Kyle Moen, Segal Duffek Moen, PLLC

Partner, Segal Duffek Moen, PLLC

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

Many of my transactions are lower middle market or main street deals, where interest rates continue to be a challenge to deal flow. The higher cost of capital still has buyers on the sideline even as uncertainty over the election wanes and inflation rates continue to fall. As monetary policy loosens and interest rates (presumably) continue falling, we hope to see more stimulation in the small and lower middle market arena. There are plenty of folks smarter than me who predict a significant resurgence in deal volume in 2025.

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

I served as U.S. counsel for the purchaser of an international manufacturing and distribution business. The total purchase price exceeded $500 million. I’ve worked with this buyer on several smaller transactions, but this was (by far) their largest acquisition. 

In addition to dealing with the buyer’s personal anxiety, we faced a complex deal structure with mountains of due diligence and numerous legal hurdles. But my client compiled an outstanding deal team, and we were able to successfully close with representation and warranty insurance containing very few coverage exclusions.

How do you manage work/life balance?

Poorly by most standards. Being a lawyer is a lifestyle not a job. I am always working and always not working. But I have two young boys and a talented wife with her own career and interests. So, in addition to being an M&A attorney, I am also a father, husband, chauffeur, chef, coach, landscaper, backyard rink attendant, fashion consultant, DJ, travel agent, video gamer, Lego engineer, sock retrieval expert, and (occasional) super villain. 

I work late nights, early mornings and weekends to keep up with the demands. But as long as my family welcomes me home, clients trust me with their needs, and friends tolerate me over a beer, I have all the balance I need.

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

My favorite joke of all time is “Two men walked into a bar … the third one ducked.”