August 28, 2026
–Blog Post
Untaxed at Marriage, Taxed at Divorce: Who Pays When a Cross-Border Joint Venture Ends
LexisNexis

Sullivan represented Horizon Beverage Group Inc., one of New England’s premier alcohol distributors, in its sale to Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol. The acquisition marks an exciting expansion for Southern Glazer’s, adding Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the 46th and 47th markets in its U.S. footprint, alongside operations in Canada and the Caribbean.
“We are grateful to Horizon’s employees, customers, and partners for so many years of success, and this transition represents an even brighter future for all,” said Bob Epstein, CEO/President at Horizon. “We’re confident that Southern Glazer’s strength and scale will not only support a smooth integration, but also create new opportunities for growth and success.”
“We’re committed to maintaining the exceptional service that Horizon is known for while bringing the added benefits of being part of the Southern Glazer’s family,” added Jim Rubenstein, CEO/Treasurer at Horizon. “This partnership ensures stability and growth for all stakeholders and strengthens our ability to deliver value across the board.”
Lewis N. Segall, Charles E. Chambers Jr., Ida J. Vanto, Sharon G. Leifer, Steven M. Cunningham, Jr. and Christopher C. Curtis
Sullivan represented Wonder Media Network (WMN), a female-founded, audio-first creative studio based in New York City, in its sale to Acast, the world’s largest independent podcast company. "WMN’s mission is so tightly aligned with that of Acast - bringing important and changemaking stories to the world," said WMN CEO Jenny Kaplan. "Together, we will allow both creators and advertisers to reach new audiences, build successful businesses, and shape the future of audio."
Lewis N. Segall, Joel R. Carpenter, Amy E. Sheridan, Erika L. Todd, Johanna Colpritt and Nathan Kosik-Desmond
Our marquee REIT and Tax teams advised American Tower Corporation (NYSE: AMT), one of the largest global REITs, and its subsidiary CoreSite in the formation of a new joint venture with Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real property assets, to develop, build and operate an 18-megawatt data center in Denver, Colorado. CoreSite provides IT infrastructure that empowers enterprises and cloud, network and IT service providers to monetize and future-proof their digital businesses. The total estimated development costs for the 18-megawatt data center are expected to be more than $250 million.
Sullivan’s team was led by Ameek Ashok Ponda, director of the Tax Department, with Sullivan Tax partners Joel Carpenter and Sarah Wellings, and associate Connie Lee, contributing to the successful deal.
Ameek Ashok Ponda, Joel R. Carpenter, Sarah D. Wellings and Connie Lee
Sullivan acts as outside general counsel for Skillsright, Inc., a nonprofit coalition of the country’s top employers and their CEOs with a mission of driving a skills-first movement to unlock career opportunities for talent without four-year degrees, for a more equitable and inclusive future workforce. Sullivan handles a wide range of matters including obtaining the organization’s nonprofit (Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3)) status, advising on a variety of legal issues associated with the organization’s work, negotiating intellectual property rights, drafting employment offers and dealing with related employment and benefits issues, overseeing all contracting issues and advising on corporate governance.
Kimberly Herman, David A. Guadagnoli, Judith G.H. Edington, Erika L. Todd and Michael S. Palmisciano
Sullivan represented Admiral Metals who was acquired by Reliance Steel & Aluminium Co. (NYSE: RS). “Admiral Metals has built a strong reputation in the metals industry for providing specialty products, high levels of customer service and next-day delivery,” commented Jim Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of Reliance. “We believe this acquisition will enable Admiral Metals to leverage Reliance’s scale in order to capitalize on further growth opportunities while maintaining its strong brand recognition. We are excited to welcome Admiral Metals to the Reliance Family of Companies, our 70th acquisition since our 1994 IPO.”
Lewis N. Segall, Victor N. Baltera and Sharon G. Leifer
Sullivan represented Masy Systems Inc. ("Masy" or "Masy BioServices"), a preferred provider of cGMP Biostorage and pharma support services, in the sale of its Masy to Alcami Corporation, a leading pharmaceutical and biotech contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO).
Lewis N. Segall and Steven M. Cunningham, Jr.
In November 2021, Sullivan together with its clients Merger & Acquisition Services, Inc., and International Transportation Marine Office, LLC (ITMA) received the Cross-Border Deal of the Year ($50 to $100 million) Award, at the 20th Annual M&A Advisor Awards in New York City. The award was given for the sale of ITMA to MS Amlin Underwriting Limited, a UK company. Don Kaitz retained his role as chairman of Arizona-headquartered ITMA, and the business continued to be led by Eric Kaitz, Chief Executive Officer. Earlier in 2021, Douglas Stransky and Michael Student, along with Merger & Acquisition Services Inc., advised ITMA and the Kaitzes.
Partner and head of Sullivan's International Tax Group, Douglas Stransky, commented, "We are thrilled to receive this honor and be together in-person with our clients and friends, Merger & Acquisition Services, Inc. and Don and Eric Kaitz, and proud to have collaborated with them on this sale."
Douglas S. Stransky and Michael J. Student
Boston, MA – Sullivan & Worcester has been shortlisted for the International Tax Review (ITR) Americas Tax Awards 2026 for Massachusetts Tax Firm of the Year. Nominees will be recognized and winners will be announced at the ITR Americas Tax Awards gala on October 29, 2026, in New York. The annual ITR Americas Tax Awards celebrate the most accomplished and distinguished tax and transfer pricing teams across 35 jurisdictions worldwide. In
Douglas S. Stransky, partner and leader of the Tax Practice Group, has published the second post in his series for the LexisNexis blog, examining the U.S. tax consequences that surface when a cross-border joint venture ends. Using a hypothetical 50/50 venture between a U.S. manufacturer and a German strategic investing through a U.S. corporate blocker, the post explains how the Section 704(c) method choice buried in boilerplate moves real money between
Sullivan is excited to sponsor the Florent Code League 2026, a live Nordic programming championship that brings together students and professionals to build autonomous systems and compete in an arena. The competition begins with three weeks of online competition before culminating in live finals on August 30 in Stockholm, Sweden. The top teams will compete for €20,000 in cash prizes along with additional tool and cloud credits. Sullivan attorneys Michael Student, Ben
Sullivan partner Tehila Levi Lati will speak at a webinar held in collaboration with Amazon and Digate titled "Going Live in China" on September 8, 2026. Designed for decision-makers and technical leaders navigating regional expansion, the program will explore key technical, legal and operational considerations for launching in China, including cloud infrastructure, local licensing, data privacy and corporate risk management. During the webinar, Tehila will leverage her deep experience leading Sullivan's China and
On July 29, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") notified Nasdaq that it had received notices of intention to petition for review of the SEC's July 22, 2026 order approving Nasdaq's proposed rule change requiring listed companies to maintain a minimum Market Value of Listed Securities ("MVLS") of $5 million. Pursuant to Rule 431(e) of the SEC's Rules of Practice, the July 22, 2026 approval order has been
Gregory Sampson was quoted in the August 23 Banker & Tradesman article, “A Green Light for Project Lite Brite?,” examining how Massachusetts’ evolving clean energy permitting framework could reshape the development of battery storage and other clean energy projects. The article focuses on Project Lite Brite, a proposed 62,000-square-foot battery storage facility in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood, and explores how Boston’s new clean energy zoning and changes under the state’s 2024 climate
Geoffrey Wynne will participate in a panel discussion at ITFA's 52nd Annual International Trade and Forfaiting Conference alongside Ailsa McNeil, Director at Texel, and Hernan Mayol, Board Member and Representative of ITFA Americas and Chair of ITFA’s Latin America Regional Committee (LARC). The session, titled “Financing the future: From defence to critical raw materials,” will be moderated by Clarissa Dann, Editorial Director at Deutsche Bank AG. The session will explore how trade
Since the publication of this Client Alert on July 30, 2026, several significant developments have affected the implementation of NYC’s Non-Primary Residence Surcharge (the “Pied-à-Terre Tax”), including the NYC Department of Finance (“NYC DOF”) extending the deadline for property owners to submit exemption applications to September 18, 2026. On August 7, 2026, three NYC homeowners filed a lawsuit challenging the City’s implementation of the surcharge, including the City’s process of identifying
When people hear “litigation,” they usually think about trials, dramatic cross-examinations and disputes beyond repair. They do not typically think about prevention. Yet one of the most valuable things a litigator can do is help avoid litigation altogether. At first glance, the concept may seem counterintuitive. Why would litigators want to reduce litigation? The answer is straightforward: it’s often in the best interest of their clients. While litigation is sometimes necessary, it
Boston, MA – Sullivan & Worcester has been shortlisted for the International Tax Review (ITR) Americas Tax Awards 2026 for Massachusetts Tax Firm of the Year. Nominees will be recognized and winners will be announced at the ITR Americas Tax Awards gala on October 29, 2026, in New York. The annual ITR Americas Tax Awards celebrate the most accomplished and distinguished tax and transfer pricing teams across 35 jurisdictions worldwide. In
Douglas S. Stransky, partner and leader of the Tax Practice Group, has published the second post in his series for the LexisNexis blog, examining the U.S. tax consequences that surface when a cross-border joint venture ends. Using a hypothetical 50/50 venture between a U.S. manufacturer and a German strategic investing through a U.S. corporate blocker, the post explains how the Section 704(c) method choice buried in boilerplate moves real money between
Sullivan is excited to sponsor the Florent Code League 2026, a live Nordic programming championship that brings together students and professionals to build autonomous systems and compete in an arena. The competition begins with three weeks of online competition before culminating in live finals on August 30 in Stockholm, Sweden. The top teams will compete for €20,000 in cash prizes along with additional tool and cloud credits. Sullivan attorneys Michael Student, Ben
Sullivan partner Tehila Levi Lati will speak at a webinar held in collaboration with Amazon and Digate titled "Going Live in China" on September 8, 2026. Designed for decision-makers and technical leaders navigating regional expansion, the program will explore key technical, legal and operational considerations for launching in China, including cloud infrastructure, local licensing, data privacy and corporate risk management. During the webinar, Tehila will leverage her deep experience leading Sullivan's China and
On July 29, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") notified Nasdaq that it had received notices of intention to petition for review of the SEC's July 22, 2026 order approving Nasdaq's proposed rule change requiring listed companies to maintain a minimum Market Value of Listed Securities ("MVLS") of $5 million. Pursuant to Rule 431(e) of the SEC's Rules of Practice, the July 22, 2026 approval order has been
Gregory Sampson was quoted in the August 23 Banker & Tradesman article, “A Green Light for Project Lite Brite?,” examining how Massachusetts’ evolving clean energy permitting framework could reshape the development of battery storage and other clean energy projects. The article focuses on Project Lite Brite, a proposed 62,000-square-foot battery storage facility in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood, and explores how Boston’s new clean energy zoning and changes under the state’s 2024 climate