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Greenberg Traurig Adds Tax Attorney Jeffrey Ekeberg in Chicago as M&A Transactions Surge

CHICAGO – Nov. 8, 2021 – Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has added Jeffrey K. Ekeberg as a shareholder in its Chicago office, expanding its team of attorneys with specialized skills needed to handle a surge in M&A transactions.

Ekeberg, a tax attorney, will focus his practice on advising clients on the tax aspects of complex business transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and capital markets transactions. He joins Greenberg Traurig from Kirkland & Ellis where he was a tax partner in its Chicago office.

“As corporate M&A activity continues to remain strong amidst increased client demand, we saw the need to expand the team of tax attorneys that can support these transactions. The ability to skillfully handle the tax aspects is a critical component of every transaction, regardless of whether it is public or private,” said Global Corporate Practice Co-Chairs Peter Lieberman, a shareholder in Chicago, and Bruce March, a shareholder in the Fort Lauderdale office.

Greenberg Traurig’s nationally ranked Tax Practice has been expanding over the last year, as transactional activity picked up, bringing increased demand to advise clients on complex tax matters related to private equity fund investments and M&A transactions. In March, Shareholder Joseph J. Curran joined the firm’s Boston office where he is focused on private equity-related tax matters. Shareholder Seth J. Entin, an international tax attorney with more than two decades of experience and a broad cross-border practice, rejoined the Miami office in June.

“We are extremely fortunate to attract another top attorney like Jeff to join the Greenberg Traurig team,” said Global Tax Practice Co-Chairs William R. Siegel, a shareholder in the firm’s Fort Lauderdale office, and Barbara T. Kaplan, a shareholder in the New York office. “Amidst a very competitive market, we have been able to recruit excellent candidates with specialized skills, allowing us to enhance our commitment to client service.”

Before joining Kirkland & Ellis, Ekeberg was a partner at McDermott Will & Emery LLP. Ekeberg earned his J.D. magna cum laude from University of Illinois College of Law and his B.A. from the University of Michigan. He is a member of the Illinois Bar.

“Joining Greenberg Traurig gives me the opportunity to provide tax advice on a broad array of tax matters because of the firm’s global network,” said Ekeberg. “Given the firm’s strong collaborative culture and emphasis on exceptional client service, I’m excited to be a part of the team and help our clients to achieve their business goals.”

About Greenberg Traurig's Tax Practice: To stay competitive in today's global marketplace, international companies must seek out greater efficiency in their tax planning and compliance, including coordinating tax decisions from country to country. For U.S. operations, an environment of increased scrutiny – including passage of more restrictive legislation and a spike in audit activity at every level – is quickly becoming the norm, likewise spurring a need for greater self-evaluation and for more frequent representation in controversies and litigation with tax authorities. Greenberg Traurig’s multidisciplinary tax team works closely with clients to address these and other tax planning needs, as well as tax controversies and litigation issues.

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2,300 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 25 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 4.0 Plus Certified. Web: www.gtlaw.com