Peter Ekberg

Partner

Managing Partner, Minneapolis office

Peter’s experience covers a wide range of M&A matters across industries, jurisdictions and deal structures.

Emailpeter.ekberg@dlapiper.com

Call+1 612 524 3010

Minneapolis

About

Areas of FocusCorporate Emerging Growth and Venture Capital Mergers and Acquisitions

Bar admissionsMinnesotaNew York

EXPERIENCE

Represented General Mills in connection with three acquisitions, two of which involved competitive bidding
Represented General Mills on corporate governance and internal strategic planning matters
Represented Malt-O-Meal over 6 years in multiple acquisitions, commercial contracting, joint ventures and a wide range of miscellaneous corporate matters
Represented Ardea Beverage (specialty drink manufacturer) as its principal outside lawyer in connection with its formation, capital raising, all commercial contracting and sale of the business
Principal outside lawyer for last 15 years for Minneapolis Grain Exchange (MGEX), a designated contract market and designated clearing organization and futures exchange and the world’s largest cash, futures and options market for Hard Red Spring Wheat (principal and highest protein wheat grown fur use in foods such as breads and cereals)
Lead counsel for EVINE Live (f/k/a ShopNBC)) in connection with a response to an activist shareholder. Worked directly with board and senior leadership in developing strategy and legal response, prepared poison pill and other defense measures, and led the company response in a five-month proxy battle, which ultimately prevented the activist from obtaining a majority of company board seats and preserved the position of the Chief Executive Officer
Lead outside US counsel to Uni-Select Inc. (TSX: USI) in connection with its establishment and development of business operations in the United States, including establishment and growth of the automotive replacement parts division through more than 50 separate acquisitions. Lead outside counsel in connection with the sale of the automotive replacement parts distribution division in the US to an affiliate of Carl Icahn (US$500 million). Led the team in the acquisition of a large automotive refinishing paint business and assisted in the growth of that business through dozens of acquisitions, resulting in automotive refinishing paint business in the United States. Worked directly with General Counsel and Chief Executive Officer and advised board of directors
Counsel for joint venture relating to creation and development of polo.com (the online presence for Ralph Lauren). Represented ValueVision Media, Inc. (aka ShopNBC) as a party along with Polo Ralph Lauren and National Broadcasting Company as lead sponsor. Drafted and negotiated transaction documents and was involved with the initial launch of the website
Counsel to the Minneapolis Grain Exchange (designated contract market and futures exchange) in connection with corporate governance matters (including demutualization) and numerous licensing and service transactions relating to listing of futures products for various crypto-currency and options volatilities products. Work directly with the Chief Executive Officer and board of directors. Conduct annual board training and compliance program directly with board
Lead counsel to Spectrum Brands (NYSE: SPB) in connection with numerous acquisitions, corporate governance matters and significant commercial contracts. Acquisitions included numerous asset and stock purchases nationally and internationally. Worked with the General Counsel to update governance documents, put in place board training and policies, and develop responses to reports from Institutional Shareholder Services
Lombard Medical in the restructuring of its UK and European operations in a pre-packaged sale via an English law administration to MicroPort Scientific Corporation
Educational Testing Service in its US$127.5 million cash acquisition of Questar Assessment Inc., a leading K–12 assessment solutions provider focused on building a bridge between learning and accountability

Education

J.D., Columbia University School of Law
Editor-in-Chief, Columbia Journal of Transnational Law; Recipient, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, awarded by the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency for his work on international weapons manufacturing

B.S., United States Military Academy, West Point

Media Mentions

"DLA Piper Elevates 5 Attys To Office Managing Partner Roles," Law360, March 4, 2021

Prior Experience

Served as an officer with the United States Army in Europe (1992 and 1987-1990) and in combat operations in Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991)