John P. Beals

John Beals is a partner in Nixon Peabody's Private Equity and Investment Funds practice. He represents public pension funds, funds of funds and other institutional investors in connection with their investments in leveraged buyout, venture capital, real estate and debt private equity funds. He also advises fund sponsors in structuring and forming such funds.

What do you focus on?

I focus my practice on two main areas, leveraging 20 years of experience to help clients structure, negotiate and close their private equity transactions.

Private Equity Investments

I have represented leading institutional investors in more than 500 investments in leveraged buyout, venture capital, real estate and debt private equity funds, both domestically and internationally. I have also assisted these clients in negotiating and structuring separate account relationships with private equity fund sponsors. Some of the clients that I have advised in this area include New York State Teachers' Retirement System, New York City Retirement System, State of New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and GCM Grosvenor’s Customized Funds Investment Group.

Private Equity Fund Structuring and Formation

I have broad experience in counseling private equity fund sponsors in connection with their fundraising, and have structured and organized numerous U.S. based private equity funds and funds of funds. My representation of fund sponsors includes advising them on a variety of matters, including internal management and compensation issues, as well as their fiduciary duties to their limited partner investors.