Service Areas
- Business
- Corporate, Securities + Commercial Transactions
- Mergers + Acquisitions
- Real Estate
- Beverages - Alcoholic
- Individuals + Families
- Real Estate
Education
- Indiana University School of Law-Bloomington, J.D.
- Indiana University School of Business-Bloomington, M.B.A
- Alma College, B.A.
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
With numerous multi-million dollar deals to his credit, Jeffrey G. York focuses his practice on corporate, finance, construction, entrepreneurial, manufacturing, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, real estate and succession planning. He represents corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships in the acquisition or sale of a wide range of businesses, including automotive component manufacturers, tool-and-die businesses, food and equipment manufacturers, automobile dealerships, telecommunications divisions, construction companies, golf courses, and retail businesses.
Jeff also has worked with numerous businesses in Michigan and elsewhere on organizational structure and operational matters. He counsels business owners and executives on the use of limited liability companies, profit and non-profit corporations, limited liability partnerships and limited partnerships to achieve their succession, diversification, growth or reorganization objectives, including business transition, ownership/management conflicts, shareholder, member or partner buy-outs. Jeff also counsels businesses on contractual matters, including non-competition and confidentiality agreements, supplier and customer agreements, as well as issues relating to personal property sales, leases and security interests.
"I use my business experience and apply it to my clients' legal issues. It is not enough to simply be a ‘lawyer.’ The ever-changing business climate requires an understanding of my clients' strengths and weaknesses so that I am in a position to help them make the best possible decisions based upon a thorough cost/benefit analysis."
Jeffrey G. York
In addition to his work in transactional matters, Jeffrey serves as the outside general counsel for a number of construction-related companies, including general contractors, home builders, concrete and electrical contractors, and road construction companies. He advises these clients on a wide variety of operational and dispute-related matters, including contractual issues and business succession issues. Jeff also advises business start-ups on entity formation and private equity financing matters.
Experience
Jeffrey represented a start-up telecommunications company from its inception and served as its general counsel through its sale to a publicly traded company for more than $500 million. As general counsel, he was instrumental in drafting contracts which were at the cutting edge of the telecommunications boom. Jeffrey’s input on all legal matters was instrumental in strategic planning and decision-making throughout his term of service. When the company was sold, the transaction was structured so that the original owners were able to retain assets of great value. These assets were then used to form another company, providing the owners with greatly enhanced returns on their initial investment.
"I assisted my client with its legal matters from cradle to grave in a manner which enabled it to maximize shareholder value."
Representative Matters
- Automotive Parts Manufacturer Sale of Company
$100 + million sale of a niche automotive parts manufacturer with plants throughout the world to a private equity fund.
- Construction Company Sale
$10 million sale of a construction company.
- Credit Union Merger
Merger of a credit union into its largest competitor.
- Exchange Company Merger
$26 million merger of a local exchange company.
- Food Manufacturer Sale of Company
$10 million sale of a family-run food manufacturer.
- Furniture Manufacturer Acquisition
Acquisition of a privately-held furniture manufacturer.
- Heating and Cooling Company Sale
Sale of various mechanical and heating and cooling companies to a publicly traded "roll-up" firm.
- Long Distance Carrier $150 Million Transaction
$150 million asset sale of a long distance carrier to a publicly traded company.
- Office Equipment Sale of Company
$35 million sale of an office equipment vendor to a publicly traded company.
- Privately Held Company Acquisition of Mexican Tourism Business
Acquisition of a Mexican tourism business by a privately-held company.
- Publicly Held Company Acquisition of Manufacturing Facility
Purchase of a cast aluminum manufacturing facility and business operation from a publicly held-company.
- Retail Store Asset Sale
$10 million asset sale of a family owned chain of retail stores.
- Telecommunications Company Stock Sale
$580 million stock sale of a telecommunications business to a publicly traded company.
- Tool and Die Company Sale
Sale of a tool and die business to a privately held investment group.
Professional Activities
- American Bar Association
- State Bar of Michigan
- Grand Rapids Bar Association
- Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Celebration Committee
Honors + Awards
- Best Lawyers in America, Corporate Law 2011-present
- Indiana University School of Law-Bloomington, Order of the Coif; Indiana Law Journal, Associate and Managing Editor
Civic, Cultural + Social Activities
- Kenowa Hills High School, Basketball Coach
- FORMER ACTIVITIES
- City of Walker Building Authority
- Alma College, Fundraising Campaign, Grand Rapids Region Leadership Team; Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Board of Advisors
- Grand Valley State University, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Board of Advisors
- Kenowa Hills Citizens for the Schools of Tomorrow, Co-Chairperson
- Kenowa Hills Education Foundation, Board of Directors and President
- Pilgrim Manor Foundation, Board of Trustees and President
- Pilgrim Manor, Inc., Trustee and Board President
- Samaritan Center of West Michigan, Board of Directors
- Trinity Congregational Church, Moderator, Endowment Fund Committee; Secretary, Church Council
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