Business, Finance & Transactions

We regularly advise public and private companies, not-for-profit organizations, senior executives, boards of directors and board committees concerning the requirements and restrictions imposed on their actions by securities and corporate governance laws. Burns & Levinson’s approach considers the industry-specific issues and business implications unique to each party, enabling our team to provide balanced advice and custom-built strategies. Our best practices position clients to proactively manage risk, capitalize on opportunities, and maintain constructive shareholder relationships.

We regularly represent clients, either as buyers or sellers, in mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, divestitures, liquidations, and reorganization transactions. Our attorneys participate in all aspects of these transactions including structuring, financing, regulatory compliance and implementation. We also advise clients on issues arising in mergers and acquisitions involving securities laws, tender offers, hostile takeovers, Section 13(d) reports, and securities law compliance generally.

Our corporate attorneys counsel clients, including issuers, investors, and underwriters in all aspects of both public and private equity and debt financing. We are experienced in federal and state securities laws. Burns & Levinson regularly counsels clients on private placements, initial and secondary public offerings under the 1933 Securities Act, exchange listings (including dual listings and American Depository Receipts), 1934 Act proxy and reporting requirements, and investment company and investment advisor matters under the 1940 Acts. We also represent broker/dealers in registering with the National Association of Security Dealers and the states, addressing broker/dealer employment issues, customer arbitrations and other matters.

Our corporate attorneys advise clients in complex financing transactions around the globe. We have a deep understanding of the private equity process, and offer clients innovative and sensible strategies for negotiating and structuring investments. We believe that a close understanding of the economic and business realities of each deal is critical to efficient deal management and effective representation.

Our attorneys have extensive experience representing both private equity firms and portfolio companies in a variety of industries such as technology, life sciences, medical devices, software, sports, energy, cleantech, Internet, media and entertainment, telecom, and healthcare. Our relationships and connections in these industries prove to be invaluable as they allow us to learn and acquire the specific nuances of transactions particular to that field. We are also highly skilled and efficient at handling cross-border transactions, and have a strong presence regionally, nationally, and internationally in countries such as Canada, China, Europe, and Israel.

Our corporate and securities attorneys represent regional, national, international venture capital funds, high net worth individuals and Angel groups in their investments in a variety of industries. We provide advice in structuring and organizing funds, due diligence assistance, and formulation of appropriate terms and conditions of investments.

As counsel to numerous startup and emerging growth companies, we provide business and legal advice to companies from start to finish — from initial structuring and formation, financing, structuring strategic relationships, and protecting intellectual property, to formulating and achieving a successful exit strategy. In addition, as a result of our reputation in the venture capital community, clients are able to avail themselves of our vast network of financing sources. Our startup and emerging growth clients appreciate the “value-added” and “client-centered” approach provided by partner level attention, which is critical to the success of the venture. As your company grows, we work as a member of your team to provide optimal results quickly and cost effectively.

Burns & Levinson provides corporate clients with experience in virtually all types of financing transactions. These include secured and unsecured lines of credit, mezzanine and subordinate loans, and tax exempt financing. Since we have experience in representing lenders as well as borrowers, our attorneys have developed a unique understanding of the business perspectives of loan transactions. This enables us to devote negotiations to the issues of significance, enhancing efficiency and reducing expenses.

We utilize our interdisciplinary areas of practice such as bankruptcy, tax, business litigation, employment law, ERISA, intellectual property, technology, environmental, real estate and estate planning to provide value-added service and support to our clients.