Harvey Koning

Mergers and Acquisitions, International Business and Finance Attorney

Harvey is a member of the Business and Corporate Services Practice Team and also the Banking, Finance and Restructuring Team. Harvey represents businesses and shareholders in mergers, acquisitions and capital raising. Harvey’s practice also includes corporate governance, family businesses, securities regulation and executive compensation. He works closely with the Ally Law network of law firms throughout the world to assist clients with international legal needs. Harvey has extensive experience concerning government regulation and other matters specific to banks and other financial institutions.

Harvey advises buyers and sellers in merger and acquisition transactions with values ranging from a few million dollars to over $100 million. Representative clients include manufacturers, financial institutions and technology companies. Harvey assists clients with nondisclosure agreements, term sheets, letters of intent, purchase agreements, transaction structure, due diligence, indemnity mechanisms, escrows, representation and warranty insurance, and overall management of the transaction process.

Harvey works with community banks and credit unions in the areas of mergers, capital raising, federal and state regulation, contract review, corporate governance and other matters. Harvey has represented over a dozen banks in merger transactions. He often interacts with regulators at the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, the FDIC and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Harvey’s international work includes representing investors from China and other countries in the acquisition of U.S. businesses. He works closely with the Ally Law network of law firms throughout the world to assist clients with international legal needs.

Harvey represents both companies and executives in connection with employment agreements, non-compete agreements, equity incentives, restricted stock and golden parachute agreements.

As a result of his experience and reputation, Harvey has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America^® since 2009, Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Banking and Financial Service Law (2019) and is Martindale-Hubbell^® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated.

Experience

Represented a publicly-traded bank holding company in its merger with a similar sized publicly-traded bank holding company, resulting in the third-largest bank holding company in the state.

Counsel to 10 banks in merger transactions in the past 15 years, including representing Bank of Holland, Firstbank, Byron Bank, Clarkston State Bank, Ann Arbor State Bank and others.

Counsel to buyers or sellers in over 50 merger and acquisition transactions involving manufacturers, financial institutions, media companies and other types of businesses.

Represented an international materials company in six acquisitions of ready-mix plants and aggregate mining operations.

U.S. counsel to international company that acquired a large automotive manufacturing plant.

Counsel to a fintech company in connection with capital raising, contracts and the eventual sale of the company.

Counsel to a multistate international manufacturer of components for the appliance industry, including the sale to a private equity fund.

Represented the Grand Auto Family of four new car dealerships for many years including the sale to a Michigan dealer group.

Counsel to a contract research organization that provides clinical project management, statistical consulting and data management services to the pharmaceutical industry.

Counseled family businesses to resolve family business disputes.

Represented senior executives on employment agreements, non-competition covenants and golden parachute provisions.

Counsel to credit unions and a credit union service organization.

Regularly advises Michigan banks about regulation of financial institutions including interacting with state and federal regulators.

Contract review including software and data processing contracts.

International Experience

Varnum representative to Ally Law, an international referral network of 70⁺ law firms throughout the world. Assists clients with obtaining capable counsel in countries around the world.

Personally acquainted with business lawyers in over 20 countries.

Represented an international investor as U.S. counsel for the acquisition of a large manufacturing plant in the Midwest.

Represented an international investor as U.S. counsel for the acquisition of four automotive parts manufacturing plants.

Coordinated with special counsel to obtain transaction clearances from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

Assists clients with legal needs in China, Mexico, Canada, Germany and other countries.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® since 2009

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Banking and Finance Law, 2022, 2025

Grand Rapids Magazine, Top Lawyers, Banking and Financial Service Law, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024; Securities Law, 2024

Martindale-Hubbell^® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Professional Affiliations

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Community Involvement

Bethany Christian Services, Board of Directors, 2006 – 2013

Guiding Light Mission, Board of Directors, 2017 – 2013