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Varnum Counsels Coding School from Startup Through Exit

December 19, 2022

Grand Circus, a virtual coding school headquartered in downtown Detroit, was recently acquired by Digital Intelligence Systems LLC (DISYS), a McLean, Virginia-based company operating globally and offering technology consulting and staffing service. The deal offers Grand Circus considerable growth opportunities and allows the company’s branding and team to remain intact in Detroit.

Varnum represented Grand Circus in the transaction and has worked with the company since its early days as a startup. Varnum attorneys Matt Bower, Gabe Edelson and Jacob Whately represented Grand Circus in all aspects of the acquisition, including drafting and negotiating the purchase agreement and related documents.

Grand Circus originally came to Varnum in 2014 through the MiSpringboard program. Varnum partner Matt Bower worked with founder Damien Rocchi on a wide variety of matters, from corporate governance matters and instructor and student enrollment agreements to trademark, contract and financing matters.

“It’s very satisfying to work with a company from its earliest days when they are finding their footing and watching them grow and become a thriving, vital business,” Bower said. “I’m very gratified to have worked with Damien over the years as he developed this business that has created opportunities for so many in our community.”

“We are thrilled with this latest investment in the Grand Circus brand,” Rocchi said, “and we are grateful for Matt and the Varnum team for their legal counsel and support over the years as well as their commitment to the startup community in Michigan.”

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