Andrew Schmerzler, a business lawyer with over 20 years of experience, is a partner in Venable's real estate group. His real estate practice primarily focuses on the acquisition, disposition, financing and leasing of shopping centers, office buildings, movie theatres, multi-family residential developments, amusement parks, restaurants and industrial locations for institutional and individual clients.
Mr. Schmerzler also has extensive experience in counseling private and public companies in diverse industries, with a particular emphasis on the entertainment industry. He has significant experience in mergers and acquisitions, complex joint ventures, partnerships and strategic alliances; equity and debt financing transactions, including both public offerings and private placements; intellectual property acquisitions, licensing and financing; and employment, consulting and stock option agreements.
Significant Matters
Represented an investment bank with the initial closing, servicing and/or "work out" of numerous debt and equity financings of residential and golf course developments in southern California and Nevada.
Represented motion picture theatre exhibitors in the acquisition, development and disposition of movie theatres and movie theatre chains.
Represented investment funds in the acquisition, operation, financing and disposition of technology and consumer product portfolio companies.
Represented a movie studio in the sale of its theme park in Germany. Represented a movie studio in matters related to the sale of one of its auxiliary studio locations, including the negotiation and documentation of certain "take back" financing.
Represented motion picture theatre owners and specialty retailers in the negotiation and documentation of numerous management agreements and leases for space at a variety of locations.
Represented a number of companies as "outside" general counsel, including one of the largest motion picture advertising and marketing companies in Los Angeles.
Activities
Mr. Schmerzler previously served on the Board of Directors of The Wonder of Reading, a nonprofit organization committed to advancing children's literacy in Los Angeles public elementary schools. Currently, Mr. Schmerzler serves on the Board of Trustees of Echo Horizon School, an independent elementary school located in Culver City, California.
Memberships
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Beverly Hills Bar Association
News
March 29, 2012, Law360 features new LA based real estate team
March 26, 2012, Venable LLP Lands Prominent Real Estate Partners