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Benjamin Gould, principal in the firm's Corporate, Finance & Acquisitions practice group, represents global companies and financial institutions in M&A, debt and equity financing transactions and corporate law matters. He offers extensive experience in complex cross-border transactions, and has negotiated and closed deals ranging from hundreds of millions to billions of dollars in value over the course of his career. Accessible, diligent and patient, Ben is personally committed to helping his clients achieve their business objectives both in the U.S. and abroad.

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Ben’s experience includes advising foreign and domestic public and private companies on domestic and international acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, joint ventures, inbound and outbound investments (including investments in private funds and LP secondaries transactions), fund formation, debt and equity financing matters and governance issues. He also has extensive experience in acting as lead deal counsel in transactions occurring in other markets within the Americas.

Ben’s most recent industry experience has involved investments in renewable and gas-fired energy projects, pharmaceuticals, software and aerospace. Over the course of his career Ben has served clients from a wide variety of other industries, including advanced manufacturing, chemicals, financial services, food and beverage, technology services, distribution and other general services.

Selected as one of the “Best Lawyers in America 2021” by the U.S. News & World Report, and an Illinois Super Lawyers “Rising Star” from 2012 to 2016, Ben works with a diverse group of clients from across the globe. He is highly skilled in navigating foreign businesses through the M&A and investment processes. Notably, Ben is well-versed in the issues foreign acquirers face when doing business in the U.S., particularly when integrating their international operations with their acquired U.S. business.

Ben also serves as the Secretary of the Midwest U.S. - Japan Association, after being elected by the ten Midwest states that are members of the Association.

Practice Areas

Education

  • George Washington University Law School, J.D., with honors, 2002
  • University of Kansas, B.S., 1998

Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Kansas
  • New York
.
Experience

Experience

Represented the administrative agent in a senior secured credit facility provided to a company that produces fabricated structural steel for large bridge construction projects; the proceeds were used to refinance debt and fund the acquisition of the company by a private equity sponsor.

Counseled a Japanese-based global tool manufacturer in its acquisition of a tool making company in South Carolina producing custom tools for the aerospace and defense industries.

Assisted a multi-billion dollar asset backed commercial paper issuer supported by automotive retail installment sales contracts, automotive leases, and automotive dealer loans.

Represented an Italian multinational conglomerate in its acquisition of a U.S.-based wine distribution company.

Guided a Japanese multinational conglomerate in its entry into a worldwide supply and technology licensing arrangement with a global manufacturer of construction equipment.

Represented a multinational auto parts supplier in its investment into a Brazilian auto parts manufacturer.

Counseled a German company in its acquisition of a U.S. plasma technology company.

Represented a Japanese company in its investment into a Hong Kong RFID company.

Multinational robotics company representation in its acquisition of a Canadian oilfield services company.

Counseled a leading global supplier of hydraulic components, based in Denmark, in the restructuring of its joint venture company in Japan.

Japanese multinational representation in creating a joint venture with a German auto parts manufacturer in the People's Republic of China.

Guided a Japanese company in its purchase of a U.S. commercial printing supply company.

Private equity investor representation in taking a majority stake in a joint venture in the plastics-injection molding industry.

Assisted a Japanese food company in the creation of a joint venture involving a U.S. organic foods company and including a management buyout.

Represented one of the world's largest logistics companies, based in Asia, in several leveraged leasing transactions of gantry cranes for port terminal operations.

Japanese multinational company representation in making a venture capital investment in a technology company producing plastic fiber-optic cables for international sales.

Japanese bank representation in the restructuring of its senior secured credit facility being provided to the owner of one of Chicago's largest hotels.

Senior lender representation in its extension of a senior secured credit facility to a global leader in the design and construction of sulfuric acid plants and technologies for the phosphate fertilizer, oil refining and metal smelting industries; the proceeds were used to spin-off the company from its corporate parent in a purchase by management.

Leading global supplier representation of automotive seating systems, electrical distribution systems and electronic products during its court-supervised reorganization.

Global equipment lessor representation during the reorganization of its customer, a Tier-1 auto supplier in the business of designing and supplying of metal-formed components for the automotive industry.

Seller/originator representation in securitization of locomotive and rolling stock lease receivables.

Senior lender representation in a refinancing of a U.S. subsidiary of an international steel company.

Memberships

Memberships

American Bar Association
Association for Corporate Growth
Japan America Society of Chicago - Board Member
Midwest U.S. - Japan Association - Secretary
Professional Activities
Legal Updates/Client Advisories
Duty of Oversight Owed by Officers of Delaware Corporations
Co-Author: Tadashi Tahara, International Legal Advisor (Law Clerk) For officers of U.S. subsidiary companies that are Delaware…
Changes in Legal Protections for Officers of Delaware Corporations
It is critical for companies with operations in the United States to understand the customary benefits and protections afforded by…
Cryptocurrency Regulation Remains Hazy
Experienced investors in cryptocurrencies have become accustomed to dramatic fluctuations in the value of their investments, particularly…
To SPAC or IPO
A lot has been reported on Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (“SPAC”) and their revived use to raise money through an initial public…
SPACs – Impact on Strategic Investors
A lot has been reported on Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (“SPAC”) and their revived use to raise money through an initial public…
Reporting Obligations of Small Private Companies Regarding Beneficial Owners Under the Corporate Transparency Act
Executive Summary The United States Senate and the House of Representatives voted to override the President’s veto of the National…
M&A Terms in Pandemic-Affected Market
Executive Summary The COVID-19 outbreak has severely impacted the world economy and will likely continue to do so for a prolonged…
Speaking Engagements
Panelist for "Global M&A in the Middle Market Conference" sponsored by the Association for Corporate Growth – May 22, 2018
News
Masuda Funai Releases Results From M&A Survey
Masuda, Funai, Eifert & Mitchell, Ltd. released the results of its annual Mergers and Acquisitions Survey today. The survey features data…
Masuda Funai Ranked as Best Law Firm and Seven Attorneys Selected as Best Lawyer for 2021 by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recently released 2021 “Best Law Firms” rankings and gave Masuda, Funai, Eifert & Mitchell, Ltd…
Publications
Co-Authored "Reporting Obligations of Small Private Companies Regarding Beneficial Owners Under the Corporate Transparency Act" - BizBuddy, January 2021
"M&A Terms in Pandemic-Affected Market" - BizBuddy, June 2020
Distinctions

Distinctions

  • Illinois Super Lawyers - Rising Star, 2012-2016
  • The Best Lawyers in America, 2019-2021