Caiola & Rose

Leah Leipold leads the corporate practice at Caiola & Rose, advising a diverse client base—from founder-led businesses to private equity-backed multi-brand systems—on corporate and transactional matters, with a particular focus on the franchise industry.

With a career rooted in complex business transactions, Leah has extensive experience representing both private and public companies in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and public and private securities offerings. She also brings deep expertise in federal and state franchise registration and disclosure laws, regularly guiding franchisors through corporate transactions, contract negotiations, franchise program structuring, and regulatory (FDD) compliance.

Leah’s background in sophisticated corporate transactions, restructuring, and governance makes her a valuable asset to clients navigating franchise M&A deals, private equity investments in franchise systems, and whole business securitization transactions. She represents clients across a broad range of industries, including hospitality, restaurants, pet care, fitness, and convenience stores.

Leah is licensed to practice law in Georgia and Texas.

Education: 

• Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, University of Georgia, 2016

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Magna Cum Laude, Clemson University, 2012

Representative Experience:

Energy Experience:

• Represented Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) in its $6 billion merger with CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP)

• Represented Jones Energy, Inc. (OTC: JEII) in its $200 million merger with an affiliate of Mountain Capital Partners, LP

• Represented a ‘stalking-horse’ buyer in its purchase of midstream assets pursuant to Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code

• Represented Equitrans Midstream Corp. (NYSE: ETRN) in its simplification transaction involving the elimination of the Incentive Distribution Rights of its affiliate, EQM Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: EQM)

• Represented EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT) in its midstream streamlining transaction involving three of its affiliates

Technology/Media Experience:

• Provided on-going representation to a leading nanopore DNA and single molecule sensing technology company in connection with domestic and international commercialization, distribution, logistics and supply agreements

• Represented an indoor skydiving company in its auction sale process to a private equity fund

• Represented a digital marketing services company in its auction sale process to a private equity fund

• Represented a software company focused on unified collaboration systems with a Series B investment round

• Represented a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation in connection with its potential auction sale of a business unit

• Represented a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation in connection with its potential purchase of a beauty box mail service

Capital Markets:

• Represented EQM Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: EQM) in its $2.5 billion offering of senior notes

• Represented Tallgrass Energy, LP (NYSE: TGE) in its $500 million offering of senior notes

• Represented Tallgrass Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: TEP) in its $250 million private offering of senior notes

• Represented Jones Energy, Inc. (NYSE: JONE) in its $450 million offering of senior notes

• Provided on-going counseling of publicly-traded companies on ‘34 Act compliance and disclosure

Franchise and Corporate Experience:

• Preparation of franchise disclosure documents for non-traditional concepts within highly regulated industries that are new to franchising

• Provided counseling and prepared transaction documents for multi-unit franchise transfers and highly negotiated sales

• Provided on-going counseling for national and international franchisors related to disclosure requirements and availability of exemptions

• Counseled franchisors are compliance plans and roll-outs for systemwide changes

• Provided on-going representation of a state pension plan investor in a variety of alternative investments

• Provided on-going representation of a corporate talent company in equity issuances to employees and directors

• Represented numerous companies in the food, technology, life sciences and energy industries in connection with various corporate governance matters