Jonathan F.X. O’Brien

About

Jonathan F.X. O’Brien co-chairs the Business Law Department at Sherin and Lodgen LLP. He represents clients in mergers and acquisitions and in buying and selling business assets. He also handles corporate formation, contract negotiation, and licensing, and he structures joint ventures between companies. He advises companies in aquaculture and ocean-based technologies on vessel finance, equipment purchases, and equipment leasing, along with sustainable seafood and fisheries matters. He earned his J.D. at Tulane University Law School and holds a B.A. in French Literature from McGill University. He was admitted in 2000 and practices in Massachusetts, New York, and Paris. He draws on work in the U.S. and abroad when he represents clients in a sale or financing.

Who is a good fit for Jonathan F.X. O’Brien

• Companies pursuing a merger, an acquisition, or a purchase or sale of business assets.
• Businesses that want a joint venture structured with a partner company.

Education and admissions

Education

• Tulane University Law School, J.D.
• McGill University, B.A. in French Literature

Bar admissions

Massachusetts, New York

Recognition

• Included in Massachusetts Super Lawyers

Specialties

Representative matters

As described on the firm’s website.

• Closed £17 million financing and lease-back of equipment and assets used in connection with a large salmon farm in Northern Scotland. Advice regarding documentation provided by UK bank sponsoring transaction and securing assets on behalf of US-based financing entity. ($17,000,000, lender side)
• Closed $35 million financing of a regional waste disposal and recycling business including two-term loans and one revolving loan with a consortium of lenders. Debt secured by all assets of borrower, mortgages on all real estate holdings, pledges of equity interests, and vehicle fleet. ($35,000,000)
• Conversion of debt into a majority equity position in a closely held private college test-preparation business, including stockholder agreements, management vesting incentive package, additional debt issued for working capital purposes. Corporate restructuring including licensing and assigning IP internally to streamline structure.
• Assisted investor group in Arizona protect investment vehicle from cancellation of debt income through assignment of prior debt as security for new loan for half the original principal balance.
• Assisted French wine producer establish a US corporate structure and acquire an interest in a US distributor. Ongoing counsel to French winery owners on US activities.
• Assisted sports marketing company develop new mud/obstacle racing concept including initial investments by members, subsequent seed capital rounds, bridge loans and second round funding. Negotiations with cable television network to co-brand events with television show themes.

Deal profile

Typical deal size

Any deal size

Remote work

In-person / regional