John advises franchise and distribution systems on all types of issues including system structure, disclosure requirements, regulatory compliance and franchisor/franchisee and manufacturers/ distributor relationships. He also structures, negotiates and manages corporate transactions including mergers, acquisitions and dispositions for both public and private companies in various manufacturing and services industries. John is a licensed CPA and was a tax manager for Arthur Andersen and a member of the in-house legal team at Aquila, Inc., before joining Husch Blackwell. His financial, accounting and corporate law background help John provide practical advice to clients.
Awards & Recognitions
· Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2008
Professional Associations & Memberships
· American Association of Attorneys - Certified Public Accountants
· American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising
· Kansas Bar Association
· The Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
· The Missouri Bar
· Missouri Society of CPAs
Civic Involvement
· Archbishop O'Hara High School Mentor Program
· Habitat for Humanity Kansas City, Volunteer
· Kansas City Men's Senior Baseball League
· Leawood Parks & Recreation, Little League Baseball Coach
· Muscular Dystrophy Association, Volunteer
· Newhouse, Vice Chair Board of Directors
· St. Paul's Episcopal Church
· YouthFriends, Coordinator and Volunteer
Experience
· Represented large employee-owned engineering and consulting firm in multi-tier acquisition strategy across different business lines
· Represented publicly held manufacturing company in a series of acquisitions and joint ventures of more than $200 million
· Represented publicly held franchise company in acquisitions of various franchise territories in excess of $280 million
· Counseled over 20 different restaurant concepts in various stages of developing and maintaining franchise concepts
· Restructured franchise concepts and negotiated changes to relationships with franchisees, investors and consultants
· Counseled various manufacturers and dealers/distributors on termination, non-renewal and other relationships issues involving the distribution chain
· Represented private-equity backed start-up companies in multi-phased acquisition of insurance agencies and brokers
· Managed and negotiated over $1 billion in acquisitions and related financings in the energy industry as a member of Aquila's in-house legal team
News & Publications
News
3.23.12, Husch Blackwell Represents Algonquin Power Co. in $888 Million Acquisition
3.9.12, AmLaw Daily: Husch Blackwell Leads Algonquin Power in $888 Million Wind Energy Deal
Publications
6.1.11, Legal Considerations for Franchising Your Business, Thinking Bigger Business
5.1.11, Basic Legal Framework for Franchising
5.1.11, FDA Publishes Proposed Regulations on Menu Labeling Requirements, The Franchise Lawyer
11.18.10, New Menu Labeling Requirements
Events
5.17.12, Road Map for a Successful Franchise System
Kansas City, MO
Seminar
11.30.11, Webinar Series: Can Franchising Your Business Create the Success of Your Dreams? Requirements of Franchising - The Game Plan
Webinar
5.26.11, Can Franchising Your Business Create the Success Of Your Dreams?
Kansas City, MO
Seminar
8.25.10, Franchise & Distribution Seminar
Denver, CO
Seminar
5.19.10, Franchise & Distribution Seminar
Overland Park, KS
Seminar
9.22.09, Franchise & Distribution Seminar
Denver, CO
Seminar
5.7.09, Franchise & Distribution Seminar
Kansas City, MO
Seminar
5.6.08, Franchise & Distribution Seminar
Kansas City, MO
Seminar