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Contact:   Kenneth W. Muller, Charles S. Farman or Steven Rowles

Morrison & Foerster is an internationally recognized leader in the formation of private funds. We regularly represent domestic and foreign general partners and institutional investors in the formation of all types of private equity funds, including: buyout funds, real estate funds, mezzanine funds, distressed company funds, foreign funds, venture capital funds, hedge funds, and fund-of-funds.

The attorneys in our Private Equity Fund Group have represented fund sponsors or major institutional investors in the formation of private equity funds having committed capital in excess of $200 billion in the last two years alone.

Our attorneys are experts on the partnership, regulatory, and tax issues of concern to fund general partners, domestic tax-exempt investors, and offshore investors. In addition to advising general and limited partners on fund structure, business terms, and documents, we also counsel the general partner principals in resolving the key issues relating to the operation of the general partner entity (including carried interest splits, vesting arrangements, and management and control of the entity).

Private equity fund formation is a highly-specialized and dynamic area, and our continuous involvement in fund deals keeps us on the cutting-edge of the private equity market and gives us unique insight on key business terms and market trends. Our expertise, market awareness, and reputation allows us to provide an unsurpassed level of insight and guidance to general partners and institutional investors on all fund formation issues.

Private equity fund formation has become increasingly global. Our firm’s 17 offices are strategically located in key financial and technology centers around the world, including San Francisco, New York, London, and Tokyo. The breadth of our fund formation expertise throughout our worldwide offices uniquely positions us to assist domestic and international funds, fund sponsors, and investors.

In addition to fund formation, attorneys in our world-wide Corporate Group regularly advise private equity funds (and other investors) in domestic and cross-border private equity investments, buyouts, debt financings, joint ventures, and strategic alliances.