risk Consulting, to USI Insurance Services.
  • Represented Associated Banc Corp in its acquisition of an insurance brokerage and consultancy firm.
  • Represent a private equity firm in various equity capital and M&A transactional matters.
  • Represented J.F. Brennan Co., Inc. in multiple transactions, including its recent acquisition of the dredging and dewatering division of Infrastructure Alternatives, Inc.
  • Represented a Wisconsin-based family office and its portfolio companies on day-to-day legal matters and M&A activity.
  • Represented Phoenix Products, a portfolio company of JMC Capital Partners, in various strategic growth acquisitions.
  • Represented Angelic Bakehouse in its sale to Lancaster Colony Corporation (NASDAQ: LANC).
  • Represented a U.K.-based technology solutions provider in a strategic acquisition of a publicly traded company with operations in the United States and United Kingdom.
  • Represented Riverside Foods, a third-generation manufacturer, in its sale to a strategic purchaser.
  • Represented a group of shareholders of a large privately held company in connection with the reorganization of the company and its affiliates.
  • Represented a strategic purchaser in navigating an auction bid process and closing a merger transaction valued in excess of $250 million.
  • Represented a non-bank lender and private equity fund company in several mezzanine debt and equity transactions, including in connection with the BMO Tower development in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and luxury hotel developments in California.
  • Represented German-based equipment manufacturer in long-term global supply contract with Fortune 100 company.
  • Represented dozens of medical and dental professionals in corporate and transactional matters.
Legal Updates | November 09, 2022
What You Need to Know About Wisconsin's New LLC Laws
Speaking Engagements | July 14, 2020 and July 28, 2020
Speaker, "M&A Master's Training Program: Due Diligence Best Practices"
Media Mentions | October 2020
Best Lawyers® 2021: The Midwest Issue
Outside the Office

Much of Phil’s time is devoted to his wife and young daughter.

He occasionally manages to indulge his passion for golf, playing near home in the summer and escaping to warmer climates periodically during the winter months.

Phil is also an avid snow skier.

Community Leadership
  • Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC), Director
  • Public Policy Forum, Board of Trustees, Former Member
  • National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin, Board of Directors, Former Member
  • Early Music Now, Board of Directors, Former Member
  • Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Guardianship Clinic
  • Emerging Companies, Pro Bono Contributor

Mergers and Acquisitions

Phil works with public and private companies on mergers and acquisitions, serving as both a business advisor and legal counselor. Clients appreciate having someone in their corner who thinks like a business owner, spots issues before they arise and counsels them along the way. Phil is practical with his advice, understanding that each client’s risk tolerance is different, and he is known for getting deals done efficiently.