Kara Grimaldi
Managing Director
Kara helps clients navigate their most high-stakes situations. Across M&A, shareholder activism, IPOs, corporate restructurings, crises and other issues that companies face in today's complex operating environment, she provides strategic counsel and communications support that optimize business outcomes and take all stakeholders into consideration.
Credentials
Kara received her BA in Art History and English from Williams College.
Recent Highlights
Select Experience
M&A and Other Transactions
Kara develops communications strategies for friendly and unsolicited M&A, spin-offs, IPOs and other transactions, as well as integration support. Notable experience includes advising: Dentsply Sirona as it pursues strategic alternatives for its Wellspect; CONSOL Energy in its merger of equals with Arch Resources to create Core Natural Resources; Ironwood Pharmaceuticals with its acquisition of VectivBio; Vivint Smart Home with its sale to NRG; TPG with its IPO; Momentive with its attempted sale to Zendesk; Pluralsight in its sale to Vista Equity Partners; Mylan with its integration of Upjohn, formerly a division of Pfizer, and subsequent rebranding into Viatris; Noble Energy in its sale to Chevron; Broadcom in its acquisition of CA Technologies; Edgewell Personal Care in its proposal to acquire Harry’s; Fiserv in its acquisition of First Data; Avon in its sale to Natura; Bristol-Myers Squibb in its acquisition of Celgene; and Broadcom in its proposal to acquire Qualcomm, among others.
Shareholder Activism
From early days preparedness to public proxy battles, Kara counsels clients throughout all phases engagement with activist investors. While many situations never become public, she has helped companies navigate discussions with a wide range of activists, including Elliott, Starboard, JANA, Sachem Head, Engine Capital, Ancora, Anson Funds, Legion and Irenic Capital, among others.
Crisis and Issues Management
Kara recognizes that crises and other issues can emerge at any time, from any part of a business. She helps clients through a broad range of challenges, including related to the evolving DEI landscape, unplanned management changes, board investigations, earnings surprises, litigation, short attacks, accounting fraud, financial restatements and other reputational management matters.
In Conversation
Personal Side
Kara co-leads JF Gives Back, the firm’s charity and community engagement initiative. In this role, she organizes opportunities for colleagues across the firm to get involved in their New York and San Francisco communities. Organizations that Kara has partnered with through JF Gives Back include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the SF Marin Food Bank, City Harvest, Kids In Need Foundation, Operation Santa and the Surfrider Foundation, among others.