Giannuzzi Lewendon, LLP

Great conversation and an important topic for founders navigating a raise. Thanks to Startup CPG for having Adam Marsh and Gabrielle McGonagle on to dig into the details that can get overlooked in the fundraising process.

What should CPG founders be thinking about now if a sale could be on the horizon in the next 1–3 years? Join us on Wednesday, October 7 for The CPG Exit Planning Handbook, presented by Naturally New York — a live presentation exploring essential strategies for preparing a CPG business for a successful sale. Our own Kara Posner will join an expert panel of CPG, investment banking, and M&A professionals to discuss what founders should be thinking about well before they go to market, from positioning and financial readiness to avoiding common deal pitfalls. 📅 Wednesday, October 7 | 5:00–8:00 PM 📍 Baker Tilly × Anchin 🔗 Register Here: https://lnkd.in/gYmY3-Sw Featuring: Sean Conner, ForceBrands David Spungen, Corient Kara Posner, Giannuzzi Lewendon, LLP Stu Strumwasser, Green Circle Capital Partners Greg Wank, Baker Tilly US × Anchin

Three sell-side acquisitions announced in the past 30 days. Three different alcohol conglomerate acquirers. All beverage brands we've been proud to represent.   Giannuzzi Lewendon, LLP represented:   ◦ Atomic Brands (Monaco Cocktails) in its sale to Molson Coors Beverage Company ◦ HOPWTR in its sale to Constellation Brands ◦ The Long Drink Company in its sale to Mark Anthony Brands Inc.   Ready-to-drink cocktails. Functional nonalcoholic beverages. Finnish-inspired long drinks. The through line here is clear: big alcohol isn't just acquiring within category anymore. They're building portfolios that reflect how consumers actually drink now, across occasions, across ABV levels, and across formats.   That convergence is accelerating, and GL continues to be in the middle of it.   #MergersAndAcquisitions #BeverageMA #ConsumerBrands #CPGLaw #BeverageIndustry

New Podcast Episode: Building Your Team the Right Way — Legal Essentials for CPG Founders ⚖️ Most founders know they should get the legal stuff right. Far fewer actually do it before it becomes expensive. Daniel Scharff sat down with Blake Horn and Ryan Hall, partners at CPG-exclusive law firm Giannuzzi Lewendon, LLP, to walk through the mistakes they see over and over again — and how to avoid them. ⚖️ Blake opens with a story of a founder at a 9-figure exit closing table who received a call from someone claiming to own half the company — based on an email from 20 years ago ⚖️ Ryan shares how informal equity promises surfaced right before close, triggered litigation, and wiped out a significant chunk of the company's valuation ⚖️ Both break down the most common early mistakes: misclassifying contractors, missing offer letters and IP agreements, and undocumented equity promises ⚖️ They explain why CPG employment is more complex than tech — and why misclassification is the #1 issue that surfaces in acquirer diligence ⚖️ Blake and Ryan walk through vesting schedules, co-founder agreements, how to handle terminations, and what to clean up before you raise Whether you're hiring employee #1 or getting ready for a fundraise, this one is worth a listen. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gFedkAxi #StartupCPG #CPGPodcast #CPGFounders #EmploymentLaw #CPGLegal #BuildingYourTeam #EmergingBrands #NaturalFood #CPGCommunity

New Episode: Ask Me Anything: Legal with Giannuzzi Lewendon ⚖️ Friends and family rounds, co-man agreements, distribution deals, exits—CPG legal traps are everywhere. Adam Marsh and Gabrielle McGonagle from Giannuzzi Lewendon join the pod to answer your top legal questions. Key insights: ⚖️ Side letters in a friends & family round can hold up your Series A—treat every investor the same ⚖️ Build your data room before you need it—diligence is harder than the deal itself ⚖️ Always own your formula, your enhancements, and your specs—vague IP language is a six-figure problem waiting to happen ⚖️ Advisor equity isn't free—tie vesting to deliverables, not just time, and watch your incentive pool ⚖️ Specifications in your co-man agreement are your best legal protection—more is always more 👉 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/e6DTeK5A Giannuzzi Lewendon, LLP Adam Marsh Gabrielle McGonagle Daniel Scharff . . . #StartupCPG #CPGPodcast #CPGLegal #CPGFounders #CoManufacturer #DistributionAgreements #AdvisorEquity #ExitStrategy

We’re excited to share that Giannuzzi Lewendon, LLP is a proud co-sponsor of this year’s Founders & Funders by Startup CPG — the premier gathering of early-stage VCs and entrepreneurs shaping the future of consumer brands.   ✨ Taking place in New York City on December 11th, this event brings together some of the most dynamic investors, founders, and operators in the space.   As a firm that has partnered with hundreds of founders and investors in CPG, food & beverage, wellness, and beyond, we’re thrilled to support the conversations and connections that will drive the next generation of industry-defining companies. Looking forward to seeing many of you there!   #StartupCPG #FoundersAndFunders #GiannuzziLewendon #VentureCapital #CPG Our partners Adam Marsh, Ryan Lewendon, and Blake Horn will be attending – come say hi!