#USA #New York #Greenberg Traurig #Hilco Capital #Design Group Americas

Greenberg Traurig Aids Hilco Capital in Asset Acquisition

In March 2026, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, a prestigious international law firm, played a crucial role in advising Hilco Capital and its affiliates during the intricate acquisition and court-supervised sale of assets belonging to Design Group Americas, Inc. This company is recognized globally for manufacturing and distributing celebrations, stationery, creative play, and gifting products.

A Multifaceted Transaction

The acquisition process was governed by UK law and comprised a multitude of U.S. and international subsidiaries. The U.S. subsidiaries underwent a court-supervised sales process under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, whereas the asset disposal of the foreign subsidiaries was executed in accordance with local laws, spanning approximately six jurisdictions.

Oscar N. Pinkas, co-chair of the Global Restructuring Special Situations Practice at Greenberg Traurig, praised the firm's ability to navigate the complexities of the deal: “This case is a testament to our integrated approach in handling restructuring situations, demonstrating our prowess in cross-border legal matters amid significant regulatory challenges.”

The Acquisition and Loan Agreements

The strategic acquisition involved a Chapter 11 filing in the Southern District of Texas after Hilco Capital, via a special-purpose vehicle, obtained 100% stakes in Design Group Americas from its parent company in the UK in June 2025. To facilitate operations during the bankruptcy proceedings, Hilco provided $40 million in bridge and debtor-in-possession financing. Over the six-month period, Design Group Americas successfully monetized the assets of its U.S. companies, repaid Hilco’s loans in full, and confirmed a Chapter 11 liquidation plan that took effect in December 2025. The remaining entities are nearing completion of their asset disposals under local jurisdictional laws.

Comprehensive Legal Guidance

Greenberg Traurig’s expertise in managing multifaceted transactions proved essential in guiding Hilco through various challenges, including the acquisition, complex financings, and the legalities surrounding the bankruptcy. The firm successfully secured court approval for bespoke transactions, laying down a precedent for lenders and affiliates involved in financing and managing asset sales within Chapter 11 cases.

The Talented Team Behind the Deal

The legal team from Greenberg Traurig consisted of over 40 attorneys and paraprofessionals. Key figures in this transaction included:

• - Banking & Financial Services Shareholder: Luke Lado (London)
• - Corporate Shareholder: Joel Wheeler (London)
• - Finance Shareholder: Jeffrey M. Wolf (Boston)
• - Restructuring Special Situations Shareholder: Julia Frost-Davies (Boston)
• - Restructuring Special Situations Shareholder: Nathan A. Haynes (New York)
• - Restructuring Special Situations Shareholder: Karl D. Burrer (Houston)
• - Real Estate Shareholder: Michael A. Suleta (Philadelphia)
• - Tax Shareholder: Jeffrey K. Ekeberg (Chicago)
• - Real Estate Shareholder: Richard J. Melnick (Northern Virginia)
• - Restructuring Special Situations Associate: T. Charlie Liu (Boston)
• - Banking & Financial Services Associate: Christine Chen (Boston)
• - Restructuring Special Situations Associate: Emily D. Nasir (Houston)
• - Restructuring Special Situations Associate: Libby B. Ro (New York)

About Greenberg Traurig

With a network of around 3,000 lawyers across 51 offices globally, Greenberg Traurig, LLP specializes in delivering innovative and strategic legal services across various sectors and jurisdictions. Its recognition as a leader in relationship management and trust, alongside its philanthropic endeavors and commitment to pro bono work, enhances its reputation in the legal landscape. The firm ranks highly on lists such as the Am Law Global 100 and Law360 400, marking its significance in the legal community.

This collaboration between Greenberg Traurig and Hilco Capital signifies not only a successful transaction but also showcases the firm's unmatched expertise in executing complex legal maneuvers within the challenging landscape of bankruptcy and asset acquisition.