Matthew Petersen and Morley Fortier III, two highly regarded mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity attorneys in Chicago, have joined Holland & Knight as partners. Mr. Petersen will serve as head of the Chicago Corporate, M&A and Private Equity practice. He and Mr. Fortier join the firm from Reed Smith, where Mr. Petersen served as managing partner of the Chicago office and in 2019-2020 served as the vice chair of the Business & Finance Department. Prior to acting as vice chair, Mr. Petersen served as practice group leader for the U.S. Corporate practice group.

“We could not be more pleased to welcome Matt and Morley to Holland & Knight,” said David Barkus, co-leader of the firm’s Corporate, M&A and Securities Practice Group and leader of the firm’s Private Equity Team. “I have enjoyed getting to know Matt and Morley. They are exceptional lawyers but even better people who fit the Holland & Knight culture. We are confident that their depth of knowledge and M&A and private equity experience will help anchor our corporate practice in Chicago and serve as a catalyst for continued growth.”

Mr. Petersen’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, complex commercial contracts and strategic counseling. He serves a wide variety of clients in a diverse range of industries such as distribution, packaging and industrial food service. Mr. Fortier’s practice concentrates on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, equity financing matters, corporate governance issues and general corporate law matters for private equity funds and independent sponsors, their portfolio companies and other privately held businesses. His experience spans a wide range of industries, and he has guided his clients through all stages of a company’s lifecycle.

“Matt and Morley are tremendous assets to our firm,” said David Wirt, executive partner of the firm’s Chicago office. “Their work with private equity funds as well as their extensive M&A experience will be instrumental in expanding and deepening our corporate practice in Chicago and nationwide.”

Mr. Petersen and Mr. Fortier will work alongside Chicago-based M&A and private equity Partner Paul Hogan, who joined Holland & Knight in December from Eversheds.

“Holland & Knight has made significant investments in its corporate M&A practice across the country, particularly in private equity. We are excited to join a platform committed to focused growth and excellent client service,” said Mr. Petersen.

“We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the success of the firm. The Holland & Knight platform is ideally suited to serve our clients,” said Mr. Fortier.