September 22, 2026
Willkie has been recognized for excellence in major transactions at the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2026 M&A Awards. Partner Steve Hurdle was honored as a “Dealmaker of the Year” nominee and the Firm was credited for its work on two of the year’s notable M&A deals.
Steve Hurdle was nominated for Dealmaker of the Year in recognition of his recent achievements in high-profile entertainment industry transactions. He helped lead the Willkie team that represented 32 Flavors and its founder and CEO, Alex Baskin, in connection with Sony Pictures Television’s acquisition of a majority interest in the production company. The transaction was named among the finalists for “Breakthrough Deal of the Year.” Steve’s other recent highlights include advising Ben Affleck's AI company InterPositive in its sale to Netflix, and Wonderloom Media and its founder, Ed Simpson, on the company’s launch and first YouTube channel acquisition.
In addition, Willkie was recognized at the M&A Awards for its role on the take-private acquisition of Guess? by certain shareholders in partnership with Authentic Brands Group, which LABJ named the “Deal of the Year - $1 Billion+.” Willkie represented the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Guess?, Inc. in the transaction.
View the honorees of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2026 M&A Awards here.
Steve Hurdle was nominated for Dealmaker of the Year in recognition of his recent achievements in high-profile entertainment industry transactions. He helped lead the Willkie team that represented 32 Flavors and its founder and CEO, Alex Baskin, in connection with Sony Pictures Television’s acquisition of a majority interest in the production company. The transaction was named among the finalists for “Breakthrough Deal of the Year.” Steve’s other recent highlights include advising Ben Affleck's AI company InterPositive in its sale to Netflix, and Wonderloom Media and its founder, Ed Simpson, on the company’s launch and first YouTube channel acquisition.
In addition, Willkie was recognized at the M&A Awards for its role on the take-private acquisition of Guess? by certain shareholders in partnership with Authentic Brands Group, which LABJ named the “Deal of the Year - $1 Billion+.” Willkie represented the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Guess?, Inc. in the transaction.
View the honorees of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2026 M&A Awards here.
