LOS ANGELES – Troutman Pepper Locke advised Transom Capital Group (Transom), an operationally focused middle-market private equity firm, in the credit facility financing for a take-private acquisition of SigmaTron International, Inc. (SigmaTron), a global electronic manufacturing services provider. For more information, see the press release.
The investment reflects Transom’s commitment to supporting manufacturing businesses. With seven global manufacturing facilities, including five in North America, SigmaTron is uniquely positioned to navigate today’s macroeconomic and tariff environment while continuing to deliver best-in-class solutions to its customers.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team that advised Transom on this financing was led by Bruce Steinert, with support from Steven Soffer, Kimberly Petrolo, and Carlo DeHart.
Consistently recognized as a top-tier practice, Troutman Pepper Locke’s corporate attorneys regularly handle strategic deals for Fortune 100 corporations and middle market transactions for private equity clients. Core areas of service include mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance, securities laws compliance, capital markets transactions, and other significant domestic and cross-border transactions, as well as general corporate counseling.
Troutman Pepper Locke’s Financial Services Group offers comprehensive support to financial services businesses in today’s challenging and ever-changing environment. Consistently recognized as a leading service provider to all segments of the financial services industry, the firm provides timely and practical counsel to guide clients with their most important decisions. From global financial institutions to small banks and non-bank financial service providers, clients depend on Troutman Pepper Locke to help them achieve their strategic and commercial goals while managing regulatory and litigation risk.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
ATLANTA – Troutman Pepper Locke advised Payroc, a leading North American merchant acquirer and payment technology provider, in its definitive agreement to acquire BlueSnap, a Boston-based global payment orchestration and accounts receivable automation platform. For more information, see the press release.
This strategic acquisition unites Payroc’s direct-connect acquiring infrastructure across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, and transforms Payroc’s capabilities by adding BlueSnap’s robust global and enterprise capabilities. The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2025 and is subject to regulatory approval and other customary items.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team that advised Payroc was led by Brad Resweber and Taylor Bartholomew, with additional support from Keith Barnett, Cody Mathis, Sam Baker, Monika Gindy, Samer Roshdy, Carlin McCrory, and Joshua Eastwood.
Consistently recognized as a top-tier practice, Troutman Pepper Locke’s corporate attorneys regularly handle strategic deals for Fortune 100 corporations and middle market transactions for private equity clients. Core areas of service include mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance, securities laws compliance, capital markets transactions, and other significant domestic and cross-border transactions, as well as general corporate counseling.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
PHILADELPHIA – David Stauss has joined Troutman Pepper Locke as a partner in the firm’s Privacy and Cyber Practice Group. A distinguished authority in privacy, information security, and AI law, Stauss brings extensive experience in state data privacy legislation, artificial intelligence regulation, and cybersecurity matters. Stauss’ addition furthers the firm’s unique ability to holistically assess and advise on privacy, security, and AI risk simultaneously from an advisory, legislative, and regulatory enforcement and litigation defense perspective. This is a key market differentiator and a value proposition that few firms can match.
Stauss joins Troutman Pepper Locke from Husch Blackwell, where he co-led the privacy and cybersecurity practice. He counsels clients on tracking and complying with existing privacy laws and emerging privacy, AI and information security legislation, including the Colorado AI Act, comprehensive U.S. state privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act, children’s privacy and social media laws, data broker, biometric and health information privacy laws, and international laws, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation. Stauss is also prominent amongst state privacy and AI regulators and defends companies in regulatory investigations and enforcement actions. His contacts with regulators and vast experience with U.S. privacy and AI laws set him apart and represent a truly unique and unmatched skill set in the U.S.
“David is an outstanding addition to our privacy and cyber practice. His unique set of skills and experience enhance the firm’s 360-degree solution offering to effectively address data privacy and cyber issues, particularly as it pertains to state privacy laws, enforcement, and AI counseling,” said Ronald Raether, leader of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Privacy and Cyber Practice Group. “He has an impressive reputation and considerable experience with state privacy and AI laws and regulations. When combined with our existing team of litigators, compliance advisors and regulatory enforcement capabilities, our clients are better positioned to adopt rapidly changing technology and proactively identify and address evolving legal challenges.”
Throughout his career, Stauss has been at the forefront of tracking, analyzing, and developing privacy and cybersecurity legislation. In 2018, he assisted in drafting Colorado’s data breach and information security legislation, serving as the outside subject matter expert for the Colorado Attorney General’s office. In 2022 and 2023, Stauss was a member of the work groups for the Connecticut Data Privacy Act and children’s privacy law amendments, serving as an outside authority for the bill’s sponsors. In 2024, he was a member of the multi-state work group on artificial intelligence regulation.
“An influential name in the privacy law sector, David’s involvement in drafting and passing key state privacy laws, will push Troutman Pepper Locke to the forefront of firms in this space,” added James Koenig, co-lead of the firm’s privacy and cyber team. “His arrival will complement our prominent State AG, FTC, and Regulatory Investigations, Strategy and Enforcement practices, and highlights the firm’s continued commitment to strategically growing the Privacy and Cyber Practice Group. His hire comes on the heels of our recent addition of another industry-leading privacy attorney David Navetta, further amplifying the firm’s national presence as a leader in the data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI sectors.”
Stauss is a prolific writer and recognized thought leader on privacy and cybersecurity, frequently authoring and speaking on these issues. In addition to being selected as JD Supra’s top author in data privacy in 2022, he has cultivated a significant following and regularly contributes to an array of blogs, podcasts, and webcast series. His insights have been featured in major publications like the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Law, The Hill, CBS News, and Law360, among others. At Troutman Pepper Locke, Stauss contributes to the firm’s newly launched Privacy + Cyber + AI blog, providing readers with informed perspectives on evolving data privacy legislation.
“David’s national reputation, combined with our Chambers-ranked State Attorneys General team with over 20 years of experience, presents clients with a unique blend of nationally recognized data privacy and state attorneys general capabilities. Companies have recognized that this combined skill set is essential for effectively responding to privacy issues advanced by regulatory agencies, including state attorneys general. This combination creates a market differentiation that few firms can offer,” added Ashley Taylor, co-leader of Troutman Pepper Locke’s nationally ranked State Attorneys General Practice, vice chair of the firm, and partner in the Regulatory Investigations, Strategy and Enforcement Practice Group.
Stauss is designated as a Privacy Law Specialist (PLS) by IAPP. The PLS designation verifies that he has met the IAPP and American Bar Association’s rigorous experience and knowledge requirements and distinguished himself as a leader in the privacy law industry. Stauss is certified as a Fellow of Information Privacy by the IAPP, a designation signifying comprehensive knowledge of privacy and data protection laws. He has also been credentialed by the IAPP as a Certified Information Privacy Professional in the laws of the U.S. and European Union, and as a Certified Information Privacy Technologist. Stauss is recognized for his privacy law practice by several leading industry authorities, including Chambers USA, Chambers Global, and Legal 500, among others.
“Joining Troutman Pepper Locke offers me an incredible opportunity to build on the firm’s strong platform and stellar reputation for delivering top-notch service,” said Stauss. “I look forward to expanding the firm’s distinctive brand, and I’m eager to contribute to its growth as an elite player in the privacy, security, and AI markets.”
For decades, Troutman Pepper Locke has represented leading global, as well as emerging, technology and life sciences companies. The team, recognized by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, and The Legal 500 as one of the top privacy practices in the U.S., includes privacy and cybersecurity thought leaders and pioneers in emerging issues relating to implementation and compliance, litigation, regulatory investigations, and incident response. Troutman Pepper Locke’s experience leading some of the most high-profile litigation matters and regulatory enforcement actions uniquely positions the firm to address emerging privacy and cyber issues that the world — and the law — have never had to confront before.
The firm’s Privacy and Cyber team extends the range of privacy and cyber services traditionally offered by law firms, drawing upon its unique combination of global knowledge and experience in key areas such as privacy program creation and implementation, licensing, financing and M&A transactions, incident response, litigation, and regulatory investigations and enforcement. This comprehensive 360-degree approach helps the firm provide holistic and innovative solutions to clients’ most complex privacy and cybersecurity challenges.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
Troutman Pepper Locke recently partnered with the Duke University School of Law Wrongful Convictions Clinic to obtain a significant pro bono achievement for its client Benjamin Cole. Mr. Cole had been convicted of a 1998 murder in Greensboro, North Carolina. However, Mr. Cole had always maintained his innocence, and evidence demonstrated that he was in Dayton, Ohio, at the time of the murder. Although no physical evidence tied Mr. Cole to the crime, he was tried capitally and eventually sentenced to life in prison in 1999.
The Troutman-Duke team put on Mr. Cole’s case at a multi-day evidentiary hearing in May in Guilford County Superior Court in North Carolina. This hearing was the culmination of years of work by the Duke Clinic under supervising attorney and clinical professor of law Jamie Lau. The team investigated the matter and filed multiple post-conviction motions for relief. At the hearing, the Troutman-Duke team submitted evidence that their client was wrongfully convicted due to misidentification and several constitutional violations involving the state’s withholding of exculpatory evidence at trial.
In light of the strong case put on at the evidentiary hearing, the state offered, and Mr. Cole entered, an Alford plea that allows him to maintain his innocence and plead guilty to a lesser charge. This allowed Mr. Cole to be resentenced to “time served” and enabled his immediate release. After 27 years of imprisonment, Mr. Cole has now reunited with his mother, sister, and other family in Georgia. For more details on the procedural history and evidence in this matter, see the press release from Duke Law’s Wrongful Convictions Clinic.
Duke Law’s Wrongful Convictions Clinic investigates plausible claims of innocence made by people incarcerated for felonies in North Carolina and has helped secure more than a dozen prison releases since its founding in 2008.
Troutman Pepper Locke’s legal team consisted of Matthew Orso, Heryka Knoespel, and Eddie Nogay.
Each year, Troutman Pepper Locke attorneys dedicate thousands of pro bono hours in support of nonprofits, military veterans, children, the wrongfully convicted, civil rights and social justice initiatives, and so many other causes. Learn more at troutman.com/pro-bono.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
PROVIDENCE – Troutman Pepper Locke advised Nautic Partners, LLC, a middle-market private equity firm focusing on investments in the health care, industrials, and services sectors, in its acquisition of AccessIT Group, Inc. (AccessIT), a specialized cybersecurity solutions provider, as a new platform investment. For more information, see the press release.
This investment will enable AccessIT to further expand the reach of its capabilities, enhance its offerings, and support an even broader range of organizations that rely on proven cybersecurity proficiency.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team that advised Nautic Partners was led by Mike Newquist, Lori Basilico, Michael Harrison, Robin Shaughnessy, Peter Wynacht, Lauren Alvarez, Michaela Conley, and Jeff Kennedy.
Consistently recognized as a top-tier practice, Troutman Pepper Locke’s corporate attorneys regularly handle middle market transactions for private equity clients alongside strategic deals for Fortune 100 corporations. Core areas of service include mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance, securities laws compliance, capital markets transactions, and other significant domestic and cross-border transactions, as well as general corporate counseling. The firm has a strong focus in the private equity and private fund services space, advising clients on matters including fund formation, growth equity investments, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and exit transactions.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
CHARLOTTE – Troutman Pepper Locke advised Newly Weds Foods, LLC, a global food ingredients manufacturer, in its acquisition of the Dyersburg, Tenn., manufacturing facility of Develey Mustard and Condiments Corporation. Through the acquisition, Newly Weds Foods plans to further enhance its liquid and sauce manufacturing capabilities as well as expand its packaging offerings. For more information, see the press release.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team that advised Newly Weds Foods was led by Brett Hubler and Dan McDonough, with support from Patrick Byrnes, Mike Crumbock, Todd Fracassi, Morgan Klinzing, Jim Schutz, Noreen Onimus, Lauren Alvarez, Sam Baker, Mitch Carnes, Chelsey Noble, and Owen Peters.
Consistently recognized as a top-tier practice, Troutman Pepper Locke’s corporate, tax, and regulatory attorneys regularly handle strategic deals for Fortune 100 corporations and middle market transactions for private equity clients. Core areas of service include mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance, securities laws compliance, capital markets transactions, and other significant domestic and cross-border transactions, as well as general corporate counseling.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
Corporate Counsel Rank Troutman Pepper Locke Among Top 10 Law Firms in BTI Client Service A-Team 2025 Report
Troutman Pepper Locke is ranked among the top 10 law firms for exceptional client service in the BTI Client Service A-Team 2025 report. The firm’s standings have improved significantly, rising from No. 28 last year and No. 41 the year prior.
The data-driven, BTI-sponsored list is compiled through extensive surveys and interviews with more than 350 top legal decision makers. According to the report, the set of client service-related behaviors corporate clients demand from their law firms has dramatically shifted, with Troutman Pepper Locke leading the way in meeting new standards, including:
- Informing clients early on about strategy
- Providing details about the makeup of the team and who it will include
- Streamlining administrative procedures so that working with the law firm is easy
- Acting on legal decisions with “lightning speed”
- Offering ultrapractical, actionable advice
In 2022, the firm launched its standard-setting client value program, Troutman Plus. The program combines the services of attorneys and skilled professionals across the firm to provide clients with tailored solutions in areas like innovation, pricing, legal project management, pro bono, and more. Clients of all sizes and across industries have benefited from the program.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
ATLANTA – Troutman Pepper Locke advised Payroc, a high-growth merchant acquirer, processor, and payment integrations powerhouse, in its definitive agreement to acquire PayiQ, a cloud-enabled payment and order processing platform. For more information, see the press release.
This acquisition will complete Payroc’s end-to-end processing platform, enabling direct connections to all major card brands, debit networks, and clearing platforms, while bringing a full-stack suite of cloud-enabled payment services and industry-leading security to its merchants and partners. The acquisition is expected to close in Q3 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Upon closing, PayiQ’s team will join Payroc’s global development hubs to ensure seamless technology and go-to-market integration.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team that advised Payroc was led by Brad Resweber and Carmen Williams.
Consistently recognized as a top-tier practice, Troutman Pepper Locke’s corporate attorneys regularly handle strategic deals for Fortune 100 corporations and middle market transactions for private equity clients. Core areas of service include mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance, securities laws compliance, capital markets transactions, and other significant domestic and cross-border transactions, as well as general corporate counseling.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
BOSTON – Troutman Pepper Locke advised Connoisseurs Products, a global market leader in jewelry and silver care, in its sale to Willert Home Products, a premier manufacturer of many well-known and trusted household products.
Connoisseurs has transformed the jewelry care industry with breakthrough jewelry cleaning products. Its brand is established in more than 60 nations around the world, from North America to Europe to Asia. The Connoisseurs brand is the top choice among consumers, jewelers, retailers, and fashion and beauty editors and bloggers who recognize the products’ efficacy, worldwide brand leadership, and enduring style.
The team that represented Connoisseurs in the transaction included Richard Glovsky, David Ruediger, Chris Flanagan, Lori Basilico, and Sydney Goldberg.
Consistently recognized as a top-tier practice, Troutman Pepper Locke’s attorneys regularly handle strategic deals for Fortune 100 corporations and middle market transactions for private equity clients. Core areas of service include mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance, securities laws compliance, capital markets transactions, and other significant domestic and cross-border transactions, as well as general corporate counseling.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
LONDON – Troutman Pepper Locke is advising Honye Financial Services Limited (Honye), a special purpose acquisition company listed on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market, on its proposed acquisition of Zoyo Capital Limited (Zoyo), a London-based fintech company, pursuant to which Honye has agreed to acquire the entire issued share capital of Zoyo for aggregate consideration of £26 million. For more information, see the press release.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team that advised Honye was led by Sean Page, Charlotte Whitley-Roberts, Georgina Townsend, and Nereis Keown.
Consistently recognized as a top-tier practice, Troutman Pepper Locke’s corporate attorneys regularly handle middle market transactions for private equity clients alongside strategic deals for Fortune 100 corporations. Core areas of service include mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance, securities laws compliance, capital markets transactions, and other significant domestic and cross-border transactions, as well as general corporate counseling. The firm has a strong focus in the private equity and private fund services space, advising clients on matters including fund formation, growth equity investments, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and exit transactions.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.