April 30, 2021 – Hughes Hubbard advised Tao Group Hospitality in a deal to acquire majority control of Hakkasan Group, creating a premium hospitality powerhouse that includes a global portfolio of brands and properties with significant potential for future growth.

Tao Group Hospitality is part of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., leader in live experiences. Tao Group announced the deal on April 28.

Michael Traube led the HHR team with key assistance from Andy Braiterman, David Adler and Jason Lee, and specialist guidance from Patrice Jean, M. Shams Billah, Justin Cohen, Andrew Herman, Joshua Hochman and Robby Naoufal; the team also included partners Ken Lefkowitz, Spencer Harrison, Rita Haeusler, Jim Boykin, Benjamin Britz, Jim Fitzpatrick, Philip Giordano, Steve Greene and Daniel Weiner; counsel Carol Remy; associates Jiayin Liao, Sean Mason, Kristin Millay, Debbie Placid and Sydney Rothschild; and paralegals Alexandra Hernandez, Jeffrey Bednar and James Larson.