Overview
Gunster’s goal is to deliver the practical legal solutions required for commercial success and longevity. Gunster’s Corporate attorneys consistently strive to provide business oriented legal counsel. Our lawyers are dedicated to designing innovative solutions to often complex scenarios involving a variety of constituencies. Our team represents clients in transactions throughout Florida, the U.S. and internationally. The firm is called upon to serve as both general corporate counsel and special transactions counsel for emerging companies, family and closely held businesses, middle-market and public companies, as well as international businesses and entrepreneurs.
Gunster’s philosophy is one of working in partnership with clients on all aspects of their business dealings. Our experience includes:
- Business organization and structuring
- Tax planning
- Corporate finance
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Securities and corporate governance
- Executive compensation and contracts, including employment, severance and change of control agreements, as well as equity compensation plans
- International business planning and transactions
- Bankruptcy and corporate restructuring
- Serving as Florida counsel for national and international law firms in connection with mergers & acquisitions and other complex business transactions
Gunster strives to remain involved in and serve as trusted legal advisor to all facets of Florida industry. Florida’s economy is diverse and as a result, the firm seeks to continuously cultivate experience in specialized and highly regulated industries such as health care, banking and financial services, technology, energy and leisure and resorts, among others. Our clients range from entrepreneurs seeking initial seed investment financing to seasoned corporations building their market position through strategic domestic and international acquisitions.
When structuring, negotiating and documenting business transactions, Gunster attorneys pursue solutions that are client-focused and results-driven. Our team is committed to seeing the bigger picture and to navigating beyond the particular challenges of a proposed deal. Our attorneys strive to adapt to clients who have diverse needs and budgets, and seek to accommodate simple transactions, as well as those that require sophisticated and multidimensional legal prowess.
Our lawyers are involved in stock and asset acquisitions, joint ventures, mergers, divestitures, spinoffs, recapitalizations and debt and equity financings for public and private companies. Our legal counsel ranges from advising small businesses in early round financings, to working with major corporations on their national and cross-border transactions. The firm is dedicated to negotiating and closing agreements involving private equity investments, private placements and other exempt securities offerings, as well as initial and secondary public offerings. Gunster attorneys participate in negotiating and structuring senior, mezzanine and subordinated debt financings.
Gunster advises operating businesses regarding a wide array of corporate and commercial legal matters. Our capabilities include incorporation and formation of subordinate or affiliated business entities; corporate governance, executive compensation and employee benefits; and the structure and terms of contracts for the sale and distribution of products and services in Florida and abroad. Our team has negotiated and closed distribution and agency agreements, technology licenses, manufacturing and supply contracts, to name just a few. The firm advises clients on matters pertaining to the Uniform Commercial Code, trade regulations compliance and international sales conventions. Our lawyers also counsel clients on issues pertaining to owner succession and exit scenarios, proxy contests, takeover bids and fiduciary challenges.
As our clients’ businesses grow, they often seek opportunities to acquire companies or divisions that will support or enhance their existing commercial endeavors. Gunster seeks to perpetually develop a variety of strategic alliances, including domestic and international joint ventures, to assist clients in achieving their objectives. Our attorneys advise on the selection and negotiation of an appropriate ownership and control structure — which can frequently determine the future success of a venture and the relationship of the deal participants going forward.
Gunster’s attorneys are determined to employ a collaborative, multidisciplinary team methodology. Whenever needed, the firm’s Corporate attorneys involve members of Gunster’s other practice areas, including Tax, Labor and Employment, Environmental and Land Use, Real Estate, Private Wealth Services and Business Litigation. By fostering integrated, client-focused advice in tandem with a commitment to cost-effective business strategies, our attorneys continually seek to leverage resources and minimize risk for our clients.
