Sarah Harper, an attorney with Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, was recognized as Young Dealmaker of the Year by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business in its 11th annual M&A Deals and Dealmakers of the Year. Warner client Star Truck Rentals was honored as Transportation Deal of the Year.
Harper was recognized for the substantive body of transactions – 50 mergers or acquisitions – she led or advised on in 2023. Often the only woman at the deal table, Harper has worked on hundreds of successful transactions throughout her career in automotive, agricultural products, financial services, manufacturing and other industries, including the highly complex and regulated investment advisor space.
Her nomination read in part: “Sarah understands it’s not our job to direct the deal – it’s our job to help make sure the deal gets done the way the client wants it to get done. She’s very pragmatic, detail-oriented and good at leading a team. From a client management perspective, she’s down-to-earth and very relatable. That’s one of her great skills. Sarah’s able to relate to clients and communicate with them in a way that’s very effective.”
The annual awards recognize the advisors and dealmakers like Harper, as well as top transactions in different industries, such as Star Truck Rentals. The winners will be recognized at a special event in Grand Rapids on March 28.
Warner represented Grand Rapids-based Star Truck Rentals in its sale of the fourth-generation family-owned business to Penske Truck Leasing in Pennsylvania. Star Truck Rentals traced its roots to the 1860s when the company founder established Star Baggage Co., hauling freight on horse-drawn carts to and from the railway depot in Grand Rapids. At the time of its sale, the company was the largest full-service truck rental and leasing company based in Michigan and one of the oldest family-owned transportation companies in America.
Harper concentrates her corporate practice on mergers and acquisitions, securities law, commercial contracting and economic incentives. In addition to her corporate work, she regularly helps clients close the financing gap and bring their projects across the finish line by identifying, securing and monetizing tax credits and other economic development incentives.
Harper is a member of the American Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan, which recognized her last year on its Pro Bono Honor Roll for her nonprofit work supporting veterans. She also serves on the Emerging Leaders Council and Policy Committee of D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s.
She holds a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Ferris State University and her law degree cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School.
About Warner
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
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