Asim Grabowski-Shaikh

Partner

New York
T +1.212.589.4605
F +1.212.589.4201

Overview

Asim Grabowski-Shaikh guides public and private companies through complex capital markets and corporate transactions, with an emphasis on securities offerings (including IPOs and SPACs), mergers and acquisitions (including de-SPAC transactions) and corporate governance matters. He offers clients practical, goal-oriented solutions, leveraging the skills developed and knowledge gained over nearly 20 years of representing issuers, underwriters, placement agents, buyers and sellers of businesses, boards of directors, activists, major financial institutions, funds and registered investment advisors in a variety of transactions across many sectors. Asim’s keen understanding of strategy complements his depth in corporate and securities laws, enabling him to provide bespoke and creative solutions to difficult problems.

Clients widely regard him as an integral member of their team, and he is regularly sought after by major television networks, print publications and conference organizers for his thoughts on emerging legal matters and trends. Asim has been recognized as a “Rising Star” in M&A by the Legal 500, and as a “Top Rising Star” by The Deal.

Select Experience

Capital Markets

  • Represented more than 30 issuers in SPAC IPOs.

Restructuring

  • In re PG&E Company, et al.: Represented the Official Committee for Tort Claimants in connection with its approximately $60 billion restructuring of the California Utility (the sixth largest bankruptcy case in U.S. history), including as a key team member in connection with a $13.5 billion settlement consisting of cash and stock.

Mergers and Acquisitions

  • Led representation of a global solar development firm in a joint venture with an Israeli public company for the development and operation of approximately one gigawatt of solar power, having an aggregate value of more than $1 billion.

Debt Finance

  • Represented a major financial institution as lead bond purchaser in its direct purchase of $50 million of $96 million of tax-exempt bonds issued by an out-of-state issuer, the proceeds of which were used to refinance existing tax-exempt debt and finance, through a draw down structure, the construction and renovation of several healthcare facilities.
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Experience

Capital Markets

  • Represented more than 30 issuers in SPAC IPOs.
  • Led representation of Keefe, Bruyette and Woods, an investment banking division of Stifel Nicholas, as lead underwriter of a $100M public bond offering.
  • Led representation of Boston Omaha Corporation in connection with a SEC registered “at-the-market” public equity offering for up to $100 million, with Wells Fargo Securities as exclusive placement agent.
  • Led representation of Keefe, Bruyette and Woods, as lead placement agent in connection with a series of “at-the-market” public equity offerings valued between $60 million and $100 million.
  • Represented an issuer in the oil and gas refinery sector in its $450 million IPO, underwritten by Deutsche Bank.
  • Led representation of Boston Omaha Corporation in connection with a $55 million preferred investment in Sky Harbour LLC, a developer of private aviation infrastructure.
  • Represented a Nasdaq-listed global developer and manufacturer of specialty, commercial stage pharmaceutical products and medical devices, headquartered in Ireland and with operations in the U.S., Germany and Ireland, in a $40 million public offering of ordinary shares, underwritten by Morgan Stanley.
  • Led representation of many private companies and investors in Series round financings.
  • Represented a Nasdaq-listed issuer in its $100 million IPO, underwritten by Deutsche Bank.
  • Represented an issuer focused on the media and technology sectors in its $80 million IPO, underwritten by Citi and Deutsche Bank Securities.
  • Represented a Nasdaq-listed issuer in the maritime sector in its self-tender offer for shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $43 million, and in connection with its simultaneous acquisition (valued at approximately $94 million) of a foreign entity owning a fleet of platform supply vessels and oil spill response vessels under time charters with a major Brazilian petroleum company.
  • Represented an issuer in its $80.4 million public offering, underwritten by Deutsche Bank.
  • Represented a company focused on the defense, security and government services sector in its $75 million IPO, underwritten by Deutsche Bank Securities and Cowen and Company.
  • Represented a Nasdaq-listed company with a platform to support personalized care for mental health patients in a series of debt and equity offerings, including an at-the-market offering with Aspire Capital, in the aggregate amount of approximately $50 million.
  • Represented a Nasdaq-listed global developer and manufacturer of specialty, commercial stage pharmaceutical products and medical devices, headquartered in Germany and with operations in the U.S., Germany and Ireland, in a $30 million public offering of ADSs, underwritten by Piper Jaffray.
  • Represented a Nasdaq-listed biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of human plasma and plasma-derived therapeutics in connection with its $14.1 million public offering of common stock, underwritten by Raymond James.
  • Represented a Nasdaq-listed biotechnology company in connection with its $11.3 million public offering of common stock.

Restructuring

  • In re PG&E Company, et al.: Represented the Official Committee for Tort Claimants in connection with its approximately $60 billion restructuring of the California Utility (the sixth largest bankruptcy case in U.S. history), including as a key team member in connection with a $13.5 billion settlement consisting of cash and stock.
  • In re Limetree Bay Services LLC, member of the corporate team advising on the restructuring.

Mergers and Acquisitions

  • Led representation of a global solar development firm in a joint venture with an Israeli public company for the development and operation of approximately one gigawatt of solar power, having an aggregate value of more than $1 billion.
  • Represented a European client that is one of the world’s largest and longest established investment funds dedicated to investing in the transition to a more sustainable economy, in its joint venture with a global independent power producer to co-develop over a dozen U.S.-based utility scale solar projects across various eastern U.S. states, as well as advising on a wide range of other project development, tax and financing-related matters.
  • Represented Boston Omaha Corporation, as sponsor of Yellowstone Acquisition Corporation, a SPAC, in connection with Yellowstone’s proposed business combination with Sky Harbour LLC, a developer of private aviation infrastructure, with the combined company having an implied pro forma equity market value of approximately $777 million at closing.
  • Represented Third Point LLC in an approximately $2.6 billion transaction between Global Blue Group Holding AG and Far Point Acquisition Corporation, a SPAC co-sponsored by an affiliate of Third Point LLC.
  • Represented a leading investment bank focused on digital media and marketing in its role as financial advisor to a NYSE-listed public company providing a leading end-to-end mobile platform, with respect to the fairness of AOL’s $280 million cash tender offer, and also in connection with related shareholder litigation.
  • Represented a private leading independent provider of products and services for finance professionals, as well as its shareholders, in a sale for $201 million in cash.
  • Represented Duff & Phelps, a division of Kroll, as financial advisor in multiple public and private M&A and strategic transactions representing billions of dollars, where a fairness opinion was sought.
  • Represented Lincoln International, as financial advisor in multiple public and private M&A and strategic transactions representing billions of dollars where a fairness opinion was sought.
  • Represented a NYSE-listed company in all stock change-of-control merger with a private pharmaceutical company.
  • Represented an issuer in the retail sector in its self-tender offer for shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $18 million, and in connection with its simultaneous business combination (valued at approximately $63 million) with the holding company of a New York City-based bake shop, resulting in the holding company becoming publicly held.
  • Represented a private clean-tech entity in connection with its acquisition of a controlling interest in a solar renewable holding company and its portfolios, and subsequent sale of certain portfolio projects, to a third-party purchaser.
  • Represented an endowment fund in connection with the creation of multiple joint venture funds organized for various purposes, including acquiring and disposing of distressed assets, and investing in crowd-funding opportunities.

Debt Finance

  • Represented a major financial institution as lead bond purchaser in its direct purchase of $50 million of $96 million of tax-exempt bonds issued by an out-of-state issuer, the proceeds of which were used to refinance existing tax-exempt debt and finance, through a draw down structure, the construction and renovation of several healthcare facilities.
  • Represented a major financial institution in connection with an $80 million credit facility to a joint venture consisting of two major regional real estate developers for the refinance of a 267,000 square foot retail complex in Washington, D.C., leased to more than 20 national and regional tenants.
  • Represented a leading New York-based grocery chain in connection with its $23.5 million revolving credit facility and $5 million term loan with a leading bank.
  • Represented a public, U.K.-based pharmaceutical company in connection with its €14,000,000 secured loan facility with a major international financial institution, as U.S. counsel.
  • Represented a specialty gourmet foods business in connection with their $6.5 million revolving credit facility, $2.5 million term loan for acquisition financing and $2.5 million term loan, as well as in connection with the company’s simultaneous approximate $4 million cash acquisition of a private label food manufacturing business.
  • Represented a prestigious, top-tier New York City private school in connection with its $6.8 million tax-exempt loan through a $17.5 million refunding note, made available by Build NYC Resource Corporation, the proceeds of which were provided to it by a leading bank and used by the school to defease previously existing tax exempt debt. Representation also included a $10 million non-revolving line of credit, provided by bank.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • The Deal (2021)
    • Top Rising Star (2021)
  • The Legal 500 United States (2020 to 2023)
    • M&A/Corporate and Commercial: Middle-Market ($500M - $999M) (2022 to 2023)
    • Rising Star in M&A/corporate and commercial - M&A - middle-market ($500m-$999m) (2020 to 2021)

Community

  • Rutgers University CX Program: Advisory Board (2017 to present)
  • Park Children's Day School (formerly Park Avenue Christian Church Day School): Board of Trustees (2015 to present)

Prior Positions

  • Brooklyn Law School Legal Services, Federal Litigation Clinic: Legal Intern (2001)

Admissions

  • New York
  • New Jersey

Education

  • J.D., Brooklyn Law School, 2002
  • B.A., Rutgers College, 1999