Biography Photo of Jeffrey G York

Jeffrey G. York

With numerous multi-million dollar deals to his credit, Jeffrey G. York focuses his practice on corporate, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, succession planning, finance, construction, entrepreneurial, manufacturing, and real estate. He represents corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships in the acquisition or sale of a wide range of businesses, including automotive component manufacturers, tool-and-die businesses, food and equipment manufacturers, automobile dealerships, telecommunications divisions, construction companies, golf courses, and retail businesses.

Jeff also has worked with many businesses in Michigan and elsewhere on organizational structure and operational matters. He counsels business owners and executives on the use of limited liability companies, profit and non-profit corporations, limited liability partnerships and limited partnerships to achieve their succession, diversification, growth or reorganization objectives, including business transition, ownership/management conflicts, and shareholder, member or partner buy-outs. Jeff also counsels businesses on contractual matters, including non-competition and confidentiality agreements, supplier and customer agreements, as well as issues relating to personal property sales, leases and security interests.

Education & Credentials

Education

Alma College

B.A., 1984
  • cum laude
  • with honors

Indiana University School of Business (Bloomington)

M.B.A., 1988
  • magna cum laude

Indiana University School of Law (Bloomington)

J.D., 1988
  • magna cum laude
  • Order of the Coif
  • Indiana Law Journal, Associate and Managing Editor

Bar Admission

  • Michigan

Acknowledgements

  • 8th Annual MiBiz M&A Deals & Dealmakers
    • Real Estate and Development Deal of the Year, Advisor, 2021
  • Grand Rapids Magazine
    • "Top Lawyers," Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, 2019-2022 
    • "Top Lawyers," Mergers & Acquisitions, 2023
  • The Legal 500 United States
    • Mergers & Acquisitions - Corporate and Commercial, 2023
    • "Recommended Lawyers," 2019-2020
  • Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Rating
  • Best Lawyers in America®
    • Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, 2011-2025

Prominent Assignments

$57.5 million sale of distribution company to a publicly traded company.

Negotiated License, Supply and Distribution Agreement for a national craft brewery business.

$11 million asset sale of manufacturing company.

$160 million asset sale as of truck remanufacturing company. 

$580 million stock sale of a telecommunications business to a publicly traded company.

$170 million asset sale of a vehicle parts business.

$10 million sale of a family-run food manufacturer.

Sale of a tool and die business to a privately held investment group.

$100+ million sale of a niche automotive parts manufacturer with plants throughout the world to a private equity fund.

$150 million asset sale of a long distance carrier to a publicly traded company.

$10 million asset sale of a family owned chain of retail stores.

$26 million merger of a local exchange company.

$35 million sale of an office equipment vendor to a publicly traded company.

Sale of various mechanical and heating and cooling companies to a publicly traded "roll-up" firm.

$10 million sale of a construction company.

Acquisition of a privately-held furniture manufacturer.

Merger of a credit union into its largest competitor.

Professional Involvement

  • American Bar Association
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association

Community Involvement

Former Activities

  • Association for Corporate Growth – West Michigan, Board Member
  • Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Celebration Committee
  • City of Walker Building Authority
  • Kenowa Hills High School, Varsity Basketball Coach
  • Alma College, Fundraising Campaign, Grand Rapids Region Leadership Team; Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Board of Advisors
  • Grand Valley State University, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Board of Advisors
  • Kenowa Hills Citizens for the Schools of Tomorrow, Co-Chairperson
  • Kenowa Hills Education Foundation, Board of Directors and President
  • Pilgrim Manor Foundation, Board of Trustees and President
  • Pilgrim Manor, Inc., Trustee and Board President
  • Samaritan Center of West Michigan, Board of Directors
  • Trinity Congregational Church, Moderator, Endowment Fund Committee, Secretary, Church Council

Experience

Jeffrey represented a start-up telecommunications company from its inception and served as its general counsel through its sale to a publicly traded company for more than $500 million. As general counsel, he was instrumental in drafting contracts which were at the cutting edge of the telecommunications boom. Jeffrey’s input on all legal matters was instrumental in strategic planning and decision-making throughout his term of service. When the company was sold, the transaction was structured so that the original owners were able to retain assets of great value. These assets were then used to form another company, providing the owners with greatly enhanced returns on their initial investment.
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