Koley Jessen Expands M&A Practice with Addition of Shareholder Derek Grutsch
Koley Jessen is pleased to announce that Derek Grutsch has joined the firm as a Shareholder, focusing his practice on mergers and acquisitions and private equity.
Derek joins Koley Jessen from an Am Law 200 firm, where he developed his transactional practice across a range of industries and deal types. He represents private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, venture capital funds, family offices, individual investors, and strategic buyers in complex transactions tied to growth and investment. A significant portion of his practice involves advising private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies on platform investments and growth-through-acquisition strategies, including bolt-on, tuck-in, and roll-up transactions. He has substantial experience structuring, negotiating, and leading high-volume acquisition programs across fragmented industries, helping clients execute their strategies and position themselves for exits and other liquidity events. Known for a practical, organized approach, Derek takes time to understand each client's industry, deal strategy, and business objectives — allowing him to serve as a strategic partner throughout a transaction.
"Derek is a strong addition to our M&A and private equity team," said Helmut Brugman, Chair of Koley Jessen's M&A Practice. "He has a deep understanding of how private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies think about growth and transactions, and he brings the kind of organized, business-minded approach that serves clients well in complex, high-volume deal environments. We are glad to have him on the team."
Derek earned his J.D., M.B.A., and B.A. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
