Michael Kaplan specializes in private equity and venture capital transactions, mergers and acquisitions, public and private financing transactions and restructurings across a wide range of sectors, from the more traditional, such as retail, financial services and entertainment, to the cutting-edge, including enterprise software, medical equipment and clean technology. He also has experience in general corporate matters, including executive compensation and compliance with SEC regulations.

Mr. Kaplan was named a "Rising Star" in securities and corporate finance in the 2009 edition of Southern California Super Lawyers.  He also was honored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 2009 as one of "LA's Finest," recognizing servant leadership and excellence in the greater Los Angeles business community. 

Mr. Kaplan represents private equity clients including US Renewables Group, one of the largest private equity firms focused exclusively on investing in renewable power, biofuels and clean technology infrastructure; GFI Energy Ventures, a manager of private equity funds co-formed with Oaktree Capital Management investing in innovative products and services used in the distribution, marketing and end use of gas and electricity; Beachpoint Capital Management, a multi-billion dollar investment management firm that specializes in high yield bonds, senior loans, distressed debt and other credit-related investments; Post Advisory Group, a leading manager of high yield fixed income investment products; and Winchester Capital Management, a film finance fund.

Recent transactions include representation of SolarReserve, a developer of utility-scale solar power plants, in a $140 million round of equity financing; representation of U.S. Biodiesel Group in the sale of its principal assets to Renewable Energy Group, a biodiesel producer and marketer; representation of the key bondholder group in connection with the debt restructuring of a retail company; and representation of the lead investor in the acquisition of senior secured notes, preferred stock and warrants of an entertainment media company.

Mr. Kaplan also has represented venture funds and issuers in connection with a variety of venture capital financing transactions. Recent investor-side transactions include investments by Angeleno Group in SunLink, a designer and manufacturer of solutions for integrating solar electric power systems, and eCullet, a company that separates glass by color in preparation for recycling. Recent issuer-side transactions include preferred financings for Stitcher, a software company providing customized audio content services, Evolv, a provider of call center recruiting and staffing solutions and Digital Entertainment Company of America, a producer and distributor of video-centric content.

Mr. Kaplan served a three-year term as a member of the Board of Directors of Bright Star Schools, a nonprofit organization that operates charter schools serving underprivileged communities in Los Angeles, and continues to represent Bright Star in corporate matters. He also has assisted in the completion of adoptions of children in the Los Angeles County foster care system through the Alliance for Children's Rights.

Bar & Court Admissions

• 2002, California