Ankura acquires IP experts 284 Partners
Management consultancy Ankura has acquired 284 Partners, an Ann Arbor, MI–based consulting firm specializing in intellectual property (IP) disputes and transactions.
Founded in 2010, 284 Partners has advised Fortune 100s, top-tier law firms, and regulatory agencies – delivering economic and analytical support on hundreds of complex IP-centric transactions, valuations, and damages analyses. The firm has consulted on matters involving more than $30 billion in economic damages and transactional value.
284 Partners’ team of 20 professionals has provided expert testimony in domestic and foreign courts, as well as other dispute resolution forums. The company is regarded as a pioneer in economic analysis on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) matters.
Ankura’s acquisition of 284 expands the firm’s capabilities in providing IP-related services to its clients. The transaction also demonstrates the consulting firm’s continued investment in disputes and advisory services.
"The addition of 284 Partners bolsters our capabilities and deepens our expertise as we continue to deliver smart, high-impact solutions to clients," said Philip Daddona, president of Ankura. "284 Partners brings a team of talented professionals that strengthen and complement Ankura's collaborative and innovative culture.”
Ankura will “seamlessly integrate” the 20-person team at 284, including senior managing directors Michael J. Lasinski and Kevin Arst, and managing directors Philip W. Kline and Chris Schulte. Ankura currently has one Michigan office, located in Ann Arbor.
"Our clients have shown a strong desire for 284 Partners to provide a broader range of expert services, and this combination will allow us to better meet their needs," said Michael J. Lasinski, CEO of 284 Partners.
Based in Washington, DC, Ankura significantly increased its profile and gained a global footprint in 2018 when it acquired Navigant’s disputes, forensics and legal technology (DFLT) segment and transaction advisory services (TAS) practice for $470 million. Ankura focuses on corporate performance and risk management, competing with rivals FTI Consulting, Alvarez & Marsal, and AlixPartners.
Since its founding in 2014, Ankura has grown to a global footprint of 1,500 employees in over 30 offices, with annual revenues of more than $500 million. The firm was named one of the five fastest growing consulting firms in 2019 by Consulting Magazine.
