Mergers & Acquisitions

Experience

Counseled Client in its Acquisition of a $1.9 Billion Publicly Traded Financial Holding Company.

Client: Peoples Bancorp Inc.
Counseled Client in its Acquisition of a $1.9 Billion Publicly Traded Financial Holding Company.

Peoples Bancorp Inc. has engaged us for a variety of significant projects involving M&A and regulatory matters over the last 12 months. We partnered with Peoples on its most significant acquisition to date with our team, the purchase of Premier Financial, a $1.9 billion dollar public company with financial operations in seven states. This was a complex deal requiring a deep and broad team to handle a three-step merger, shareholder approvals, various regulatory approvals, and multi-state filings. The team was heavily involved in negotiating proper allocations of risk, transaction documents, and leading diligence, working hard in a compressed timeframe to get to signing. Other projects completed with Peoples included advising on a variety of corporate governance matters and regulatory matters.

Counseled Leading ULT Freezer Company through Merger

Client: Stirling Ultracold
Counseled Leading ULT Freezer Company through Merger

We counseled our client, Stirling Ultracold, an innovative developer and manufacturer of ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers for life science and biopharma research, through its merger with BioLife Solutions, Inc., a developer focused on bioproduction devices used in cell and gene therapies. The all-stock mergers was in excess of $230 million.

Stirling’s CEO saw the potential for increased demand for the company’s freezers during the COVID-19 pandemic as the freezers were a direct competitor to dry ice used in storing the COVID-19 vaccine. Merging with BioLife enabled Stirling to execute an aggressive strategic plan marketing and selling its freezers. Dinsmore served as the company’s general counsel since 2019, and our team of attorneys brought experience in mergers and acquisitions, labor, insurance, and life sciences, all of which was necessary to fully understand and address the company’s specialized needs. We counseled our client through the merger while simultaneously defusing challenges. Our team’s collective experience enabled Stirling’s executives to address the company’s short-term needs while also achieving its long-term goal.

“The entire team at Dinsmore was, by far, the best engagement I have had in the 15-plus strategic transactions I have done throughout my career,” said previous Stirling Ultracold CEO Dusty Tenney, now COO and president at BioLife. “Their responsiveness, engagement, availability and deal leadership were extraordinary from LOI to closing.”

Counseled Financial Services Holding Company through $290 Million Merger

Client: Peoples Bancorp Inc.

Our attorneys counseled Peoples Bancorp Inc., a diversified financial services holding company, in its acquisition of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The merger, valued at roughly $290 million, enabled Peoples to grow its reach and customer base in exiting market while expanding into such states as Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. Peoples regularly looks for ways to grow strategically through mergers and consolidation, and our attorneys counseled our client throughout the process, from due diligence, negotiations of the definitive agreement and preparation of the applications, registrations and filings to the SEC, Federal Reserve, and other state regulatory agencies. Because of the complexities of the public companies involved, and desire to announce the transaction in-line with earnings releases, our attorneys worked quickly and strategically, considering and planning for any possible challenges and scenarios that could arise during negotiations while simultaneously working to meet all local, stand, and federal standards. 

Asset Sale

Represented a software development company in the sale of business in order to settle litigation between hostile shareholders.

Client acquires multi-state mobile imaging company

We represented a client in its acquisition of a multi-state mobile radiology company and several years later represented the same client in its sale to a national company.

Representation of Pharmaceutical Companies

Representation of many pharmaceutical companies with licensing of products, acquisition and divestitures of assets.

Representation of Richwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Representation from inception of Richwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc., through sale to British based plc. Flagship product is Adderall, an attention deficit disorder drug.

Representative Transactions:

1. Acquisition of Rexar Pharmacal, N.Y based manufacturer of products, including Obetrol, which after additional research and configuration became the Adderall® line of products approved by the FDA.

2. Acquisition of Manufacturing Chemists, Inc, Indianapolis based manufacturer of women's health product line. Assets included plant and facilities, product lines, and intellectual property.

3. Negotiation and implementation of multiple rounds of venture capital financing in support of development and marketing operations in the growth and development of Adderall prior to sale to Shire Group plc.

4. Negotiation and sale of Richwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to British based plc. Flagship product was Adderall® for attention deficit disorder.
 

Representation of U.S. Subsidiary of British Based plc

Representation of U. S. subsidiary of British based plc in selected transactions as follows:

1. Acquisition of Atlantic Pharmaceutical Services of Columbia, Maryland via stock purchase transaction. Handled all aspects of transaction inclusive of due diligence, real estate, bond financing modifications, intellectual property issues and other matters related to fully effecting transaction.

2. Sale of over the counter product line, inclusive of products Colace and peri-Colace, to Purdue Pharma L.P. Negotiated asset transaction and all aspects related thereto for sale of product line inclusive of distribution and other arrangements.

3. Reorganization of investment in Qualia Computing, Inc., a medical equipment company in Dayton, Ohio that produced breast imaging machines. Reorganization effected via recapitalization of Qualia. Participated in all aspects of negotiation and documentation of the transaction.

Strategic Acquisition of a Pump Manufacturer with Operations in China and the U.S.

A global marketplace has increased opportunities for businesses to expand their offerings, and taking advantage of these opportunities can be the deciding factor in a company’s long-term success. Halma p.l.c (Halma), one of the world leaders in health and safety technologies, has consistently sought strategic acquisitions to strengthen their business, and they turned to Dinsmore to counsel them through their latest transaction. We represented Halma through the share purchase of Thinketron Precision Equipment Company Limited, which included its subsidiaries, the China-based Baoding Longer Precision Pump and the U.S.-based Langer Instruments Corporation. The company manufactures and markets peristaltic, syringe and gear pumps used in laboratory, medical and industrial settings. We served as primary deal counsel throughout the transaction, performing due diligence, drafting all related documentation and handling the closing. The transaction, which was valued at approximately $34 million, was heavily negotiated and featured challenges in complying with the myriad of Chinese regulations regarding share transfers and corporate governance. Additionally, we also managed a large team of local counsel, ensuring Halma’s objectives were met at each step of the process. Upon completion, the transaction was Halma’s first major acquisition in China, and significantly strengthened their offerings in health and safety technology.

Counseled Equity Firm through its First Acquisition

Client: Prather Capital Partners

Dinsmore represented Prather Capital Partners, a newly established private equity firm, through its first acquisition. Our counsel included deal structure assistance, preparation and negotiation of the asset purchase agreement and ancillary documents, as well as the preparation and negotiation of the equity capital raise and senior debt financing documents. The transaction will enable Prather Capital Partners to lay the groundwork for their bio-medical manufacturing platform which will meet the needs of a fast paced industry.

Guided Long-time Client Through Life Cycle of Company Sale

Client: TC Manufacturing Co., Inc. d/b/a Pak-Sher

We guided our long-time client Pak-Sher, a U.S. manufacturer of innovative carryout and kitchen prep plastic packaging, in its sale to Revolution, a leading plastics provider for closed loop plastic solutions. Our attorneys represented our client through all aspects of the sale process, which included counseling the company’s leadership on transitional elements, from personnel changes to shareholder matters. Shareholder matters included drafting a proxy statement in soliciting shareholder approval of the transaction and the ultimate liquidation and dissolution of the company. Post-close, we continued to provide assistance to our client on transaction-related items and the winding-up process, which included drafting a long term plan of complete liquidation and dissolution.

Counseled Client Through Principal Exit Plan and Sale of Company

Client: Construction company

When the owners of our construction company client were ready to retire and sell their business, we represented and advised the company through the sale process, beginning to end.

Counseled Client through Strategic Acquisition of School Transportation Company

Client: Privatized school transportation company

We counseled our client, a privatized school transportation company, during its acquisition of an Illinois-based student transportation service provider for special needs students and their families. This acquisition, a logical next step, extended our client’s market presence in Illinois and strengthened its commitment to developing and implementing best practices for transporting special education students. Our team of attorneys performed extensive diligence in preparation of closing, which touched on a multitude of different areas unique to the transaction, such as state and local taxes, and specific to our client’s industry, including regulatory requirements. We diligently worked together with seller’s counsel to achieve a desired result for our respective clients.

Asset Sale

Represented distressed holding company in $30,000,000 divestiture of basketball equipment manufacturing business.

Asset Sale

Represented distressed holding company in $15,000,000 divestiture of non-core services business.

Divesture of Business Units By Chapter 11 Debtor

Represented Chapter 11 debtor in the $25,000,000 sale of numerous non-core businesses in court-approved transaction.

Acquisition

Acquisition of factory assets and operations in the Peoples Republic of China by our client for an undisclosed amount. The client engages in the design, manufacture, marketing and services of semi-conductor processing equipment used in the fabrication of integrated circuits.

Acquisition

Our firm represented Graeter's in their purchase of fifteen retail stores from Superior Tasting Products, LLC, a former franchisee.

Acquisition

We represented the Purchaser in the acquisition of 100 percent of the shares of PP Medizintechnik GmbH, a German corporation, from Paragon Secondary Partners L.P. and Gerhard Glufke. The purchase price was €55 million ($74 million). Working with the assistance of German local counsel as necessary, we prepared and negotiated the Share Purchase Agreement and all related closing documents, and reviewed all due diligence in this transaction.

Acquisition and IP Clearance

Represented client in the acquisition of a foreign company with particular software expertise. Representation included analysis of IP clearance issues and IP protection strategies.

Acquisition by LCNB Corp. of Eaton National Bank and Trust

We served as deal counsel for LCNB Corp., the holding company of LCNB National Bank, through a stock and cash transaction that enabled it to acquire First Capital Bancshares, Inc., Chillicothe, Ohio, and its subsidiary, Citizens National Bank. We counseled the client through all aspects of the transaction, from pre-transaction planning and due diligence to negotiating deal terms to drafting documents, including advising the client on applicable state and federal application and compliance procedures. The transaction, which is valued at approximately $19 million, enables LCNB to expand its market reach, as Citizens National Bank operated six full-service branches in Ross and Fayette Counties, Ohio.

Acquisition of Global Space & Defense Manufacturer

Ohio counsel to Northrop Grumman in its acquisition of TRW, a global manufacturer headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, in a transaction valued at approximately $7.8 billion, plus the assumption of TRW's net debt at the time of closing.  The combination positioned Northrop Grumman as the nation's second largest defense contractor and helped them join the ranks of the Fortune 100.

Acquisition of Medical Group

Halma p.l.c., an international group of technology companies based just outside of London, England, has taken advantage of strategic opportunities to become a world leader in health and safety technologies. For over 25 years, Halma has turned to Dinsmore for counsel on a multitude of acquisitions. When the opportunity recently arose to acquire SunTech Medical Group, a supplier of clinical grade, non-invasive blood pressure monitoring products and technologies, Halma enlisted Dinsmore’s help once again.

Our team was instrumental in assisting Halma through this challenging $46 million acquisition. The involvement of England-based shareholders selling SunTech enabled us to work on a parallel track alongside Halma’s London counsel. While London counsel negotiated key provisions of the share purchase agreement, we handled all of the due diligence for SunTech’s U.S.-based operating company and its two Chinese subsidiaries. We drafted the key transactional agreements and relevant corporate documents for the three operating companies. We continuously obtained and reviewed updated disclosure documents and responded to new information and client inquiries. Our team negotiated and drafted documents which met Halma’s needs and which reflected the different corporate cultures and approaches of the operating companies and shareholders. Constant communication with local counsel and business officials in London, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, coupled with a thorough understanding of Halma’s procedures, ensured we achieved Halma’s goals.

The successful closing of this transaction enabled Halma to strengthen its Health and Analysis Sector, which already includes Riester, a medical equipment company that supplies blood pressure and vital signs monitors. With Dinsmore’s assistance, Halma continues to take advantage of opportunities to remain an industry leader in health and safety technology.

Acquisition of Ophthalmic Surgical Product Company

Halma p.l.c., an international group of safety, health, and environmental technology companies based just outside of London, England, continues to pursue strategic growth opportunities, strengthening its position as a world leader in health and safety technologies. For over 25 years, Halma has turned to Dinsmore for counsel on a multitude of acquisitions. When the opportunity recently arose to acquire Microsurgical Technology, a Washington-based company that designs, manufactures and markets ophthalmic surgical products, Halma enlisted Dinsmore’s help once again.

Our team was instrumental in structuring this stock purchase for $57 million in initial consideration with additional payments of up to $43 million, contingent upon future earnings. Because of the size of the transaction, we worked to get Federal Trade Commission approval through filing pre-merger notification in accordance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. During the statutory waiting period, our team of attorneys negotiated and drafted the key transactional agreements and relevant corporate documents while managing comprehensive legal due diligence. Our due diligence efforts, which included extensive intellectual property, benefits, and employment reviews, provided a high level of security over the sellers’ warranties. Our collaborative approach toward negotiating the transactional agreements protected Halma’s interests while helping to maintain goodwill between Halma and the sellers, many of whom will continue to operate the business in Redmond, Washington. Our thorough understanding of Halma’s procedures and goals ensured we achieved the best outcome for our client.

The successful closing of this transaction enabled Halma to further strengthen its Health and Analysis Sector, which includes other market-leading ophthalmic device businesses: Accutome, Keeler, Medicel, Reister and Volk. With Dinsmore’s assistance, Halma continues to take advantage of opportunities to remain an industry leader in health and safety technology

Acquisition of Silicon Growing and Fabrication Assets

Assisted Lam Research Corporation in its acquisition of the silicon growing and fabrication assets of Bullen Ultrasonics.  Bullen, headquartered in Eaton, Ohio, was a privately held supplier of precision machined components to the semiconductor, aerospace, automotive and other industries.  Lam acquired all assets related to Bullen's silicon growing and fabrication business utilized in supplying chamber-critical components for Lam tools.  Following the closing, the silicon growing and fabrication related business became Bullen Semiconductor, a division of Lam.  The cash transaction was valued at approximately $175 million.

Ambulatory surgery center sale to hospital

We represented an ambulatory surgery center in its sale to a hospital.

Asset Purchase

Represented Tier 2 automotive parts manufacturer in $23,000,000 purchase of automotive plastic plating business.

Asset Purchase

Structured and negotiated employee purchase of the assets of a printing facility from its publicly traded owner.