ATLANTA (August 9, 2017) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce the firm served as legal counsel to SEI/Aaron’s, Inc. (SEI) in connection with the sale of substantially all of its assets to its franchisor, Aaron’s, Inc. (Aaron’s), a leading omnichannel provider of lease-purchase solutions, for an all cash purchase price of approximately $140 million.

The SGR transaction team was led by Atlanta Partner Eric Mandus, a member of the firm’s Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions Practice, with the assistance of Atlanta Associate Heiko Gruenwald.  Atlanta Partner Tom Hong and Atlanta Associate Jonathan Hurt handled the antitrust compliance requirements.  Atlanta Partner Joe Mandarino assisted with tax matters, and Jacksonville Partner Yash Dave assisted on labor and employment matters, with Jacksonville Partner Laura Andrew and Associate Quinn Baker providing assistance with respect to employee benefits matters.

About SEI/Aaron’s, Inc.
Founded in 1995, SEI was Aaron’s largest and highest-performing franchisee serving more than 90,000 customers in 104 stores within 11 states in the Northeast. 

About Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP
SGR is a full service, international law firm that advises regional, national and global businesses on a wide range of legal matters. The firm’s more than 200 attorneys provide legal counsel in more than 45 specialized practice areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, aviation, banking, construction and employment law. Founded in 1893, SGR has offices in Atlanta, Austin, Jacksonville, London, Munich, New York, Southampton, and Washington, D.C.