BCLP advises EXPO CHICAGO on its acquisition by Frieze

International law firm BCLP advised long-standing client EXPO CHICAGO on its acquisition by Frieze. EXPO CHICAGO, the International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art, recently closed on its sale to Frieze, one of the world’s leading contemporary art organizations. The acquisition enables EXPO CHICAGO to build on more than a decade of select programming as a vibrant international cultural destination at EXPO ART WEEK.

EXPO CHICAGO is an international art fair deeply rooted in the cultural ecosystem of Chicago and its creative community. The exposition activates a rich network of artists, museums, curators, galleries, and collectors through investment in rigorous programming—both onsite and citywide—that shines light on Chicago’s generous and collaborative spirit while catalyzing international collaboration and global discourse.

The BCLP Corporate Transactions team was led by Partner Brendan Johnson and Associates LaRona Kitzinger and Scott Schwend. The BCLP team also included Madeleine Considine, Christian Auty, Matthew Minder, Jessica Edwards, Mark Paskar, Anthony George, Adam Braun, Joseph Robertson, David White, Spencer Rubin, Thea Hromadka, Mustafa Ahmed, Scott Franc, Jacob Crabtree, Hallie Enix, Paul Sudentas, Lucinda Althauser, Anissa Madrill, and Honor Galvin. BCLP has represented EXPO CHICAGO from its formation in 2012. The EXPO CHICAGO relationship was developed by BCLP Senior Counsel Scott Hodes, whose practice has deep connections to the art world.

“We are proud of our long business relationship with EXPO CHICAGO and to be able to work with Tony Karman and Michael Franks from formation of EXPO CHICAGO to this next phase on the fair’s growth,” said Brendan Johnson, BCLP lead partner on the transaction.

“We are grateful for the work BCLP has done for us over the years. They have been a committed part of the EXPO CHICAGO team, providing good counsel that has been important to our success,” said Tony Karman, President and Director of EXPO Chicago.

More details can be found in EXPO CHICAGO’s press release.