Aktualności

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13 Oct 2008

Two leading International Technology and Sourcing partners join DLA Piper in Atlanta

Cross-Border Practice Strengthens Firm’s Transactional Capabilities

Informacja Prasowa

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(Atlanta) – DLA Piper today announced that Steven J. de Groot and Ellen G. Ray have joined the firm’s Global Technology and Sourcing practice as partners in the Atlanta office. Focused on technology and outsourcing transactions, de Groot previously served as head of King & Spalding’s Technology Transactions practice while Ray was a partner in the same practice.

“Steve and Ellen bring significant experience in complex, cross-border technology and outsourcing transactions,” said Vincent Sanchez, chair of DLA Piper’s US Technology and Sourcing practice. “DLA Piper’s global platform provides them with significant opportunities to expand their businesses as clients look to capitalize on opportunities abroad.”

“Atlanta is the economic hub of the Southeastern United States, and our new partners will play a critical role in that region as our clients look to pursue opportunities overseas to expand into the global marketplace,” said Kit Burden, chair of DLA Piper’s European Technology and Sourcing practice. “Both are experienced in the types of sophisticated, technology-focused transactions and agreements that are important to the continued growth of our Global Technology and Sourcing practice as we move to realize our vision to be the world's pre-eminent sourcing advisor.”

“Working with a variety of public and private companies, Steve and Ellen’s transactional experience in outsourcing, M&A and technology matters strengthens our growing practice in Atlanta,” added Mark E. Grantham, managing partner of DLA Piper’s Atlanta office. “These are accomplished partners with a very sophisticated international practice, and we are happy to have them on the team.”

These additions come on the heels of a five-attorney team from Hunton & Williams LLP which joined DLA Piper’s Atlanta Corporate and Finance practice in August, led by well-known corporate and private equity attorneys Joseph B. Alexander and Gerry L. Williams.

About the Lawyers

Steven J. de Groot represents a variety of publicly and privately held companies in connection with corporate and technology matters, including the acquisition, sale, development, licensing and distribution of technology assets, formation of technology ventures and marketing alliances, and various information technology and business process outsourcing transactions. He also assists clients in connection with a variety of merger and acquisition and financing transactions.

Additionally, de Groot serves on the Executive Committee for the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and recently served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Museum.

De Groot received a J.D. from the Notre Dame Law School and a B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. He is also a certified public accountant.

Ellen G. Ray focuses her practice on publicly and privately held companies in connection with a wide variety of corporate and technology related matters, including the acquisition, sale, development, licensing and distribution of technology assets, formation of strategic alliances, and various information technology and business process outsourcing transactions.

Ray also serves on the Board of Directors of TechBridge and is currently serving as Secretary of the organization.

Previously, Ray served as Acting General Counsel for McKesson Information Solutions and Associate General Counsel for software provider GEAC.

Ray received her J.D. and B.B.A . from Emory University. She also has an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Alabama.