Jan. 30, 2014
Matthew T. Bush
See more on Matthew T. BushLatham & Watkins LLP | San Diego | Corporate
"There has been a rebound and strength in mergers and acquisitions in the biotech market with huge transactions," said Bush, whose practice is centered in that space. The American JOBS Act also heated up the biotech IPO market.
"It allows the banks to have a chance to work with more companies and test the waters before they go public," Bush explained. Bush was involved in public equity offerings totaling more than $500 million in 2013. Among them were initial public offerings for Conatus Pharmaceuticals, a biotech focused on novel medicines to treat liver disease ($66 million); Evoke Pharma, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on treatments of gastrointestinal diseases ($29 million); and a secondary offering for Cubic Corp., which serves mass transit and defense markets ($122 million).
Bush also represented Santarus Inc. in its sale to Salix Pharmaceuticals Inc. for approximately $2.6 billion.
Shepherding clients from start-up to what he calls "transformative events," Bush said he taps into his pre-law experience as a management consultant.
"The key is not just to be a legal adviser, but to offer practical business solutions for clients," he said.
A healthy climate has been a boon for companies in raising funds to complete research and development - crucial for both businesses and patients, Bush said.
"These companies are focused on trying to create new therapies and I find that personally gratifying," he added. "With each company I work with, I tend to know someone with some of these conditions. It hits close to home."
- PAT BRODERICK
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