Wiley Rein wraps up McBee acquisition

Wiley Rein, a Washington-based law firm, said Wednesday morning that it has completed its acquisition of the lobbying firm McBee Strategic.

{mosads}”Client needs evolve over time, and this deal allows us to remain nimble, bringing Wiley’s significant roster of counselors to bear across client issues,” Eric Bovim, a McBee managing director, said in a press release.

Peter Shields, managing partner at Wiley Rein, said that the deal is “about creating more value for the clients of both firms.”

Both companies announced the deal in November, but wasn’t finalized until Wednesday. A story in The Washington Post from that announcement said that McBee earned $10.4 million in revenues from lobbying in 2013.

The release stressed the fact that McBee will operate independently from Wiley Rein, which will own the lobbying shop.

“The ability to remain independent while expanding our capabilities in the regulatory space with Wiley Rein creates a stronger and more comprehensive solution for our clients’ biggest challenges,” said Robert Chamberlin, a managing director in McBee’s advocacy practice.

McBee’s founder, Steve McBee, left his namesake firm in November to join the power company NRG Energy. Politico reported that a number of McBee’s employees left while McBee shopped the firm around and ultimately left.

“I believe deeply in McBee Strategic’s people, capabilities, and mission and I’m excited about its next chapter,” McBee said in the press release. “Wiley Rein will be an exceptional partner and this deal makes two great firms greater.”