Corporate & Business Transactions

Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP’s corporate and business transaction attorneys regularly advise private and public companies, investment funds and their executives, managers, boards and various stakeholders on a wide range of corporate and business matters, including structural and operational issues; complex limited liability company, partnership and shareholder agreements; joint ventures and strategic alliances; corporate governance and fiduciary responsibilities; regulatory compliance; executive compensation; employment and consulting agreements; equity compensation plans; stockholder relations; manufacturing, distribution, technology and licensing agreements; start-up structuring and financing through all stages of development; and many other commercial and business contracts.

For many clients we also serve as strategic advisors and outside general counsel, advising on day-to-day issues affecting their vendors, customers, regulators, directors, officers, equity holders, employees and contractors.

Publications

Speaking Engagements


Our Business & Finance attorneys' recent and notable corporate & business transaction engagements include:

  • Negotiated high level, key executive employment contracts for employees in connection with their employment by public institutions and major public companies, paying attention to such issues as incentive compensation, options, deferred compensation, fringe benefits, and restraints on post-employment behavior.

  • Strategically managed the prosecution of enforcement of restrictive covenants against employees who terminated employment with their employer and then violated their employment agreements by diverting customers and business.

  • General counsel to manufacturing company with hundreds of employees that was supplier to big box retailers.

  • Guided chief executive officer in negotiation of advantageous employment agreement with public consumer products company.  Advised company on tax and restructuring issues in face of financial difficulties.

  • Obtained an IRS private ruling allowing a tax-free non-pro rata split off of two family owned businesses due to personality differences between third generation siblings.  Following split off, retained over long term for general corporate and tax representation by one company and numerous family members.

  • Participated in development and formation of large chain of consumer retail service outlets.  Continuing general corporate representation and assisted in obtaining operational financing.  Represented company in strategic sales of outlets.

  • Represented national retail chain through growth to over 60 company-owned stores and over 40 franchised stores in general corporate matters, real estate leasing and property acquisition, franchisee relations, debt financing transactions and ultimate advantageous sale of all stock of the company to strategic buyer while retaining the real estate on long term advantageous leases to Buyer.  Retained by Buyer for other legal work following closing of the transaction.

  • Represented of proprietary trading firm since formation, including initial capital raise and follow on investments, development and implementation of employee equity incentive plan and general corporate issue.

  • Representation of start up transportation company that has grown to one of the largest providers of livery services in the Chicago area in initial formation, equity offering, and follow on financing.

  • Represent family offices in structuring investments for their clients.

  • Represented family offices in structuring and implementing employment and equity participation arrangements for investment advisors.

  • Advised food industry start up business in formation of the company and expansion to multiple locations in Chicago.