Experience
Fortune 50 Joint Venture
Our firm represented The Procter & Gamble Company in a research consortium and joint venture with the University of Cincinnati, utilizing a unique combination of tax, non-profit and corporate attorneys to complete a complex transaction.
Permanent Establishment, Transfer Pricing, International Tax, Tax Treaty Analysis and Personal International Income Tax
Our firm represented several large private European companies seeking US subsidiaries/entities with respect to Permanent Establishment, Transfer Pricing, International Tax, Tax Treaty Analysis and Personal International Income Tax issues. We provided speedy and efficient resolution stemming from years of experience related to similar issues and projects.
Venture Capital Transaction
We represented the owner of cutting-edge combuster technology in the creation of a new company with client intellectual property and patents combined with private equity contribution. We leveraged our unique venture capital and intellectual property experience to streamline the transaction.
Construction and Services
Our firm represented several large private companies with respect to Construction and Construction Services Agreement for a Mexican plant construction. We teamed with top local counsel to achieve sound US terms valid under Mexican law.
Client Settlement
Principal representative of a major investment bank and Fortune 20 company in an industry-wide group that obtained precedent-setting relief from the SEC that effectively permitted settlement of significant litigation with the SEC and state attorneys general affecting more than $60 billion in securities, Auction Rate Securities -- Global Exemptive Relief.
Securities Counsel
Devised successful defense strategy for Fortune 100 client in the energy services business in a widely reported SEC investigation. Managed client team in responding from discovery through a substantial internal investigation and multiple Wells submissions.
Winning with Teamwork
Winning takes a team effort, and no relationship symbolizes this more than the one between Dinsmore and the Cincinnati Reds. From counseling Bob Castellini through the purchase of a controlling interest in the team in 2006 through negotiating sponsorships to protecting their intellectual property, including the famous handle-bar mustache of Mr. Redlegs, Dinsmore has become a go-to player for the Reds.
“We know we can depend on Dinsmore,” said Jim Marx, General Counsel of the Reds. “They have been by our side for more than a decade now, and we know we’re getting great value and great solutions when we come to them.”
With Dinsmore’s Cincinnati office sitting just a couple of blocks from where the Reds take the field, Marx knows the Reds can count on Dinsmore for any number of issues. Dinsmore’s attorneys have handled everything from negotiating facility leases for spring training to addressing workers’ compensation claims to counseling the franchise on community events, ranging from concerts held at Great American Ballpark to the annual Redsfest fan appreciation convention. Dinsmore’s close working relationship with the Reds enables our attorneys to identify problems before they arise, helping the franchise to focus their efforts on the field.
Stepping to the Plate for “America’s Game”
Baseball is about as “American” as you can get, and USA Baseball has been the national governing body for amateur baseball since 1978, including representing the United States as a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and internationally as a member of the World Baseball Softball Confederation.
“Our first interaction with Dinsmore was in the area of IP and trademark protection, but as our organization and needs have changed, our counsel has not,” said Paul Seiler, Executive Director/CEO of USA Baseball.
“That’s due to the fact Dinsmore is a full service team that provides for all of our legal needs, from contract work to real estate guidance to sponsor relations. This allows USA Baseball to be connected across all of our business units with a common and knowledgeable firm that understands who we are, in all facets of our operations,” he added.
Dinsmore serves as USA Baseball’s outside general counsel and handles all legal issues for the organization, including intellectual property, data protection, corporate, litigation, employment and finance. Among recent work, Dinsmore provided legal support to USA Baseball’s efforts to develop and implement a performance standard for non-wood bats used in youth baseball. This work began several years ago and, ultimately, reached a variety of legal areas including intellectual property, corporate, licensing, insurance and agreement work. The performance standard was announced on August 7, 2015, and on January 1, 2018, USA Baseball’s National Member Organizations will require non-wood youth bats meet the performance standard, which will be indicated by the USA Baseball trademark on bats that have passed performance testing.
“One of our former board members had a saying, ‘You do business with your friends.’ And while perhaps not always literal or possible in business, in this case it is,” Seiler said. “Our decision to have Dinsmore represent USA Baseball is based on the relationship we have, as well as for the quality counsel provided on a daily basis.”
As the national governing body of amateur baseball, USA Baseball engages with nearly every major national amateur baseball organization in America, which equates to millions of amateur players in ballparks and playgrounds across the country. The organization also promotes and develops the game on a grassroots level nationally and internationally. Dinsmore attorneys have assisted the organization with finance and real estate work related to further development of USA Baseball’s National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina.
“The great thing about our relationship with Dinsmore is that we know our best interests are always being looked out for. We never feel like we are just a client. For that matter, I don’t think we even use that word (client) when referencing our partnership,” Seiler said. “Dinsmore is an impactful brand in the legal world, yet it would be hard to argue that we have a more personal relationship with anyone we do business with.”
Providing Freedom to Focus on Business
Hiring Dinsmore means the partners of HealthScape Advisors could focus on their business instead of worrying about whether the legal needs of their company were being handled properly. HealthScape is a health care consulting firm that has to stay up to speed with constant changes in health care and intellectual property laws. They’ve continued working with Dinsmore since 2014 because we understand these changes and what they mean for HealthScape’s business. We also assisted HealthScape when they decided to split part of their business off into a new company, Pareto Intelligence, which handles analytics and technology services.
“They truly understand our business and what we’re trying to accomplish,” said Managing Partner John Steele.
"One Source" for Shared Success
Growing, nurturing and providing fresh produce is not without challenges, from accounting for the weather to managing transportation to ensuring quality and safety. However, when those challenges cross over into the legal realm, Castellini Group of Companies knows they have a trusted partner in Dinsmore.
“Coordination is very important in our business because we have so many different facets that need to come together for success,” said Bill Schuler, President and CEO of Castellini. “Dinsmore understands that, and they work with us in a number of areas to make sure our business continues to thrive.”
Having started as a small fruits and vegetables supplier more than 100 years ago, Castellini has grown to become one of the largest produce suppliers in the country. Through it all, Schuler says Dinsmore has been by their side, advising on everything from real estate transactions and complex financings to corporate structure and supply chain matters to labor and employment issues. Drawing on a wealth of institutional knowledge, Dinsmore attorneys have provided the targeted counsel and insight Castellini has needed to continue to grow and evolve over the years.
Castellini’s success has been fueled by their motto of “One Source,” as they have become a one-stop-shop for their customers’ complete produce needs. Similarly, Dinsmore has become Castellini’s one source legal adviser and collectively we’ve been able to share success.
Outside General Counsel to a Growing Brand
When Kenny McNutt, Brady Duncan and Jeff Hunt had a dream to open their own craft brewery, they sought legal guidance from Dinsmore. By the time Cincinnati’s MadTree Brewing opened in 2013, our attorneys had already played a significant role in its development – from helping to raise the original capital to structuring and executing loan financing.
“Dinsmore gives peace of mind and guides us through murky waters,” said McNutt. “They’re reputable, and I always know I get the best answer for the information available at the time.”
Today, Dinsmore serves as MadTree’s outside general counsel, advising on contracts, real estate, trademark, employment matters, securities and other legal needs as they arise.
“They have every facet we need, and they’re super easy to work with,” added McNutt. “I recommend them whenever anyone asks. They’re trustworthy, really, really good and well worth the peace of mind.”
MadTree was the first modern craft brewery to can its beer in Ohio, and, within four short years, the brewery had grown so significantly they opened an $18 million facility to accommodate larger crowds and increased demand for production. Dinsmore attorneys were with them every step of the way.
A Long History as Trusted Counsel
As one of the world’s largest and most trusted companies, Procter & Gamble has no shortage of legal needs. Whether seeking counsel on corporate strategy, navigating real estate transactions or protecting their shareholders’ assets, P&G relies on its legal counsel to keep its business running efficiently. That’s why, for nearly 100 years, the consumer products giant has turned to Dinsmore.
“Dinsmore knows our business and understands our culture,” said Debbie Majoras, Chief Legal Officer for P&G. “They remain a trusted ally for us because they are committed to our goals, our company’s success and meeting our legal needs. They bring tremendous value, and we enjoy working with them.”
Dinsmore works closely with P&G’s in-house lawyers to provide an array of services, from advising on all manners of contracts and agreements to corporate and securities counseling to handling real estate matters throughout the country. Dinsmore has also represented P&G in a variety of litigation matters over many years, including handling sophisticated product liability, class action, intellectual property and other complex commercial matters.
“Dinsmore is efficient and responsive, and we can count on great partnership and top quality work when we come to them,” said Majoras. “We truly value the special relationship we have built with them."
Assisted with the Renegotiation and Renewal of IT and Business Process Services Contracts
We supported our client, The Procter & Gamble Company, in the renegotiation and renewal of a vast information technology and business process services relationship with one of its major service providers. The transaction contemplates P&G's consumption of a wide range of IT and business process services including cloud-based Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) offerings, application development and maintenance services, and a variety of project-based engagements. Along with negotiating and drafting contracts, our support involved deal management responsibilities requiring a high degree of organization, attention to detail, and persistence. We leveraged our institutional knowledge to obtain feedback from various technical and finance subject matter experts and implemented that feedback via contractual documentation. We closely tracked the statuses of hundreds of issues, action items, and contract documents and maintained rigid version control. And we assisted key P&G stakeholders with the multitude of inter-related terms and conditions across various contract documents. By striking a good balance between maintaining an aggressive work flow and identifying major pitfalls we helped our client close the deal at the most opportune moment while protecting against critical business risks.
Represented a Bank Holding Company in an Acquisition
We counseled our client (United Bancshares, Inc.) through its merger with another bank (Benchmark Bancorp Inc.). The merger allowed our client to expand their presence in the Columbus, Ohio market. Our role included negotiating terms, drafting documents, preparing regulatory applications, preparing securities disclosures and closing the transaction.
Represented Transportation Company on Bank Loan
Dinsmore represented a national group of transportation and logistics companies on a $20 million bank loan to finance an acquisition and operations. We handled negotiation of the loan documents and production of required due diligence.
Sale of Closely-held Pet Food and Supplies Company
Dinsmore served as lead counsel representing the sellers of a closely-held pet food and supplies business headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky with an enterprise value in excess of $70 million, in an extensive corporate reorganization, including the conversion of an S Corporation to a limited liability company, and a subsequent sale of a majority equity stake in the newly-formed limited liability company to an international private equity firm.
Sale of Closely-held Tire Reseller and Retreading Company
Dinsmore represented the sellers of a closely-held tire reseller and retreading business with an enterprise value in excess of $90 million in an extensive corporate reorganization, including the conversion of an S Corporation to a limited liability company, and a subsequent sale of a majority equity stake in the newly-formed limited liability company to an international private equity firm.
Acquisition of Acute Care Hospital
Dinsmore represented a non-profit health care enterprise in the multi-million dollar acquisition of a closely-held acute care hospital and related multi-million dollar financing transaction.
Acquisition of Interest in Laser Technology Company
Dinsmore was lead counsel representing a private equity firm in its acquisition of an ownership interest in a laser technology company.
Merger of Multi-state Non-profit Electrical Cooperatives
Dinsmore served as counsel with respect to the merger of two non-profit electrical cooperatives providing electrical services to more than 40,000 members in Kentucky and Tennessee and provided assistance with obtaining associated regulatory approvals.
Sale of Telecommunication Company Assets
Dinsmore acted as lead counsel representing a closely-held, Kentucky-based telecommunications company in multiple multi-million dollar asset sales to various publicly-traded, international telecommunication companies.
Acquisition of Community Bank
Dinsmore represented a publicly-traded community bank in its multi-million dollar merger with Ohio-based bank holding company and community bank in exchange for cash and stock of the publicly-traded community bank.
Acquisition of Payroll Services Company
Dinsmore represented a private buyer in the acquisition of a controlling interest in a payroll and related services company and corresponding private securities offering under Regulation D.
Sale of Closely-Held Health Care Enterprise
Dinsmore served as lead counsel representing the sellers of a closely-held health care enterprise in the multi-million dollar asset sale of multiple nursing homes.
Purchase of Cincinnati Reds Baseball Team
A New Chapter
Dinsmore helps Castellini take the reins
At its core, Cincinnati is a baseball town and no person embodies that spirit more than hometown businessman Bob Castellini. His passion for the game is evidenced through many years of involvement with Major League Baseball, having held minority ownership and partnership roles with the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles and St. Louis Cardinals.
After learning in late 2005 that a group of minority owners were interested in selling their interest in the Cincinnati Reds, Castellini enlisted Dinsmore to guide his ownership group’s effort to purchase the team. Negotiating, financing and closing the transaction required legal acumen, creativity and a healthy dose of diplomacy. Dinsmore attorneys worked with discretion through meticulous negotiations and not only helped Castellini to acquire controlling interest in the club but also to establish a blended ownership structure, incorporating a mix of legacy, voting and non-voting units.
Dinsmore’s success was rooted, in part, in its attorney’s experience navigating complex financial challenges, particularly those involving debt financing, as well as their understanding of the procedures and regulations governing MLB club ownership. Dinsmore’s approach built momentum that enabled Castellini and his group to assume operating control of the team after just six weeks of negotiations – an efficient result that afforded him the opportunity to put his stamp on the team before spring training began. Additionally, Dinsmore worked closely with the club’s minority ownership stakeholders throughout the entire process, building consensus and relationships as they guided negotiations to ensure stability and long-term success for the club.
Helping to guide Castellini through the challenges associated with purchasing a controlling interest in the Cincinnati Reds afforded Dinsmore tremendous experience and a unique opportunity to play an active role in putting one of the games most storied franchises on a path to success.
Dinsmore counsels Lexmark International to acquire Kofax Limited for $1 billion
In a major technology deal, Dinsmore counseled Lexmark International, Inc., a Lexington, KY manufacturer of laser printers and provider of enterprise software services, in the acquisition of Kofax Limited, a software provider incorporated in Bermuda and headquartered in Irvine, CA. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Lexmark paid $11.00 per share in cash to acquire all issued and outstanding common shares of Kofax for a total enterprise value of approximately $1 billion.
“This was a very competitive public bid process,” said Susan Zaunbrecher, Chair of the Corporate Department. “The relationship we’ve built with Lexmark was crucial to how smoothly this acquisition transpired.”
Dinsmore has served as deal counsel to Lexmark in more than 10 transactions, including the acquisition of Perceptive Software, Inc., Lexmark’s first acquisition in the enterprise software industry, and the divestiture of Lexmark’s inkjet business.
Acquisition and Financing of Tax Credit Projects
Represented developers in over 200 transactions involving low income housing tax credits, historic tax credits and/or new markets tax credits.
Stock Sale
We represented the company, a biomedical transportation company, in the sale of an approximately $80 million business to a private equity fund.
Representation of International Malt Beverage Manufacturer
Negligent Investment Claims
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