Frank B. Bennett, Fredrikson & Byron P.A.

Shareholder, Fredrikson & Byron P.A.

What are the biggest challenges you currently see in the M&A world?

The biggest challenges I currently see in the M&A world are:

• Macro Economic conditions — nationally and internationally — and their impact on the amount of equity and debt buyers are willing to commit to a transaction, and their impact on the consistency, growth and strength of target companies.
• The amount and depth of diligence conducted in transactions today.
• The question marks around regulatory pressures. Will need to see how this plays out under the new administration in D.C.

Without revealing the names of a client, what is the most interesting transaction you’ve worked on lately?

The most interesting transaction I have worked on recently is a transaction in the transportation industry. The target had a very robust and complex business that required a great deal of attention to detail, certain atypical regulatory requirements and management of expectations for a large work force. Positive outcome for buyer, sellers and employee base.

How do you manage work/life balance?

I absolutely love what I do, so my work and personal life have a significant amount of crossover. I will say that daily yoga and an occasional golf game help to reduce the stress level. I am also surrounded by a great team at Fredrikson which helps contribute to work/life balance.

What is one thing you would change about Minnesota if you could?

Return to a more business-friendly environment that has historically marked the climate for businesses in Minnesota.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

That I once played guitar (poorly) in a band in front of a group of 300 people.