Experience
Negotiated Member Interest Purchase Agreement and Metal Supply Agreement Involving Multiple Clients
We represented our clients through the complex negotiations of a binding membership interest purchase agreement, metal supply agreement, and associated agreements involving intellectual property rights. Our clients, UACJ Corporation and its U.S. subsidiary, Tri-Arrows Aluminum Holding Inc., opted to sell their interest in Constellium-UACJ ABS LLC, a Bowling Green, Kentucky joint venture engaged in finishing automotive body sheet, which it previously held with their joint venture partner, Constellium N.V. and Constellium U.S. Holdings I, LLC. Our team assisted with the negotiations resulting in the termination of the membership agreement, working with owners and representatives in Tokyo, Paris, New York, and Louisville. As part of the deal, we also assisted with the negotiations of a metal supply agreement ensuring that Tri-Arrows Aluminum, also our client, would remain a supplier of cold coil to the Constellium Bowling Green plant for up to five years.
Negotiated Resolution for Homeowners Association in Breach of Contract Case
Dinsmore was retained to defend a homeowners association (HOA) in connection with a lawsuit filed against it by a real estate developer and a management company related to the golf course associated with the neighborhood. The case stemmed from the ouster of the HOA’s old board of directors and the subsequent repudiation of a contract by the HOA’s new board members. The developer and management company sought a declaration of rights regarding a lease for the golf course and an associated management agreement. They also sought monetary damages associated with both the termination of the management agreement and a prior alleged debt owed by the HOA in connection with a prior purported lease for the golf course. Working with the HOA’s outside counsel, who pursued affirmative claims against the developer, management company, and others, we negotiated a resolution to this complex contract and real property dispute.
Refinancing of Original Acquisition Loan for Tri-Arrows Aluminum
Beverly Coda v. Thorntons, Inc.
Complex Divestiture, Accompanying Purchase and Merger
Every business needs certain tools to compete, from a strong product or service to the ability to effectively market and distribute it to a clear plan for the company’s future. But the basis for each of those steps begins with a solid foundation that establishes the company in the marketplace. Building a corporate structure that is sustainable is imperative for long-term success, and enables a business to evolve in a changing market.
For Tri-Arrows, that blueprint was born out of a complex divestiture and accompanying purchase that ultimately led to their formation. Formerly a subsidiary of BP Company North America, where they were known as ARCO Aluminum, they were purchased by a consortium of five Japanese companies, who had formed a holding company and a subsidiary for purposes of the purchase. The subsidiary then purchased the ARCO stock, and enlisted Dinsmore to guide a merger into the subsidiary company, which was then renamed Tri-Arrows Aluminum. Efficiently managing the multi-layer transaction, our team worked to expedite the process, structuring the merger and managing the flow of documents to complete the transaction.
We also have handled a number of administrative projects for Tri-Arrows since their formation, ensuring that they remain on a sustainable path to long-term success. We assisted the company with changing its fiscal year to better suit their operations and financing schedules. We worked closely with Tri-Arrows to draft new bylaws that allowed for the formation of a steering committee tasked with providing strategic planning and guidance. Comprised of members of the board and management, the committee should enable key management personnel within Tri-Arrows to become more deeply involved in large-scale planning actions of the company.
In furtherance of the merger and the change in fiscal years, we amended the credit agreement of Tri-Arrows and its parent company, including matters related to name changes of Tri-Arrows and its parent company, the issuance of new stock certificates and delivery of new stock powers.
The collaboration between Dinsmore and Tri-Arrows has paved the way for a successful future.
John Deere Credit Co. v. Towe
Strategic Business Counsel to Global Aluminum Manufacturer
Every business, no matter how efficient, faces myriad challenges in keeping the company moving forward. From contracts and agreements to employee relations, intellectual property, corporate governance and administrative activities, establishing a solid framework for operations will not only protect assets and interests, but will also shield the business from liability.
When Tri-Arrows Aluminum, formerly ARCO Aluminum, was established in 2011, it turned to Dinsmore for guidance on a variety of strategic business issues. Our attorneys worked to acclimate themselves within the Tri-Arrows culture, enabling them to offer insightful counsel to further the company’s objectives by supporting negotiations with customers and suppliers. We fill a number of roles for Tri-Arrows, including reviewing contract language from the customer side, as well as reviewing supplier agreements from a risk management perspective, keeping a focus on both the short and long-term impacts of each agreement. As our team has become integrated with Tri-Arrows, we’ve become adept at stepping in throughout the contract process, whether it be initial negotiations and drafting, or simply reviewing and vetting the final product. Our attorneys understand the high standards that are synonymous with Tri-Arrows, and we thoroughly examine each contract and agreement to ensure our client is protected.
Protecting Tri-Arrows is also the driving force behind our ongoing advice regarding the management of its complex, manufacturing joint venture agreement with a competitor. The unique circumstances surrounding the joint venture, as well as the distinctive ownership structure of Tri-Arrows, pose myriad potential issues, including antitrust concerns. Our attorneys work diligently to ensure that Tri-Arrows is maximizing its potential in the marketplace without exposing it to unnecessary risk. We routinely advise Tri-Arrows on its business relationship within the joint venture, ensuring that the terms of the agreement remain favorable and satisfactory to our client as it continues to grow as a company.
Dinsmore’s attention to detail has also led to the ongoing development and structuring of a new document retention system within Tri-Arrows, enabling it to effectively leverage the Internet to provide global accessibility. Tri-Arrows’ “gold standard” approach to business, coupled with our team’s thorough knowledge of state and federal document retention requirements, has led to exploring robust options that serve the company’s long-term interests.
In guiding Tri-Arrows through its formation and providing ongoing counsel on a variety of matters, Dinsmore has become a valuable resource in its development.