Winston & Strawn LLP has announced Chris Ferazzi and Richard (“Dick”) Wynne have joined its Houston office, expanding the firm’s corporate and transactional capabilities in the growing market. Mr. Ferazzi and Mr. Wynne join Winston & Strawn from Porter Hedges LLP and add significant depth in areas including mergers & acquisitions, private equity and securities. The addition of these practitioners underscores Winston & Strawn’s commitment to developing a full-service platform in Houston.

Houston is home to the second most Fortune 500 company headquarters (CNN Money) and derives commercial benefits as the center of the U.S. energy industry. Winston & Strawn entered this market in 2011 with a prominent team of attorneys and is committed to expanding the breadth and depth of its office.

“Houston represents a compelling and important opportunity for the firm to expand its corporate footprint,” said Tom Fitzgerald, firm managing partner. “The addition of Chris and Dick will enhance our ability to service our clients while providing the necessary resources to expand transactional work in a variety of industry segments, including energy.”

“Developing full-service capabilities in the Houston market is a goal for the firm,” added John Keville, Houston office managing partner. “We’re excited to have Chris and Dick join our team and will continue to build a corporate practice that complements our strengths in other areas”.

Mr. Ferazzi’s experience includes mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions, board and special committee advisory matters, formation and structuring of joint ventures and strategic alliances, particularly in the energy industry, SEC compliance and reporting, offerings of debt and equity securities, and preparation and negotiation of executive employment agreements and related compensation issues. He has significant experience in middle market private company acquisitions and divestures in a broad range of industries, including energy. He served in various management roles at Porter Hedges, including head of the corporate practice group and recruiting chairman.

Mr. Wynne’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions; private equity transactions, including representation of management groups; and offerings of debt and equity securities. His clients have included boards of directors and their committees, investment banks, private equity firms and portfolio investment companies, and companies operating in a variety of industries. He has particular experience with private company acquisitions and divestitures in the energy sector. Mr. Wynne served in numerous management roles at Porter Hedges, including as a member of the management committee, corporate practice group chair, and recruiting chairman.

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