Bio

Neil Whitford counsels start-ups, closely held private businesses, buyout funds and public companies. He represents clients in various types of transactions, including sales and purchases of assets or stock, mergers, redemptions and joint ventures. He works with a diverse range of domestic and international clients, including start-up enterprises, closely held companies, private equity funds and publicly traded companies. Neil represents manufacturers, distributors and service providers in almost every sector of the economy, including the general industrial, consumer product, aerospace, chemical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical and software sectors. Neil also has extensive experience working with individuals and privately held companies with respect to business formation, private placements, buy-sell agreements, management equity arrangements, employment and consulting agreements, real estate purchases and leases, joint development agreements, license agreements and supply and distribution agreements. His background enables him to offer practical and creative advice on a wide range of business arrangements and contracts. Neil also leads Calfee’s Franchise group. He counsels prospective franchisors on the pros and cons of a franchise business model and prepares franchise disclosure documents and related agreements and governmental filings. He also represents franchisees and assists them in the negotiation of area development agreements, franchise agreements and related documents. Neil is involved with a number of local civic and charitable organizations. Neil joined Calfee in 1989 and was elected Partner in 1999.