McGuireWoods is bolstering its nationally recognized capital markets capabilities with the arrival of New York partners Alex Weniger-Araujo and Andrei Sirabionian, who have guided more than 100 companies through special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) transactions and business combinations. Together, they bring more than three decades of experience representing international and domestic issuers, underwriters and investors in public and private securities transactions.
Weniger-Araujo and Sirabionian also counsel clients on reporting requirements, corporate governance matters, stock exchange rules and ongoing securities law compliance. In addition, Sirabionian has also represented entities in acquisitions and divestitures, spinoffs, joint ventures and “going private” transactions. Weniger-Araujo and Sirabionian join McGuireWoods from Loeb & Loeb.
“Alex and Andrei’s combined experience in SPAC transactions, IPOs and complex securities matters strengthens our ability to serve clients across the full spectrum of capital markets work,” said Richard W. Viola, deputy managing partner of the firm's corporate practice.
Before entering private practice, Weniger-Araujo led product development for a legal technology company, founded a real estate analytics SaaS platform and served as general counsel at a New York-based venture development firm focused on Seed to Series A stage companies.
“Alex and Andrei have built reputations as go-to advisors for SPAC transactions,” said Lake Taylor, chair of the firm’s Securities & Capital Markets Department. “Their ability to guide companies through the lifecycle of going public reflects the kind of comprehensive counsel McGuireWoods is known for delivering.”
McGuireWoods' Capital Markets Practice Group handles sophisticated securities transactions, including initial public offerings, follow-on equity offerings, debt offerings, SPAC IPOs and business combinations, private placements and PIPE financing transactions. The firm consistently earns top rankings for debt and equity issuances in authoritative league tables.
Weniger-Araujo and Sirabionian rejoin Los Angeles tax partner Shahrooz Shahnavaz, who arrived at McGuireWoods from Loeb & Loeb in 2025. The trio has collaborated extensively, with Shahnavaz advising on tax structuring for SPAC transactions and “de-SPAC” business combinations. The team is a mainstay in the SPAC ecosystem and has developed collective and deep-seated experience forged through the execution of a substantial and diverse transaction set.
“McGuireWoods' deep bench and diverse client base position the firm to deliver seamless, sophisticated counsel to guide clients through complex capital markets deals, including SPAC IPOs, operating company IPOs and, in particular, the nuances of SPAC business combination transactions,” Weniger-Araujo said. “This is a perfect fit for my practice.”
Sirabionian added: “McGuireWoods has an innovative and entrepreneurial corporate practice that excels at mobilizing cross-disciplinary teams to serve clients. That agility provides real advantages in today’s capital markets environment.”
Weniger-Araujo and Sirabionian continue McGuireWoods' expansion in New York and build on the firm's growing corporate and capital markets capabilities, said
Jeffrey Chapman, managing partner of the firm's New York office.
“We are delighted to welcome Alex and Andrei,” Chapman said. “Their arrival underscores our commitment to attracting top-tier talent with the skill and strategic vision to help clients achieve their goals.”
