David Watson

Overview Focus Areas Experience Publications Presentations Distinctions Professional and Civic Credentials Videos / Podcasts Recent Insights Email PDFDavid is a partner in the Corporate Transactions & Securities practice group. He focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, including distressed M&A transactions; private equity fund matters; business counseling; family business issues and succession planning. David has substantial experience in transactional and general corporate law, including the acquisition and disposition of businesses, both in the ordinary course of events and bankruptcy; the organization, operation and disposition of partnerships, limited liability companies and joint ventures; succession planning and the resolution of private shareholder disputes; and counseling clients across a wide range of industries on a variety of day-to-day business matters. Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® for 5 years or longer. Focus Areas Corporate Transactions & Securities>Private Equity>Venture Capital>Private Companies>Mergers & Acquisitions>Experience Plus icon Represented buyers and sellers in hundreds of asset sales, stock sales and mergers, ranging from under $1 million to more than $1.5 billion. Represented buyers and sellers in dozens of §363 and Article 9 transactions, ranging from $2 million to over $1 billion, in industries including automotive, building products, consumer products, franchise restaurants, health care, non­ferrous metals, plastics and steel. Represented the State of Ohio in the $1.5 billion franchise and transfer of the Enterprise Acquisition Project to Jobs Ohio. Served as outside general counsel to family-owned businesses with sales ranging from under $10 million to more than $200 million. Served as outside general counsel to a Fortune 500 company. Represented clients in the formation and operation of joint ventures ranging from $5 million to over $1 billion. Represented private equity funds in acquisitions, dispositions and fund formations. Represented families and individuals in business succession planning and wealth planning. Represented individuals and groups in disputes regarding ownership and management of privately-held businesses. Advised entrepreneurs in the formation, growth and disposition of their businesses. Represented executives and inventors in their dealings with their employers. Advised boards of directors, special committees and financial advisers in connection with equity and debt transactions. Publications Plus icon Paycheck Protection Program Loans and Certifying Necessity: New Guidelines Highlight Potential Civil and Criminal Exposure Related to Obtaining PPP Loans, Thompson Hine COVID-19 Update, May 2020 Presentations Plus icon Presenter, Distressed M&A Fireside Chat, Thompson Hine Webinar Series, February 2021 Talent Acquisition and Motivation Strategies for Private Equity Firms, May 2014 Distinctions Plus icon Selected for inclusion in Chambers USA: Americas Leading Lawyers for Business, Corporate/M&A, Ohio, 2024 AV® Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2019 to 2025 for Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law Professional and Civic Plus icon Professional Associations Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association Credentials Plus icon Education Georgetown University Law Center, J. D., 1993Harvard University, B. A., 1986, cum laude Bar Admissions Ohio Videos / Podcasts Plus icon Some cookies are disabled, which might prevent video/podcast playback. Please allow Targeting Cookies in the Cookie Settings, then refresh the page to continue.02.17.21 - Distressed M&A Fireside Chat Webinar Series Recent Insights Plus icon Select a filter Chevron down icon Publications & News Events PPP Loan and Certifying Necessity: New Guidelines Highlight Potential Civil and Criminal Exposure Related to Obtaining PPP Loans, COVID-19 Update, May 2, 2020