Warner earns multiple honors from Crain’s
Two Warner Norcross + Judd LLP attorneys and three transactions led by lawyers with the firm were recognized for excellence in the annual Crain’s Grand Rapids Business M&A Deals and Dealmakers of the Year.
Jeffrey A. Ott, of counsel, was selected for inclusion in the M&A Hall of Fame. Throughout his 37-year career at Warner, Ott has led or been part of the deal teams for nearly 300 transactions totaling multi-billions in worth.
Associate Christian D. Rhoades was recognized with the Young Dealmaker of the Year. During 2025, he was involved in more than 50 transactions, ranging in value from less than two million dollars to several hundred million dollars. He’s worked with clients in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, financial services, construction and skilled trades, professional services and technology, among others.
For 2025, Crain’s highlighted transactions in three categories. Three deals were led by attorneys Joscelyn Cekola Boucher, Michael J. Jones and Rachel J. Foster, respectively:
Investments: Warner represented Sleeping Giant Capital, a long-term, place-based succession alternative to traditional private equity led by two professors from Western Michigan University, in the formation of its second investment fund with more than $100 million in initial commitments – and plans to grow to $250 million.
Retail: Warner represented Dan and Holly Carmichael, owners of Lead Balloon Productions, in their purchase of The Kalamazoo State Theatre from longtime owners the Hinman Company, promising to invest in the preservation and restoration of the iconic theatre.
Construction: Warner represented Andy J. Egan Co., a nationally recognized mechanical contractor and fabricator, in its sale to Sylvan, a technology-enabled multi-trade construction platform owned by E-3 Tech, a private investment firm backed by Andreessen Horowitz.
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