Rutter Hobbs & Davidoff Attorney in Los Angeles Named Winner of ’40 Under 40 M&A Advisor Recognition Awards’

LOS ANGELES, June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Andrew Apfelberg, a shareholder in the corporate and securities practice at Rutter Hobbs & Davidoff (RHD) in Los Angeles, has just been named one of the nation's top mergers and acquisitions attorneys as a winner of the 2011 "40 Under 40 M&A Advisor Recognition Awards." Apfelberg will join fellow winners and finalists at a black-tie awards gala on July 26, 2011, at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

"Andrew's strong business and finance background and prior work at an investment bank continue to strengthen the firm's corporate and securities practice. This is a well-earned honor and a proud moment for our firm," said attorney Joel Weinstein, RHD's corporate and securities practice leader. "The 40 Under 40 awards distinguish attorneys for their deal-making and transactions not only nationally, but also internationally. As an attorney at a regional firm, it is impressive for Andrew to be acknowledged alongside attorneys from many larger national firms."

Apfelberg is a shareholder and Executive Committee member at RHD, a mid-sized law firm based in Los Angeles. He represents middle-market companies throughout the United States, acting as their outside general counsel and advising them in significant transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, private equity and other financings, joint ventures and licensing by employing business school techniques such as SWOT Analysis. He is also an expert in advising emerging growth companies on the optimal structure and growth plan for the business.

Since December, RHD's corporate and securities practice has advised clients in 14 transactions valued well in excess of $1 billion. This included representing the CEO and founder of OPI Products in the successful sale of the business – one of the largest M&A deals to come out of Southern California during 2010. Apfelberg already has closed five acquisitions in 2011, including representing the minority shareholder of Mrs. Cubbison's in the sale of the company by Hostess Brands to Sugar Foods Corporation.

Apfelberg earned his bachelor's degree in business and finance at the University of Southern California, and his Juris Doctor at the Boston CollegeLaw School.

The 40 Under 40 awards are sponsored by The M&A Advisor and recognize emerging leaders in M&A and financing. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges comprised of prominent business leaders, which this year included: John K Castle, chairman and CEO, Castle Harlan; Al Koch, vice chairman, Alix Partners; Steven Goldberg, partner and co-Chairman of the Transactions Practice Team, Baker Hostetler; , Private Equity Practice Leader, BDO; Gordon McCoun, vice chairman, FD; Robert "Bobby" Blumenfeld, executive director, ACG New York; Bernard Zaia, managing director, Wells Fargo Securities; and J. Scott Victor, partner & managing director, SSG.

About Rutter Hobbs & Davidoff

Los Angeles-based Rutter Hobbs & Davidoff is a full-service law firm founded in 1973. The firm's seasoned attorneys represent middle market companies, early stage entities, large corporations and individuals in matters involving business litigation and dispute resolution; corporate and securities; bankruptcy, reorganization and capital recovery; estate planning and trust litigation; advertising, media and intellectual property; labor and employment; and, real estate. The firm's diverse team of attorneys and experienced, tenured staff collaborates to deliver consistently excellent service in a timely and cost-effective manner. For more information, please visit www.rutterhobbs.com.

SOURCE Rutter Hobbs & Davidoff