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John F. WatkinsPartner

John F. Watkins


Partner
New York
Email:  jwatkins@reitlerlaw.com
Phone:  212-209-3031

EXPERIENCE

John’s practice focuses on private equity, venture capital, mergers & acquisition, capital markets and joint venture transactions as well as general corporate matters, both international and domestic.

John represents a number of funds, both private equity and VC, as well as companies and entrepreneurs across a variety of industries including technology, data licensing, online marketing and advertising, telecommunications, hospitality, biotechnology, manufacturing and food, in connection with financing as well as general commercial and bank finance transactions.

John also advises individual clients in connection with their private investments, employment matters, and general contract issues. He also regularly advises clients regarding separations and settlement agreements.

John joined the firm as a corporate associate in 2000 and became a member in 2002. Prior to joining the firm, John was a corporate associate at Coudert Brothers. John was also with the investment banking firm of Merrill Lynch & Co.

Representation of investor group, including German and U.S. venture capital funds, in connection with bridge loan financings of a U.S. portfolio company.

John’s recent transactions include:

  • Representation of a business and executive coaching and consulting firm and its founder in connection with the sale of a majority interest to a large US-based insurance company.
  • Representation of a German venture capital fund in connection with the recapitalization of U.S. portfolio company and two related bridge financings.
  • Representation of composite railroad tie manufacturing company in connection with a joint venture.
  • Representation of a pharmaceutical company in connection with a Series C Preferred financing transaction.
  • Representation of UK-based manufacturer in connection with its purchase of a New York manufacturer of dental products.
  • Representation of seller in connection with its sale of a hotel property.
  • Representation of a UK-based telecommunications company in connection with a U.S. “going –private” transaction as well as in connection with the disposition of certain assets.
  • Representation of international data reseller in connection with data license agreements with end users and data licensors.
  • Representation of a candy manufacturing company in connection with the negotiation of a replacement credit facility.

EDUCATION

  • New York University School of Law (J.D., 1994).
  • Williams College (B.A., 1989), cum laude.

PROFESSIONAL

  • Member of New York City Bar Association
  • Member and General Partner of The ARC Angel Fund – www.arcangelfund.com, an angel lead venture fund in New York
  • Member of Tech Meet Up
  • Member of of Slow Food Organization www.slowfoodusa.org
  • Sheldrick Widelife Trust Donor www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
  • Member LABeyrinth Theater Company www.labtheater.org

ADMISSIONS

  • New York
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Professional

Experience

John’s practice focuses on private equity, venture capital, mergers & acquisition, capital markets and joint venture transactions as well as general corporate matters, both international and domestic.

John represents a number of funds, both private equity and VC, as well as companies and entrepreneurs across a variety of industries including technology, data licensing, online marketing and advertising, telecommunications, hospitality, biotechnology, manufacturing and food, in connection with financing as well as general commercial and bank finance transactions.

John also advises individual clients in connection with their private investments, employment matters, and general contract issues. He also regularly advises clients regarding separations and settlement agreements.

John joined the firm as a corporate associate in 2000 and became a member in 2002. Prior to joining the firm, John was a corporate associate at Coudert Brothers. John was also with the investment banking firm of Merrill Lynch & Co.

Representation of investor group, including German and U.S. venture capital funds, in connection with bridge loan financings of a U.S. portfolio company.

John’s recent transactions include:

  • Representation of a business and executive coaching and consulting firm and its founder in connection with the sale of a majority interest to a large US-based insurance company.
  • Representation of a German venture capital fund in connection with the recapitalization of U.S. portfolio company and two related bridge financings.
  • Representation of composite railroad tie manufacturing company in connection with a joint venture.
  • Representation of a pharmaceutical company in connection with a Series C Preferred financing transaction.
  • Representation of UK-based manufacturer in connection with its purchase of a New York manufacturer of dental products.
  • Representation of seller in connection with its sale of a hotel property.
  • Representation of a UK-based telecommunications company in connection with a U.S. “going –private” transaction as well as in connection with the disposition of certain assets.
  • Representation of international data reseller in connection with data license agreements with end users and data licensors.
  • Representation of a candy manufacturing company in connection with the negotiation of a replacement credit facility.
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Education

  • New York University School of Law (J.D., 1994).
  • Williams College (B.A., 1989), cum laude.

Professional

  • Member of New York City Bar Association
  • Member and General Partner of The ARC Angel Fund – www.arcangelfund.com, an angel lead venture fund in New York
  • Member of Tech Meet Up
  • Member of of Slow Food Organization www.slowfoodusa.org
  • Sheldrick Widelife Trust Donor www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
  • Member LABeyrinth Theater Company www.labtheater.org
Practices