Erik A. Splett

Erik provides practical, timely and cost-efficient counsel to private equity sponsors, independent sponsors, searchers and entrepreneurial clients throughout all stages of the transaction lifecycle.

Known for his practical guidance and strong client relationships, Erik helps a wide range of clients structure and execute transactions with a practical, tax-informed approach. Erik has advised clients on more than 250 transactional matters, with a focus on private equity–driven M&A, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations and cross-border transactions.

Erik serves as lead counsel on complex transactions, including platform acquisitions, add-on transactions and exits in a wide variety of industries, guiding clients through every stage of the deal process. With a strong foundation in both corporate and tax law, Erik delivers practical, business-oriented advice that helps clients identify risks early, avoid surprises and achieve efficient outcomes.

Erik’s cross-border experience spans transactions in Europe, South America, China, Australia and India. Additionally, his tax law foundation enables him to identify structuring opportunities and flag potential issues early in the deal process.

Erik also maintains an active pro bono practice, advising entrepreneurs and start-ups on business formation and representing clients seeking asylum, children in the foster care system, and veterans.

Private Equity Representation

• Represented a Boston-based PE fund in the successful completion of its first continuation fund with an enterprise value of $400 million
• Represented a private equity backed software company in eight domestic and cross-border acquisitions and the eventual sale to a private equity buyer for $470 million
• Represented a Boston-based PE fund in its acquisition of a manufacturer of control solutions for the water and wastewater industry with an enterprise value more than $250 million, then continued to represent the manufacturer in its acquisitions of a company specializing in electric control panels for pumps and OEM machines, a maker of water and wastewater control systems and treatment pump systems, and a manufacturer of control panels and motor-generator sets—all with combined enterprise values of more than $780 million
• Represented a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries in over 50 acquisitions, including 25 acquisitions of automotive service companies within a 12-month span
• Represented a portfolio company of a Boston-based PE fund, a global engineer and manufacturer of commercial and passenger vehicle technology, in its sale to a DC-based PE fund. Post-sale, continued to represent the company in its acquisition of provider of fleet management solutions
• Represented a PE platform business management software company in its acquisition of three management software makers with a combined enterprise value of $87 million and its sale of a warehouse / dock scheduling software company for $37 million
• Represented a PE-held company in the sale of its refrigeration and HVAC platform to a strategic buyer, with an enterprise value of $550 million
• Represented a portfolio company of a Boston-based PE fund, a distributor of disposable food service and janitorial supplies, in its $1.4 billion sale to a strategic buyer
• Represented an independent sponsor in its acquisition of a provider of security and access control solutions
• Represented an independent sponsor in platform and add-on acquisitions across a variety of industries, advising on transaction structuring, negotiation, and execution throughout the deal lifecycle

Sell-Side Representation

• Represented a Minnesota-based construction company in the $2.9 billion sale to a financial buyer
• Represented makers of online SaaS registration, enrollment and school choice administration software platforms, in their sale to a private equity backed provider of solutions for K-12 strategic enrollment management and student behavior improvement
• Represented a marketing and technology consulting firm in its sale to a strategic buyer in the digital transformation consulting space
• Represented a provider of software developer tools and embedded components in its sale to a PE-backed buyer in the enterprise-grade DevOps-focused software solutions industry
• Represented a multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm in its sale to an independent sponsor-backed buyer
• Represented a provider of railroad construction, maintenance, and welding services in its sale to a private equity firm
• Represented management in the sale of an aerospace and defense technology company to a private equity-backed buyer in a transaction valued at more than $700 million

Education

• Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, L.L.M., Taxation, 2013, with honors
• University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., 2012, cum laude
• Gustavus Adolphus College, B.A., 2008, cum laude

Admissions

• Minnesota, 2013

• Notable Nonprofit Board Member, Twin Cities Business, 2025
• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2024-2025
• North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2014-2020, 2024
• Volunteer of the Year, Metropolitan Economic Development Association, 2017
• Pro Bono Associate Volunteer of the Year Award, Fredrikson & Byron, 2016
• Order of the Coif

Professional Activities

• Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Minnesota, Board Member
• Neighborhood Development Center, Board Member
• Children’s Law Center, Volunteer Lawyer
• Veterans Affairs, Volunteer Lawyer
• The Advocates for Human Rights, Volunteer Lawyer
• Gustavus Adolphus College Business Law Class, Former Guest Lecturer
• University of Wisconsin International Law Journal