Holland & Knight Expands Presence in Financial Services Industry with Opening of Charlotte Office

MIAMI (February 10, 2016) – Holland & Knight has opened its 26th office in Charlotte, N.C., as part of the expansion of its nationally recognized financial services practice. Rick Brown, Chris Kupec and Tim Ryan have become partners in Charlotte. Mr. Brown and Mr. Kupec were previously with Bryan Cave and Mr. Ryan was with Winstead. All of the partners focus on corporate finance. The group also includes senior counsel Jonathan Brodhag.

"Expanding our depth in the financial services industry, particularly in the area of corporate finance, is a strategic priority for our firm," said Steven Sonberg, Holland & Knight managing partner. "Charlotte is a major U.S. financial center and we have been interested in the possibility of opening an office there for some time. We are truly fortunate that Rick, Chris and Tim have joined our firm."

"Rick, Tim, Jonathan and I look forward to leading Holland & Knight's expansion into the Charlotte market," said Mr. Kupec. "The city is one of the country's top locations for finance-related legal work and the opportunities here for the firm are significant, especially given its outstanding reputation in the financial services industry."

Mr. Brown practices in the areas of asset-based financing, leveraged credit facilities, and other syndicated and bilateral transactions. He has in-depth experience in supply chain finance and other forms of trade finance, which include factoring, bank treasury services and letter of credit transactions. He also has represented administrative agents and lenders in restructurings and workouts of syndicated and bilateral credit facilities.

Mr. Kupec focuses his practice on middle-market lending transactions involving banks, hedge funds and other financial institutions. He has significant experience in asset-based and leveraged lending transactions, as well as second lien and mezzanine financings.

Mr. Ryan represents clients in the structuring, negotiating, documenting and closing of a broad variety of credit lending and financing transactions, including international and domestic syndicated, club and single-lender transactions. His practice includes acquisition financings, recapitalizations, high-grade and junior debt financings, and cash flow, asset-based and other capital market transactions.

Holland & Knight's new Charlotte office is located 101 South Tryon Street, 36th Floor, Charlotte, N.C. The telephone number is (980) 215-7770.