Christopher "Chris" Johnson focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance with an emphasis on private equity and venture capital matters, commercial transactions, and outside general counsel matters. He is proud to be a trusted legal and strategic advisor to a wide range of business clients, helping them pursue new opportunities while managing and mitigating risk. Known for his collaborative approach, Chris delivers practical solutions that align with his clients' goals and fosters lasting partnerships.
Education & Credentials
Education
Michigan State University College of Law
J.D., 2011- Journal of Business and Securities Law
- Dean’s List
Michigan State University
B.A., Political Science; Organizational Communication, 2008- Dean's List
Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- The Best Lawyers in America, Corporate Law (2023)
- Colorado Super Lawyers, Rising Star (2018-present)
Prominent Assignments
- Counsel to equity owners of an international elevator testing and inspection services company in connection with sale of majority interest to private equity firm.
- Counsel to publicly traded provider of integrated information and payment management solutions in connection with the acquisition of mobile non-profit management software developer.
- Counsel to publicly traded distributor of HVAC equipment, parts, and supplies in connection with its acquisition of a regional distributor of HVAC equipment.
- Counsel to private equity firm in connection with its acquisition of an early learning and childcare franchise system and 20 corporate-owned franchise locations.
- Counsel to national provider of business solutions including material handling/warehouse solutions, commercial interiors, and business and promotional products in connection with its sale to a publicly traded distributor of industrial products.
- Counsel to prominent independent insurance broker in connection with its sale to a private equity-backed national insurance brokerage and advisory firm.
- Counsel to numerous bank holding companies in connection with acquisitions and divestitures of federal- and state-chartered financial institutions.
- Counsel to family office in connection with venture capital investments in several emerging companies.
- Counsel to corporate venture capital unit of multinational bank in connection with Series A investment in technology company developing agricultural drone for aerial delivery of pesticides and fertilizers.
- Counsel to corporate venture capital unit of telecom company in connection with the sale of interest in digital advertising startup.
- Counsel to interactive gaming company in connection with venture capital investment.
- Counsel to consumer technology company in the residential real estate industry in connection with a $25 million share exchange transaction with a venture-backed financial technology firm offering home buyers a technology-based platform.
- Counsel to issuer in a $350 million private offering of Senior Secured Notes. Also advised in refinancing a $50 million revolving line of credit and a subsequent “tack-on” offering of an extra $50 million in Senior Secured Notes.
- Issuer’s counsel in connection with numerous private placement offerings of equity securities.
Professional Involvement
- American Bar Association
- Colorado Bar Association
- Denver Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Michigan State University College of Law Alumni Association, Board of Directors
Publications/Presentations
- “Corporate Venture Capital: A Value-Add Proposition for In-House Counsel,” Association of Corporate Counsel Colorado Quarterly Newsletter, (December 2019).
- “Ransomware and Local Governments: Do Not Be Held Hostage!,” Municipal Lawyer, (July/August 2019).
- “NYDFS Proposed Cybersecurity Regulation,” The Independent Report, (March/April 2017).
- “M&A Carveout Transactions Deal Points Study,” Market Trends Subcommittee of the Mergers and Acquisitions Committee of the American Bar Association, (2017).
- “Cybersecurity and the Community Bank,” Colorado Banker, (May/June 2016).