How the Deal Got Done: Sidley Austin Facilitates Moving Mountains’ Acquisition by StayTerra
Chicago, August 12, 2025 – Sidley Austin LLP, a global law firm renowned for its expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), played a pivotal role in orchestrating the acquisition of Moving Mountains, an award-winning hospitality company specializing in luxury vacation rentals, by StayTerra, a property management company backed by Garnett Station Partners. The deal, finalized on May 16, 2025, marks a significant step in StayTerra’s expansion of its premier vacation rental platform across popular American destinations.
The Deal
Moving Mountains, known for its personalized guest experiences and high-quality property management in the Rocky Mountains, was acquired by StayTerra to bolster its portfolio of luxury vacation rentals. The investment provides Moving Mountains with access to growth capital, enhanced technology, and expanded customer service capabilities, while enabling StayTerra to leverage Moving Mountains’ local expertise and scalable platform. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the transaction aligns with StayTerra’s strategy to grow its presence in high-demand vacation markets.
StayTerra CEO Mary Lynn Clark praised Moving Mountains’ leadership, stating, “Robin, Heather, and their team have built an exceptional company defined by an innovative approach to hospitality and deep respect for the communities they serve. Their impressive track record aligns perfectly with the StayTerra model.”
Sidley Austin’s Role
Sidley Austin’s M&A and Private Equity team, led by partners David M. Grinberg, Ryan M. Hicks, and Daniel E. Gessner, spearheaded the legal representation for Moving Mountains. The firm’s multidisciplinary approach drew on expertise across several practice areas to navigate the complexities of the transaction. Key team members included Daniel J. Belke (M&A and Private Equity), Eric S. Wolf and Laura S. Lee (Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation), Shayona Schiely (Global Finance), Scott J.F. Goldstein (Insurance), Eric Kauffman and Emily M. Wajert (Labor and Employment), Sheri Porath Rockwell (Privacy and Cybersecurity), Jonathan H. Koh (Real Estate), Jonathan M. Westreich (Tax), and Rachelle Soderstrom (Technology and Life Sciences Transactions).
The Sidley team’s comprehensive legal support ensured a seamless process, addressing critical aspects such as deal structuring, regulatory compliance, and integration planning. Their expertise in real estate and hospitality transactions was instrumental in aligning the interests of both parties, particularly given the deal’s focus on technology-driven growth and operational synergies.
Strategic Impact
The acquisition enhances StayTerra’s platform by integrating Moving Mountains’ reputation for delivering high-quality guest and homeowner experiences. It also positions StayTerra to capitalize on the growing demand for luxury vacation rentals, a sector projected to see continued growth as consumer preferences shift toward unique, high-end travel experiences. For Moving Mountains, the partnership provides access to StayTerra’s advanced technology and data solutions, enabling further scalability and market reach.
Industry Context
This deal reflects broader trends in the hospitality and real estate sectors, where consolidation and strategic investments are driving growth. The luxury vacation rental market has seen increased interest from private equity-backed firms like Garnett Station Partners, which are seeking to build integrated platforms to capture market share. Sidley Austin’s involvement underscores its growing prominence in facilitating high-profile deals in the real estate and hospitality industries, building on its track record in sports, entertainment, and M&A transactions.
Looking Forward
The successful acquisition highlights Sidley Austin’s ability to navigate complex, cross-disciplinary deals, cementing its reputation as a go-to firm for high-stakes transactions. For Moving Mountains and StayTerra, the partnership sets the stage for continued growth in the competitive luxury hospitality market, with Sidley’s legal expertise ensuring a strong foundation for future success.
Neither Sidley Austin nor the involved parties provided additional comments beyond the official announcements. The deal’s completion marks another milestone in Sidley’s ongoing influence in shaping transformative transactions across industries.