About
Michael Bell has completed over 50 M&A transactions during the past five years. He leads the Financial Institutions practice at Honigman LLP, representing financial institutions throughout the United States. In 2011, he handled the first deal in which a credit union purchased a whole bank. During the past decade, he has handled most bank purchases by credit unions. He earned his J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from Adrian College. He also helps credit unions acquire insurance companies, investment companies, and trust companies. He handles their purchases of mortgage originators, specialized lenders, and real estate brokerages. He counsels entrepreneurs and publicly traded companies on non-organic growth.
Who is a good fit for Michael Bell
- Credit unions planning to purchase a whole bank.
- Entrepreneurs and publicly traded companies pursuing non-organic growth.
Education and admissions
- Education
- Valparaiso University School of Law, J.D.
- Adrian College, B.A. in Political Science
- Bar admissions
- Michigan
Recognition
- Law Bulletin Media, Leading Lawyers, Banking & Financial Institutions Law, 2014-2020, 2023-2024; Leading Lawyers, Creditor's Rights/Commercial Collections Law, 2014-2020, 2023-2024; Leading Lawyers, Mergers & Acquisition Law, 2014-2020, 2023-2024; Leading Lawyers, Real Estate Law: Commercial, 2014-2020, 2023-2024
- Michigan Super Lawyers, "Rising Stars," 2013-2018
- Michigan Lawyers Weekly, "Leader in the Law," 2017
- dbusiness, "Top Lawyers," 2016
- Credit Union Times, "Trailblazer 40 Below," 2013
- The Best Lawyers in America, Recognized in Financial Services Regulation Law, 2023; Recognized in Banking and Finance Law, 2027
Specialties
Representative matters
As described on the firm’s website.
- Completed the first purchase of a bank by state chartered credit union
- Completed the first purchase of a stock owned bank by a credit union
- Completed new mechanisms for financial institutions to invest capital and grow
- Completed the first purchase of a bank by a credit union
Deal profile
- Typical deal size
- Any deal size
- Remote work
- In-person / regional