Christopher M. Wirth
Business & Corporate Law
Construction Law
Real Estate Law
Chris concentrates his practice on general corporate, commercial, finance, real estate and business law matters. His representative corporate experience includes a concentration in mergers and acquisitions including assets purchases and stock purchases, financing transactions ( both private and public offerings of equity and debt securities), alternative and renewable energy ventures, biotechnology and life science ventures, as well as corporate formation and governance issues. His representative real estate experience includes a concentration in acquiring, financing, selling and leasing real estate, including commercial, industrial, office, and residential, as well as projects involving historical easements and restrictions.
In addition to Chris' practice at Rhoades McKee, he is a visiting professor of law at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Chris teaches UCC Article 9 Secured Transactions, Sports Law, and Entertainment Law. In the classroom, Chris draws on his many experiences, such as his work on the sale of the Tampa Bay Lightening ice hockey team, to connect the real world with legal theory. Prior to teaching at the law school, Chris was an adjunct professor of Business Law at Grand Valley State University.
As a former owner and operator of the Outpost of Holland, one of the Midwest's premier outdoor specialty retailers, Chris brings a unique understanding to legal business practices. He has nearly 10 years of experience directing operations, forecasting industry trends, and successfully implementing sales and service programs in a closely held business.
Representative Highlights
- Brembo, S.p.A. Acquisition of Hayes-Lemmerz International's Brake Components Division
- Bridge Street Capital Partners L.P. Investment counsel for private equity fund
- Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. Merger with Verlan Holdings, Inc.
- Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. Merger with Professionals Direct, Inc.
- L. Perrigo Company Merger with J.B. Laboratories, Inc.
- Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.
$30.5 million Series A Preferred Stock venture capital financing in the orthopedic industry - Sircon Corporation Merger with Vertafore, Inc.
- Michigan counsel to Sotheby's Special Committee in Sotheby's repurchase of stock from its majority shareholder
- Trimas Corporation Disposition of Lake Erie Products Division
Education
Case Western Reserve University Law School, Juris Doctor, cum laude, 2006
Grand Valley State University Seidman School of Business, Master of Business Administration, 2004
Hope College, Bachelor of the Arts, 1996
Bar Admission
- Michigan
- U.S. Federal District Court- Western District of Michigan
- U.S. Federal District Court-Eastern District of Michigan
Professional Activities
- Grand Rapids Bar Association, Corporate Section Member
- Grand Rapids Bar Association, Community Interaction Committee
- Grand Rapids Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education
- Grand Rapids Bar Association, Chairman on Subcommittee on Civic Education
- State Bar of Michigan, Business Law Section
- Association of Corporate Growth, West Michigan Chapter
