Maxwell Bremer, Saul Ewing LLP

Partner, Saul Ewing LLP

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

One challenge for the M&A market is continued uncertainty about the current economic climate and concerns about the future. Despite the underlying economic data still being relatively strong, there is uneasiness about inflation and the prospects for a recession. Clearly, deals are still getting done, but I think the general uncertainty is causing dealmakers to look more cautiously about transactions.

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

All of the transactions we work on are interesting and challenging. If they weren’t, our clients wouldn’t need our help. One particularly interesting transaction was our representation of the majority owners of Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels, in connection with their sale to The Hershey Company for approximately $900 million. That was the largest divestiture in our client’s history and the second largest acquisition in Hershey’s history.

How do you manage work/life balance?

It can be a challenge. The life of an M&A lawyer is demanding, and we’re rarely in control of our own schedule. And while I really enjoy my job, I also have a family that is my highest priority. I have a great wife and 3 amazing kids and do my best to give them the attention they deserve. 

I also try to make my health a priority, working out a few times a week early in the morning before my workday begins.

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

Well, aside from having more successful professional sports teams — I’m a long-suffering Vikings, Timberwolves, and Twins fan — I would like to see the continued revitalization of downtown Minneapolis. 

I work downtown most days, and have for the last few years, and while it’s noticeably busier than it was a few years ago, it’s not what it was before COVID-19. I don’t expect that we’ll return to that level of activity for a while — if ever — but I’d love to see more people working downtown regularly as opposed to from home. I think a thriving downtown Minneapolis is important for the city, state and region.