Michael Saslaw, one of the leading corporate lawyers in Dallas, has joined Vinson & Elkins as a partner.

Michael’s practice includes mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and general corporate counseling and governance and his experience spans a variety of industries, including energy and infrastructure, technology, retail, consumer products, media/telecomm, and manufacturing. Michael joins V&E from Weil, Gotshal & Manges, where he was a partner for 15 years.

“We’ve known and admired Mike for many years and his practice is perfectly aligned with our firm,” said V&E Managing Partner Scott Wulfe. “His deep Texas roots and longstanding relationships with a number of V&E clients make this an excellent fit for everyone involved. We couldn’t be happier that Mike decided to join our team.”

Among his recent matters, Michael represented private equity firm EQT Partners in its $465 million acquisition of Synagro Technologies, Inc. pursuant to a bankruptcy plan and in its $270 million acquisition of Restaurant Technologies. He also advised Trimble Navigation, a developer of GPS systems and software including surveying, mapping, and marine navigation equipment, in multiple acquisitions, including its $335 million purchase of TMW Systems and the acquisition of Google’s SketchUp 3D business. Other recent transactions include representing Dubai-based private equity firm Abraaj Capital in its acquisition of a 50 percent interest in Viking International and advising Hunt Consolidated, Inc. on a variety of matters.

“Mike’s exceptional reputation as a go-to advisor for companies and private equity firms adds depth to our Dallas corporate team,” said Billy Young, co-managing partner of V&E’s Dallas office and head of the firm’s Finance Practice Group. “His experience and impressive track record will be invaluable as we continue to bolster our capabilities in these areas to better serve our clients across the world.”

Michael earned his J.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1982, where he was an editor of the law review. He is admitted to practice in Texas and New York. Chambers USA 2013 recognizes Michael as a leading lawyer in the Texas Corporate/M&A category.

“The ability to collaborate with and work alongside such a strong group of talented colleagues is what really attracted me to the firm,” Michael said. “V&E has world-class attorneys across the board.”

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