2019 was a banner year for Wells, who closed deals for long-time repeat clients such as SKF, Lemieux Group and Pittsburgh Penguins, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and a global auto manufacturer.

In 2019, SKF, one of the world’s largest bearing manufacturers, completed its 14th deal with Wells at the helm. Over the years, Wells has handled more than $3.5B worth of deals for SKF, including SKF’s 2019 strategic acquisition of Form Automation Solutions, Inc., a software company whose products improve manufacturing plant operations and a year-end internal reorganization. According to Ted Barry, SKF USA’s GC, “Kristi has a rare combination of legal wisdom, business acumen, and agility—no deal is too complicated for Kristi and the Reed Smith team, plus she always remains focused on the goal: a sale, merger or acquisition.”