David D. Watson

Overview

David is Co-Chair of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice. He has substantial experience in transactional and general corporate law, including acquisition and disposition of businesses, both in the ordinary course and in bankruptcy; organization, operation and disposition of partnerships, limited liability companies and joint ventures; succession planning and resolution of private shareholder disputes; and counseling clients on day-to-day business matters. David combines legal experience with business judgment to provide superior results for the firm’s clients.

Industry Experience

David has represented clients in a wide range of industries, including: 

David has:

• Represented buyers and sellers in over 100 asset sales, stock sales and mergers, ranging from under $1 million to over $1.6 billion, in a wide range of industries.
• Represented buyers and sellers in over 30 §363 and Article 9 transactions, ranging from $2 million to over $1 billion, in industries including automotive, building products, consumer products, franchise restaurants, healthcare, non-ferrous metals, plastics, and steel.
• Represented the State of Ohio in the $1.5 billion franchise and transfer of the Enterprise Acquisition Project to JobsOhio.
• Served as outside general counsel to numerous family-owned businesses with sales ranging from under $10 million to over $100 million.
• Served as outside general counsel to a Fortune 500 company.
• Represented clients in the formation and operation of joint ventures ranging in size from under $5 million to over $1 billion.
• Represented private equity funds in acquisitions, dispositions and fund formations.
• Represent families and individuals in planning and coordinating their personal business succession planning and wealth planning.
• Represent individuals and groups in disputes regarding ownership and management of privately-held businesses.
• Represent entrepreneurs in the formation, growth and disposition of start-up businesses.
• Represent executives, entrepreneurs and inventors in their dealing with their employers.

• Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

• Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating

• Director, YMCA of Greater Cleveland