HOUSTON – Troutman Pepper Locke represented ENTEK Technology Holdings LLC (ENTEK), a leading global manufacturer of battery separators, in the acquisition of a majority equity interest by I Squared Capital (I Squared), a prominent global infrastructure investment manager. For more information, see the press release.
I Squared’s $800 million investment complements a loan from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program of up to $1.3 billion. The investment will fund construction of a gigafactory in Terre Haute, Ind. — the first and only facility of its kind in the U.S. producing wet-process lithium-ion battery separators, critical components for batteries powering electric vehicles, energy storage systems, defense equipment, and digital infrastructure. The facility is expected to create approximately 763 construction jobs and 635 operations jobs in Terre Haute once operational.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team that advised ENTEK included Joe Perillo, Dan Anziska, Lauren Corbeil Clarke, Eric Larson, Shumaila Dhuka, and Ashley Lopez.
Consistently recognized as a top-tier national 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.
ATLANTA – Troutman Pepper Locke’s Brett Mason has been honored with the U.S. Rising Star recognition in the Litigation and Enforcement category by LMG Life Sciences at the 2025 LMG Life Sciences Americas Awards.
Partner in the firm’s Health Care and Life Sciences Litigation Practice Group, Mason is a trial attorney and litigator who defends clients facing complex tort litigation. Her approach bridges the gap between the law and science, helping to protect companies at all stages of litigation. In an era where civil cases rarely go to trial, Mason has the distinction of serving as trial counsel or in a trial support role for 20 civil jury trials and one major construction arbitration.
Mason is a sought-after thought leader in the new and ever-changing area of generative AI, particularly as it affects her clients and the practice of law. As the vice chair of DRI’s AI Task Force, she provides thought leadership and proactive assessment of the law to help her clients face new challenges brought by the use of AI across industries. Mason also actively maintains a pro bono practice that focuses on advancing social justice.
The LMG Life Sciences Americas Awards, established in 2012, annually celebrate excellence in the life sciences legal sector. Each year, a dedicated team of researchers thoroughly analyzes firm questionnaires, lawyer interviews, and client survey data to recognize the top firms, attorneys, and in-house counsel for their work in the life sciences industry.
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.
NEW YORK – Troutman Pepper Locke advised Hudson Glade, a private investment firm focused on consumer, industrial, and services companies at the lower end of the middle market, in its second platform investment with the acquisition of ComNet Communications. For more information, see the press release.
ComNet Communications provides low-voltage infrastructure solutions nationwide, including structured cabling, audiovisual, and security systems. Through the acquisition, Hudson Glade aims to enhance ComNet Communications’ presence in the growing data center market, deepen its existing customer relationships through adjacent services, invest in its already strong sales organization, and pursue strategic acquisitions.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team that advised Hudson Glade included Jeremy Levy, Stephanie Pindyck Costantino, Jonathan Homer, Reid Oetting, Mike Byrne, Ted Edwards, Matt Divis, Grace Fortmann, Morgan Klinzing, and Jeff Banish.
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.
ATLANTA – Troutman Pepper Locke advised Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (Atlanticus) in its acquisition of Mercury Financial LLC (Mercury), a leading data- and tech-centric credit card platform utilized by bank partners to provide credit cards to near-prime consumers in the U.S. For more information, see the press release.
Atlanticus™ technology enables bank, retail, and health care partners to offer more inclusive financial services to everyday Americans through the use of proprietary technology and analytics. The acquisition of Mercury adds an established top 25 credit card program to the suite of programs that Atlanticus manages on behalf of bank partners. As a result of the transaction, Atlanticus added 1.3 million credit card accounts serviced and $3.2 billion in credit card receivables, bringing its total serviced accounts to more than five million and its total managed receivables to more than $6 billion.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team that advised Atlanticus included Brinkley Dickerson, Andrea Farley, Mark Wilhelm, Reid Oetting, Valentina Rivera, Monika Gindy, Barbara Sicalides, Thomas Gray, Jeff Banish, Ashley Hager, James Schutz, Chris Willis, Mary Zinsner, Caleb Rosenberg, Jeremy Sairsingh, Jina Davidovitch, Stephen Steinlight, Lauren Alvarez, Brianna Dally, Thailer Buari, Anca Vintu, and Jared Burns.
Consistently recognized as a top-tier national practice, Troutman Pepper Locke’s corporate attorneys regularly handle strategic deals for Fortune 100 corporations, and middle and lower 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.
Clinic Named After Troutman Pepper Locke Partner Ben Wagner Celebrates Visionary Leadership in Utilizing Intellectual Property to Drive Global Humanitarian Efforts
SAN DIEGO – Troutman Pepper Locke has played a pivotal role in advancing global humanitarian efforts through the firm’s strategic intellectual property pro bono support for FERMBLOC foam blocks, used by a host of nonprofits, including firm client Lazarian World Homes (LWH) and International Hope Builders (IHP), two nonprofit organizations that provide critical infrastructure in developing regions.
The legal support provided by Troutman Pepper Locke facilitated Lazarian World Homes’ acquisition of multiple patents for groundbreaking FERMBLOC foam blocks. These blocks are instrumental in the rapid construction of vital buildings such as medical clinics, schools, and community centers. LWH has used foam block construction to build more than 100 medical clinics, schools, churches, and orphanages. LWH has built more than 300 structures in Honduras, including schools, medical clinics, and homes. The licensing fees generated from the FERMBLOC foam patents will be leveraged to fund additional projects, thereby extending the reach and impact on communities worldwide.
In a remarkable gesture of appreciation, IHP dedicated a newly constructed medical clinic in Honduras in honor of Troutman Pepper Locke attorney Ben Wagner. Built using the patented FERMBLOC technology, the Ben Wagner and Family clinic is set to deliver crucial health care services to hundreds in the local community, demonstrating the profound influence that pro bono legal assistance can have in fostering sustainable development and improving lives.
“I am deeply honored by this dedication,” expressed Wagner, partner in Troutman Pepper Locke’s Intellectual Property Practice Group. “Witnessing the positive impact these organizations have made is truly inspiring, and it’s a privilege to be of service. Moments like this underscore the significant role that strategic legal support plays in humanitarian efforts, showcasing the transformative power of intellectual property in driving positive change.”
Troutman Pepper Locke’s legal team consisted of Ben Wagner, John Morrissett, Lauren Alvarez, and Troutman Pepper Locke alumni Ginger Turner and Chris Franich.
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.
WILMINGTON – Troutman Pepper Locke represented MediSpend, a global leading provider of compliance and stakeholder engagement solutions for the life sciences industry, in its definitive agreement to merge with RLDatix Life Sciences, a subsidiary of RLDatix. The merger creates a unified company focused on advancing life sciences innovation and compliance. The new entity offers a comprehensive suite of software, data, and workflow tools to support global compliance, transparency, and sales enablement throughout the life sciences lifecycle. For more information, see the press release.
Earlier this year, Troutman Pepper Locke also advised MediSpend on its strategic acquisitions of Real Life Sciences and Alucio. Real Life Sciences is a leader in advanced anonymization solutions for clinical trial and other data. Alucio is an innovative technology company known for its AI-powered content management and health care professional engagement platform, BEACON. These acquisitions significantly bolstered MediSpend’s capabilities and resources, as well as supported its ongoing mission to empower life sciences companies to grow their business compliantly while delivering more meaningful stakeholder interactions and insights. For more information, see the press releases here and here.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team that advised MediSpend was led by Matt Greenberg and Brandon Raphael, and included Raffaele Cicala, Danielle Clifford, Brandon Liu, Mike Crumbock, Howard Goldberg, Brent Hoard, Emma Trivax, Dave Wormser, Lauren Alvarez, and Jessica Rothenberg.
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.
BERWYN – Troutman Pepper Locke advised Luna Health Inc., a medical device company pioneering a first-of-its-kind method of insulin delivery for insulin pen users, in securing its $23.6 million Series A financing. For more information, see the press release.
Luna Health will use the Series A funding to advance regulatory submissions, conduct clinical studies, build manufacturing capacity, and expand clinical and market access programs, all to make automated insulin delivery much more accessible to people with diabetes.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team that advised Luna Health was led by Jay Jumper and Matt Greenberg, with assistance from Stephen Fox, Timothy Shyu, and Jack Taylor.
Troutman Pepper Locke is very active in the emerging company and venture capital communities, advising clients through every stage of their life cycle, from formation through financing and growth, and their eventual merger, acquisition, or IPO exit. For select companies, the firm also offers the unique Troutman SEED™ program. This development program combines the resources of an experienced, multidisciplinary team into an affordable package for startups, early-stage, and fast-growing companies, providing them with comprehensive legal counsel, mentoring, relationship-building opportunities, and more.
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.
New Partner Enhances Firm’s Support for Complex Employee Benefits and M&A Matters
CHARLOTTE – Heather Heath Ryan has joined Troutman Pepper Locke’s Tax and Benefits Practice Group as a partner in the Charlotte office. Ryan brings a decade of unique experience as in-house employee benefits and executive compensation counsel and in total rewards business roles, equipping her to understand the needs and expectations of clients in a distinctive way.
“Heather’s extensive experience in employee benefits and executive compensation, including guiding large, sophisticated employers in designing and administering health and welfare plans, retirement plans, and executive compensation arrangements, will be invaluable in enhancing our practice and meeting our clients’ diverse needs,” said Jim Earle, leader of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Tax and Benefits Practice Group. “We are thrilled to welcome someone of her caliber to our firm.”
Ryan provides comprehensive, practical, and action-oriented advice on all facets of employee benefits, including 401(k), pension, cafeteria, and health and welfare plans. She has successfully handled many Department of Labor and IRS audits and correction submissions for clients and counsels clients on a wide array of matters, such as fiduciary governance structures and processes, regulatory compliance, benefit vendor contracts, employer stock best practices, and COBRA and wellness plans.
“Heather’s deep knowledge and experience handling complex employee benefits and executive compensation issues will greatly enhance our ability to serve clients in the region, particularly navigating intricate compliance and transactional matters. She will be a great addition to the Charlotte office, and we’re excited to welcome her to the team,” said Jason Evans, Charlotte office managing partner.
Ryan advises companies with employee benefit and executive compensation issues that arise in corporate transactions, including equity compensation, change-in-control arrangements, severance, and deferred compensation. She regularly assists clients with executive employment agreements, short-term and long-term incentive compensation, and executive terminations. Additionally, Ryan contributes to the development and drafting of compensation committee materials for the board and provides guidance on governance matters impacting these committees.
“My transition to Troutman Pepper Locke aligns perfectly with the firm’s benefits practice,” Ryan said.”My in-house experience uniquely positions me to offer business-oriented and proactive advice that truly resonates with our clients’ perspectives. I am eager to work on retirement and health benefit plans, executive compensation, and M&A transactions, while enhancing our focus on benefits compliance and fiduciary governance for our employer clients.”
Troutman Pepper Locke’s nationally recognized Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Team, consisting of 25 attorneys across nine offices, creates solutions for employee benefits and executive compensation issues that help mitigate risk and advance clients’ goals. Clients work with the firm on every aspect of their compensation, benefits, and compliance needs — from designing, drafting, and implementing plans and agreements to counseling on compliance, fiduciary duties, and plan administration. Through client work in all major sectors, including energy, insurance, health care, financial services, private equity, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and technology, Troutman Pepper Locke attorneys offer industry-specific insights and perspectives.
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.
Addition Expands Firm’s Capabilities in High-Stakes Litigation and Financial Sectors
VIRGINIA BEACH – Maryia Jones has joined Troutman Pepper Locke’s Consumer Financial Services Practice Group as a partner in the Virginia Beach office. With more than 15 years of experience as a first-chair trial attorney and commercial litigator, she brings a wealth of experience in complex business, financial services, and consumer litigation.
Jones returns to Troutman Pepper Locke from Baughman Kroup Bosse, where she focused on representing consumer-facing companies in highly regulated industries, including decentralized and traditional finance. Previously, she spent more than 10 years at legacy firm Troutman Pepper, managing litigation portfolios for institutional clients and serving as lead counsel in complex, high-value cases and class actions. Jones handles individual and mass arbitrations, class actions, business and employment disputes, and product liability cases. In connection with consumer lawsuits and arbitrations nationwide, she represents some of the largest crypto exchanges and companies in the U.S.
“We are thrilled to welcome Maryia back to the firm. Her strategic thinking and innovative approaches have earned her a stellar reputation among industry leaders,” said Michael Lacy, leader of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Consumer Financial Services Practice. “With her extensive connections and experience working with major U.S. crypto exchanges and companies, Maryia is well-positioned to drive positive client outcomes while deepening our bench and capabilities within crypto and financial services.”
Jones has successfully prosecuted and defended jury and bench trials in federal and state courts. At the appellate level, she has obtained victories for her clients in the Supreme Court of Virginia and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
“At a time when the federal deregulatory environment is spurring significant industry interest in the crypto arena, re-engaging top talent such as Maryia is vital to meeting clients’ evolving needs,” said Robert Beaman, Virginia Beach office managing partner. “Her proven track record in both crypto and traditional financial sectors positions us to deliver outstanding service and drive substantial growth in these markets.”
Beyond her professional achievements, Jones is an active contributor to her community, serving as a court-appointed special advocate for abused and neglected children in Virginia Beach, as well as volunteering at the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center.
“Rejoining Troutman Pepper Locke feels like returning home. I am eager to leverage the firm’s robust resources to elevate my practice and deliver even greater value to clients,” remarked Jones. “The firm’s dedication to excellence and collaboration is unmatched, and I am excited to contribute to such a dynamic team.”
Clients in the financial services industry rely on Troutman Pepper Locke’s top-ranked, national Consumer Financial Services Practice Group to resolve litigation, provide regulatory guidance, and assist with government investigations and enforcement actions. Chambers USA has ranked the team in all three pillars of consumer finance law: compliance, regulatory enforcement, and litigation. The firm provides a full range of transactional, litigation, enforcement, and regulatory compliance services to national, regional, and community financial institutions; consumer and commercial lenders; payment processors; financial technology companies; and a host of other financial services providers.
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 has been named a 2025 Georgia Regional Powerhouse for its high-impact and high-profile work across the Peach State.
Troutman Pepper Locke’s Georgia-based attorneys had a standout year, from advising on a blockbuster $11.5 billion acquisition for Quikrete, to winning the first defense verdicts in hip implant and metal-on-metal hip implant trials in a decade, to ensuring the continued operation of the largest public park in Atlanta, all while preparing for one of the biggest legal industry mergers of the year.
“This recognition is a testament to the remarkable strides Troutman Pepper Locke has made following our merger,” said Charlie Peeler, managing partner of the Atlanta office. “This accolade underscores our rich history of service in Georgia, which has been pivotal in driving our success. Our commitment to excellence and innovation continues to empower us to serve our clients with unparalleled dedication.”
“We take great pride in our long-standing presence in Georgia, a legacy that has enabled us to build a diverse and skilled team across various practice areas and industries,” said David Dove. “Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the caliber of attorneys who choose to join our firm, which contributes to ensuring that our clients receive exceptional service both in Georgia and nationwide.”
The firm’s Atlanta office, boasting more than 200 attorneys, has been known to attract high-ranking members from government and public service, including, in recent years, former Georgia Chief Justice Harold Melton; former U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Peeler; former chief counsel to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Dove; and, this year, Peeler’s successor, Peter Leary.
The firm’s Georgia-based attorneys provide national and international counsel to Fortune 500, middle-market, and emerging companies in all major areas of legal practice. Industries served span energy, media and entertainment, financial institutions, real estate, transportation, communications, and technology, as well as global manufacturing, retail, trade, and government, among others.
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.