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Partner — Grand Rapids

616/336-6569

[email protected]


Education

DePaul University College of Law
Chicago, IL
J.D., cum laude, 2008

Hofstra University School of Law
Hempstead, New York
First Year J.D. Curriculum, 2006

Hope College
Holland, MI
B.A., cum laude, Double Major in Economics and Political Science, 2005

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Corporate Attorney

Eric is a business and corporate attorney who advises startups, private and family-owned businesses, and multinational companies in the automotive, manufacturing, technology, food and agriculture, venture capital and professional service industries. He works with clients through the lifespan of their business, from the formation or acquisition stage through the ultimate sale or other exit — and all the legal issues that arise in between. His practice is focused on mergers and acquisitions, international trade, and a wide variety of general business matters, including commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, strategic and operational issues, succession planning and general corporate governance.

Additionally, Eric has substantial experience in a variety of real estate transactions, including the purchase, sale and lease of commercial, residential and industrial property.

Experience

Represented Fabco Holdings, Inc. in sale of product portfolio and related technologies to Meritor. Negotiated transaction documents and advised on employee benefit, union, intellectual property and financing-related matters.

Represented a marketing company with deep traditional media buying expertise in its sale to a marketing solutions company focused on digital media, resulting in the Midwest’s largest independent media planning and buying platform.

Represented a company engaged in the development, manufacture, testing and filling of pharmaceutical products, in its sale to a pharmaceutical-focused private equity group.

Multiple transactions involving the sale and purchase of regional newspaper publishers and related media businesses (totaling over $50 million).

Sale of family-owned plastics manufacturing company to strategic buyer (over $50 million).

Sale of contract pharmaceutical manufacturer to private equity fund, including management rollover (over $50 million).

Purchase of equity in manufacturer of military power systems ( over $10 million).

Merger of software development company with a large Silicon Valley-based enterprise (over $10 million).

Merger of multi-branch community bank with large regional bank ($180 million).

Drafting and negotiating a variety of business contracts, including purchase agreements, operating agreements, supply and distribution agreements, co-packing and private label agreements, employment and consulting agreements, and other corporate governance documents.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® , Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions, 2023, 2025

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Corporate Law, since 2020

West Coast Chamber of Commerce: West Coast Leadership, Class of 2018

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association: Business Law Section; Real Property Section

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan: Business Law Section; Real Property Law Section; International Law Section


Community Involvement

Camp Blodgett, Board of Directors and Executive Committee

Junior Achievement, volunteer

The People Center, Board member, 2013 – 2021

World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, Board of Directors

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