(openPR) - Allegiance Capital Corporation, one of the largest private investment banks serving the lower middle market, has announced that Michael Cho has joined its Dallas office as a Vice President. Mr. Cho has more than 13 years of experience as corporate legal counsel in successfully managing mergers, acquisitions, and cross-border business transactions.

"Michael’s considerable legal experience as a former attorney, along with his deal making experience both in real estate and cross-border transactions, has been of particular value to the firm," says David Mahmood, Chairman of Allegiance Capital Corporation. "His skills in the Korean language have helped Allegiance Capital work with significant companies in South Korea, as well as American Marianas which Allegiance Capital Corporation is joint venturing. His deal making experience and cultural knowledge have been invaluable in helping Allegiance Capital grow its business."

Before joining Allegiance Capital Michael was associated with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as its corporate attorney, Michael represented various growth companies in their mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buy-outs, roll-up transactions and initial public offerings with the transactions ranging up to $200 million. During his career at Akin Gump, Michael was one of the key outside counsels for Packaged Ice, Inc. in their growth strategy of acquiring more than 30 companies, culminating in their public offering of $250 million.

Most notably while associated with the capital market group of Jones Day LLP as a corporate attorney, Michael participated in various transactions involving securitization of non-performing loans, private placement of senior and mezzanine notes and related sale of real estate portfolios. Michael also participated in transactions representing the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Funds in their joint venture with Korean Asset Management Corporation for the purchase and securitization of real estate secured loans ranging up to $350 million.

"I have known David Mahmood for over eight years, a few of which I have spent representing him and Allegiance Capital Corporation, supporting several successful deals. I always admired the professionalism, persistence and the incredible focus that David Mahmood and Allegiance Capital Corporation has shown their clients. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work with him as a deal-maker and will enjoy the collective "ride" along the way."

About Allegiance Capital Corporation
Allegiance Capital Corporation is an investment bank specializing in financing and selling businesses in the middle market. Allegiance Capital has won multiple awards recognizing the value it delivers to clients. Examples include: 2009 Dealmaker of the Year (Dallas Business Journal), 2008 Boutique Investment Bank of the Year (M&A Advisor), 2006 Investment Bank of the Year (Dallas Business Journal). Subscribe to the Capital Ideas blog by visiting:www.allcapcorp.com/blog. Follow Allegiance Capital on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter:@ALLCAP.

Allegiance Capital Corporation
Melissa Mihelich
Director of Marketing

5429 LBJ Freeway, Suite 750
Dallas, TX 75240
(214) 217-7755