Principal representative of a major investment bank and Fortune 20 company in an industry-wide group that obtained precedent-setting relief from the SEC that effectively permitted settlement of significant litigation with the SEC and state attorneys general affecting more than $60 billion in securities, Auction Rate Securities -- Global Exemptive Relief.

When Kenny McNutt, Brady Duncan and Jeff Hunt had a dream to open their own craft brewery, they sought legal guidance from Dinsmore. By the time Cincinnati’s MadTree Brewing opened in 2013, our attorneys had already played a significant role in its development – from helping to raise the original capital to structuring and executing loan financing. 

“Dinsmore gives peace of mind and guides us through murky waters,” said McNutt. “They’re reputable, and I always know I get the best answer for the information available at the time.”

Today, Dinsmore serves as MadTree’s outside general counsel, advising on contracts, real estate, trademark, employment matters, securities and other legal needs as they arise.

“They have every facet we need, and they’re super easy to work with,” added McNutt.  “I recommend them whenever anyone asks. They’re trustworthy, really, really good and well worth the peace of mind.”

MadTree was the first modern craft brewery to can its beer in Ohio, and, within four short years, the brewery had grown so significantly they opened an $18 million facility to accommodate larger crowds and increased demand for production. Dinsmore attorneys were with them every step of the way.

We supported a closely-held business with a STEM-oriented bundled software and kit product offering in the sale of all its equity to a private-equity backed buyer. Having worked both with and across from private equity portfolio companies across the country, we were able to bring significant knowledge to bear in terms of process, pain points and “what’s market.”  This helped keep the client grounded and protected from overreach. Closing represented a successful and well-deserved exit for our client’s principals.

In a major technology deal, Dinsmore counseled Lexmark International, Inc., a Lexington, KY manufacturer of laser printers and provider of enterprise software services, in the acquisition of Kofax Limited, a software provider incorporated in Bermuda and headquartered in Irvine, CA. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Lexmark paid $11.00 per share in cash to acquire all issued and outstanding common shares of Kofax for a total enterprise value of approximately $1 billion.

“This was a very competitive public bid process,” said Susan Zaunbrecher, Chair of the Corporate Department. “The relationship we’ve built with Lexmark was crucial to how smoothly this acquisition transpired.”

Dinsmore has served as deal counsel to Lexmark in more than 10 transactions, including the acquisition of Perceptive Software, Inc., Lexmark’s first acquisition in the enterprise software industry, and the divestiture of Lexmark’s inkjet business.