David Billings

Dave Billings focuses his practice on private equity, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, and other complex corporate transactions. He works with private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, company executives, and strategic buyers and sellers on deals ranging from leveraged buyouts and growth equity investments to add-on acquisitions and divestitures. His mergers and acquisitions experience encompasses a broad range of private company transactions, including negotiated acquisitions, competitive auctions, cross-border deals, carve-out transactions, and representation and warranty insurance policy negotiation.

Dave also counsels corporate clients, funds, financial institutions, and other clients on general legal and business matters. Dave represents founders, executives and key employees in connection with employment agreements, rollover equity transactions, and equity incentive and investment arrangements. He also provides guidance on corporate governance, fiduciary duties, securities compliance, and commercial contracts—serving as a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex legal and business challenges.

Dave brings more than 20 years of experience to his practice, including over 13 years at Honigman. He is recognized for providing practical, business-oriented counsel and for guiding transactions efficiently from letter of intent through closing. His extensive experience enables him to anticipate potential issues and facilitate effective negotiations on behalf of his clients.

Practice Areas

Industries

Representative Matters

M&A and Private Equity

• Assisted in the acquisition by two private equity funds of private-label hygienic disposal products maker for approximately $1.5 billion
• Represented U.S. hedge fund manager in the acquisition by British hedge fund manager for approximately $1.7 billion
• Advised in the acquisition by private equity-led consortium of a controlling interest in technology company for approximately $1.9 billion and the related litigation settlement; later sale of technology company for approximately $8.5 billion
• Counseled client in the sale by European bank of its Latin American pensions, life insurance, and investment management operations for approximately $3.4 billion
• Represented client in the sale by European bank of U.S. real estate investment management business to private equity buyer for $100 million

Financing and Restructuring

• Represented client in the senior and mezzanine financing of $60 million in connection with client private equity fund’s acquisition of technology company
• Assisted client in the senior and mezzanine refinancing of $56 million for client market communication, outsourcing, and fulfillment company
• Counseled client in the financing of acquisition by real estate funds of a Russian real estate portfolio for approximately $300 million
• Advised in the restructuring by a distressed real estate fund holding company debtor of approximately $292 million of debt

Capital Markets

• Aided clients in the issuances by investment bank to private clients of notes linked to sophisticated rule-based investment strategies
• Counseled clients in the issuances of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered unsecured medium- and long-term notes by foreign private issuers
• Prepared and filed or furnished reports to the SEC

Prior Experience

• Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, London, UK, General Practice Associate, 2005-2012

Additional Languages

• Spanish

Education

Admissions

Awards

• Michigan Super Lawyers, Recognized as a Rising Star, 2015 and 2016

Professional & Community Involvement

American Bar Association

New York State Bar Association

Press Releases