Bio

Robert John Lystad focuses his practice on advising public and private companies, private equity sponsors, ESOPs, and others in connection with mid-market domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, spin-offs and carve-outs, joint ventures, and other strategic transactions. Rob also regularly counsels his clients with respect to corporate finance transactions, corporate governance, and complex commercial transactions. Rob takes a practical and service-oriented approach to his clients' legal issues. He focuses on understanding his clients' businesses and legal concerns in order to provide effective solutions. With his extensive experience in various transactions, Rob often acts as outside general counsel for privately-held companies that are experiencing growth. With respect to employee stock ownership plans (“ESOPs”), Rob regularly advises trustees, stockholders, and companies in the utilization of ESOPs for shareholder liquidity, including, the sale of stock to ESOPs, the sale of ESOP-owned companies, the utilization of ESOPs as mechanism to accomplish strategic acquisitions, and other finance transactions. Rob also advises ESOP-owned companies on fiduciary matters, corporate governance and go-forward operations. With respect to complex commercial matters, Rob provides strategic advice and counsel regarding the commercialization of products and services and the negotiation of various domestic and international agreements for clients in various industries, including food and beverage, financial technology, creative advertising, and professional services.