Allen, Sara L.

Rachel Allen has acted as the principal outside lawyer on numerous completed M&A, venture capital, and private equity transactions in more than 20 years in practice. Her experience covers a range of matters in a variety of industries, including health care, medical device, and energy.

Her recent transactions include Ospraie Management's $2.8 billion acquisition of ConAgra Foods Group and Renal Solutions' $210 million sale to Fresenius Medical Care Holdings.

She previously served as vice president, general counsel, and new business development officer for DQE Enterprises, an affiliate of DQE, Inc., an NYSE-listed company. DQE Enterprises invested and developed businesses in the energy services and technologies and electronic commerce industries and had one of the largest portfolios in the utility industry. Rachel evaluated new business opportunities and structured and managed the company's investments. She also advised the portfolio companies in all aspects of their growth cycle, including business plan development, financings, management, recruitment and retention, and general strategic guidance.

She serves and has served on a number of boards, including H Power Corp. (a NASDAQ-listed company), The Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, Neighborhood Legal Services, Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, and Brother's Brother Foundation. She was chairperson of the Three Rivers Venture Fair in 2005.