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    Wes Scott

    Wes Scott

    Partner

    Nashville
    615-346-4411
    wes.scott@phelps.com
    Areas Of Focus
    Mergers and AcquisitionsCorporate and SecuritiesCommercial Contracts

    Wes Scott works with founders, owners, private equity firms, family offices and independent sponsors who need clear advice and steady execution in high-stakes transactions. He helps clients navigate mergers, acquisitions and dispositions without overcomplicating the process, keeping deals focused on the issues that actually drive value.

    Representing clients on both the buy- and sell-side of the table, Wes runs transactions using a tried-and-true playbook shaped by nearly two decades of M&A experience. He prioritizes material deal points, practical problem solving and efficiency, helping clients avoid issues that slow things down or add cost without changing outcomes. He’s skilled at translating complex legal issues into practical guidance and keeping deals moving without cutting corners.

    Wes also regularly serves as outside general counsel for his clients, advising them as they navigate day-to-day decisions and execute on long‑term goals. He enjoys spending time on the ground with clients, and if a possible transaction becomes part of the conversation, he’s able to lead it with a clear understanding of the business and the people behind it.

    Annually recognized as one of the top deal lawyers in the U.S., Wes’ practice focuses on the following industry verticals: 

    • Essential services
    • Manufacturing
    • Industrials
    • Energy
    • Distribution and logistics
    • Medical devices 

    A frequent speaker and panelist, Wes shares actionable insights on M&A strategy, private equity trends, and the evolving role of outside general counsel.

    Annually recognized as one of the top deal lawyers in the U.S., Wes’ practice focuses on the following industry verticals: 

    • Essential services
    • Manufacturing
    • Industrials
    • Energy
    • Distribution and logistics
    • Medical devices 

    A frequent speaker and panelist, Wes shares actionable insights on M&A strategy, private equity trends, and the evolving role of outside general counsel.

    Experience

    • Represented an HVAC company in its sale to a family office.
    • Represented a water treatment and management services company in its sale to a private equity-backed buyer.
    • Represented an HVAC company in its sale to a private equity-backed buyer.
    • Represented an automotive repair company in its sale to a private equity-backed buyer.
    • Represented the founder of a liquor and spirits manufacturer in the formation of a joint venture with a syndicate of investors and the subsequent recapitalization of the joint venture.
    • Represented a private equity-backed label printing and packaging company in multiple tuck-in and add-on acquisitions.
    • Represented a private equity-backed HVAC company in multiple tuck-in and add-on acquisitions.
    • Represented a private equity-backed financial wealth management company in multiple add-on acquisitions.

    Recognition

    • Corporate Compliance (2023-2026), Corporate Governance (2020-2026), Mergers and Acquisitions (2020-2026), Securities/Capital Markets (2023-2026), The Best Lawyers in America
    • Scholar-Athlete Award, National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame
    • Scholar-Athlete Award, SBC Cotton Bowl Classic
    • Corporate Compliance (2023-2026), Corporate Governance (2020-2026), Mergers and Acquisitions (2020-2026), Securities/Capital Markets (2023-2026), The Best Lawyers in America
    • Scholar-Athlete Award, National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame
    • Scholar-Athlete Award, SBC Cotton Bowl Classic

    Education

    • University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude
    • University of Mississippi, M.Tax
    • University of Mississippi, B.Accy, summa cum laude
    • University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude
    • University of Mississippi, M.Tax
    • University of Mississippi, B.Accy, summa cum laude

    Credentials

    • Tennessee
    • Tennessee

    Memberships and Affiliations

    • American Bar Association – Business Law Section
    • Association for Corporate Growth
    • Service Nation Alliance – Preferred Partner 
    • American Bar Association – Business Law Section
    • Association for Corporate Growth
    • Service Nation Alliance – Preferred Partner 
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