Ryan Jackson has joined Holland & Knight’s Chicago office as a partner in the firm’s Corporate, M&A and Securities Practice Group. He was formerly a partner with Kirkland & Ellis.

Mr. Jackson’s practice focuses on structuring, negotiating and managing complex business transactions, including leveraged acquisitions and divestitures, mergers, venture and growth equity investments, corporate carve-outs, recapitalizations and restructurings, and executive compensation and incentive equity matters. He has represented private companies and private equity and venture capital firms in transactions ranging in size from $1 million up to several billion dollars.

“Ryan represents a strategic opportunity to further strengthen our Chicago and national positions in both M&A and private equity,” said José Sirven, chair of Holland & Knight’s Business Section. “His addition to our team will resonate with clients and prospective clients alike.”

“Chicago is one of the country’s top three private equity markets, and Ryan will be a catalyst in expanding our presence there,” said David Barkus, co-leader of Holland & Knight’s Corporate, M&A and Securities Practice Group and head of the firm’s Private Equity Team. “He has an impeccable deal sheet, including transactions for several top private equity firms, and an excellent reputation in the private equity community both locally and nationally.”

“I am delighted to join Holland & Knight and look forward to playing a meaningful role in helping the firm continue to build its M&A/private equity practice, especially in Chicago,” said Mr. Jackson. “I was particularly attracted to Holland & Knight because of its focus on the middle market and hope to contribute to the firm’s deal flow in this industry segment.”

Mr. Jackson received a J.D. degree from the University of Michigan Law School, magna cum laude, and a B.A. degree, with distinction, in economics from the University of Michigan. He is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Michigan.