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“Ed is amazing – he is efficient, highly responsive and adept at simplifying complex hurdles.”

Fred Coulson, Founder and Managing Partner, Five Elms Capital

Overview

Ed knows that mergers and acquisitions can grow very complicated, very quickly. But thanks to his detailed approach, the clients Ed counsels are thoughtfully navigated through the many challenges that can arise.

Negotiating to remove or sidestep roadblocks is a hallmark of Ed’s successful transactions. Private fund clients rely on Ed for advice on formation, regulatory and investment matters. Many of these private fund transactions involve software or other technology-based service businesses. Ed also has significant experience representing both buyers and sellers in M&A transactions. Whether large or small, each client has faced different obstacles. Overcoming a variety of issues has helped Ed become more flexible and efficient – and has prepared him for the next challenge.

He also works on general commercial transactions, such as the negotiation of joint ventures and partnerships, entity structuring and formation matters involved in the startup process.

“Ed is amazing – he is efficient, highly responsive and adept at simplifying complex hurdles.”

Fred Coulson, Founder and Managing Partner, Five Elms Capital

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America®
    • Corporate Law, 2023-2025
    • Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, 2023-2025
    • Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2025
  • Chambers USA, Corporate/M&A, 2020-2024
  • The Legal 500 United States
    • M&A: middle-market (sub-$500 million), Recommended attorney, 2023 and 2024
  • IFLR 1000 United States
    • M&A (Missouri), Highly Regarded, 2018-2019, 2022-2024
  • KC Business Magazine, Rising Stars, Class of 2013
  • The M&A Advisor, M&A Advisor Awards Finalist, 2015
  • Missouri Lawyers Weekly, “Up & Coming Lawyer,” 2012
  • Ingram’s magazine 40 Under Forty, 2015

Education

  • J.D., University of Kansas School of Law
  • B.A., University of Kansas
    • Business Administration

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • Kansas

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Kansas Bar Association
  • The Missouri Bar
  • The Mercury Club of Kansas City
Experience
  • Counseled Five Elms Capital on all phases of portfolio company investments and dispositions.
  • Represented Payit, LLC as it took on an investment from Insight Venture Partners.
  • Worked with owners and management team at Russell Stover Candies on sale of company to Lindt & Sprüngli and has continued representation of both Russell Stover and Lindt & Sprüngli.
  • Serves as outside general counsel for Spring Venture Group and counseled Spring Venture Group as it took in an investment from Corsair Capital.
  • Works with Royal Street Ventures on fund formation and investment matters.
  • Represents Pollen Inc. (C2FO) in general legal matters and financing efforts.
  • Represents K.R. Abraham & Co. in deal structuring and acquisition work.
  • Works with C3 Capital on various investment transactions.
  • Works with B12 Capital Partners on their acquisition transactions.
  • Counseled Level Equity on numerous investments in technology companies.
  • Represented Pure Technologies Ltd in acquisition of Wachs Water Services.
  • Counseled Honolulu Coffee Co. on acquisitions, international licensing, supply arrangements, and hotel/grocery store licenses and agreements.
  • Represented multiple franchises of The Mutual Fund Store franchises in sale of their businesses.
  • Advised Glentel Inc. in acquisitions of Diamond Wireless and Wireless Zone.
  • Assisted Algonquin Power Co. in negotiation of joint venture with Gamesa Corp. and joint venture with J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley in connection with purchase of three U.S. wind farms.
  • Led several acquisitions of multiple golf course properties.
  • Participated in client's disposition of more than $400 million in nonregulated utility assets.
  • Assisted Koch Pipeline in disposition of pipeline assets.
  • Represented National Beef Packing Co. in acquisition of beef processing facility.
  • Represented Novel Growth Partners in connection with its fund formation and works on their go-forward operating matters.
Case Studies
Through G.I.F.T. Partnership, Husch Blackwell Provides Pro Bono Legal Support to Black-OwnedBusinesses, like Ruby Jean's Juicery, LLC

Our firm assisted with a number of matters, including lease and contract review, corporate restructuring, intellectual property protection and advice on future growth through franchising.

Outside the Office

Ed devotes most of his time away from the office to his family.

He enjoys coaching his son’s baseball team, watching his girls cheerlead and going on family vacations. He also likes to play tennis and softball.

Community Leadership

Ed serves as a board member for Noah’s Bandage Project, a nonprofit organization started by a boy undergoing cancer treatments.

  • Noah's Bandage Project Inc, Board of Directors

Tired of boring brown bandages, Noah collected money for colorful and whimsical ones to brighten patients’ bad days. Though Noah passed away in 2015 at age 7, his legacy has grown. The money collected provides not only bandages but grants that fund pediatric cancer research.

Other community leadership roles include:

  • Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership Program, 2008-2010
  • Growing Futures Early Education Center Inc., Board of Directors, 2008-2017
  • PREP KC, Volunteer
  • University of Kansas School of Law, 1L Mentor Program, Volunteer
  • University of Kansas Business School Mentor Program, Volunteer
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Board of Directors Legal Adviser