Experience
Represented a Nonprofit in its Acquisition of Multiple Properties
We represented American Eagle LifeCare Corporation, a nonprofit corporation that previously owned and operated several senior living facilities, in connection with the acquisition of 17 facilities in eight states. The acquisition was financed from the proceeds of several series of tax-exempt and taxable bonds issued by the Capital Trust Agency, a Florida issuer with the authority to issue bonds to finance projects in multiple jurisdictions. The acquisition presented numerous complicated issues that needed to be addressed, including regulatory, real estate, and business negotiation matters, along with the complexity of completing the acquisition across eight jurisdictions. The financing itself was highly-structured and sophisticated, comprising of 18 borrowing entities organized as an obligated group under a master trust indenture. The acquisition was the largest transaction completed by this client and positions American Eagle LifeCare Corporation to be a significant provider of senior living services in the future.
Finance/Restructuring
Assisted and advised client in connection with its negotiation and purchase of first mortgage loan for its corporate headquarters from its existing lender and the refinancing of this debt. As a result of this transaction, the client was able to reduce the real estate mortgage on its corporate headquarters by almost 50%.
Nationwide Arena Ownership, Use and Management
We served as counsel to the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority in a transaction by which the Authority became the owner of Nationwide Arena with financing provided by the City of Columbus, Franklin County, State of Ohio and Nationwide Insurance based on casino tax revenue.
We were intimately involved in all aspects of the transaction and took primary responsibility for drafting and negotiating the $42.5 million purchase agreement providing for the sale and restructuring of the existing arena ownership. Further, we negotiated and prepared the other major agreements between the Blue Jackets, Nationwide and OSU that provided, amongst other items (i) the team’s continued use of the arena as its “home ice” through 2039, and (ii) the shared management and allocation of expenses for the arena.
The transaction marked one of the largest ventures between the private and public sectors in recent history in Central Ohio and made a significant statement within the Columbus community.
Commercial Lending
Nationwide Arena
Dinsmore was the firm chosen to represent the CFA to negotiate and close this complex, multi-layered transaction. Dinsmore worked with the CFA and the other parties to develop a structure that allowed the CFA to take direct ownership of Nationwide Arena while allowing certain operating and capital expenses to be shared among the parties. To undertake this expense-sharing relationship, a non-profit entity called Columbus Arena Management (CAM) was formed as a joint undertaking by the CFA, Blue Jackets, Nationwide and OSU to operate and manage Nationwide Arena.
Dinsmore was intimately involved in all aspects of the transaction and took primary responsibility for drafting and negotiating the $42.5 million purchase agreement providing for the sale and restructuring of the existing arena ownership. Further, Dinsmore negotiated and prepared the other major agreements between the Blue Jackets, Nationwide and OSU that provided, amongst other items (i) the team’s continued use of the arena as its “home ice” through 2039, and (ii) the shared management and allocation of expenses for the arena. This transaction is projected to increase the arena’s viability as the financial stakes and responsibilities are now shared among a number of entities through CAM. Additionally, the Blue Jacket’s cost of occupancy is being reduced, which will enable them to better compete financially with other franchises.
The transaction marked one of the largest ventures between the private and public sectors in recent history in Central Ohio and made a significant statement within the Columbus community. In addition to ensuring the long-term viability of the Blue Jackets, Nationwide Arena and surrounding geographic areas, it also represents the coming together of several organizations and entities, each of which brought essential components to the transaction. In so doing, the CFA was able to build a better future for Columbus.
Dinsmore is proud and honored to have had the opportunity and responsibility to manage the process and provide counsel at each step.