Hunton & Williams Advises Smith Graham in the Acquisition of Alternative Fixed-Income Investment Platform

Hunton & Williams LLP represented Smith, Graham & Co. Investment Advisors, L.P. in the acquisition of the Residential Mortgage Investment Team of Five Mile Capital Partners, a five-person team led by managing director Brian Tortorella. The acquisition will further strengthen Smith Graham’s focus on expanding its fixed income investment capabilities to address current and future client needs.

In connection with the acquisition, Hunton structured and documented the transition to Smith Graham of seven private investment funds and one separate managed account; advised on the employment of, incentive compensation structures for, the team; and advised on the regulatory compliance aspects associated with this alternatives fixed income platform.

The firm had previously represented this Residential Mortgage Investment Team and its investment vehicles in the acquisition, financing, management and disposition of whole loans, and various other structured finance transactions.

Hunton has deep experience in both residential mortgage and structured finance, and alternative asset management and private investment funds. This transaction is representative of the regular collaboration across those practices to better serve our clients.

The multidisciplinary team was led by James S. Seevers Jr., on private investment funds, and Steven H. Becker, for structured finance issues. The team also included Kendal A. Sibley, for tax advice, Evan C. Williams, on RIA compliance, and Alex Lurie, on private investment funds.