Thompson Hine LLP is pleased to announce that Michael W. Jahnke has joined its New York office as a partner in the Business Litigation practice, which the firm has identified as a growth area for the office. Jahnke is the second partner to join the Business Litigation practice in New York this month; the firm recently hired partner Maranda Fritz, who focuses on white-collar criminal matters.
Jahnke regularly counsels clients on antitrust issues with proposed merger and acquisition transactions and joint ventures. He has significant experience representing clients before the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to resolve or limit issues that might arise during the government merger review process, advises clients on pending or expected regulatory scrutiny by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and guides clients’ compliance in response to governmental requests.
“Michael’s considerable skills complement our existing corporate and litigation practices,” said Katherine D. Brandt, partner-in-charge of the firm’s New York office. “We were looking for someone who had a successful track record in government investigations and HSR advisory and litigation work, and Michael is a perfect fit. We are impressed with his background in national and international markets – his experience will greatly benefit our clients.”
Jahnke has represented six of the top 10 U.S. bank holding companies, including JPMorgan Chase and several other financial institutions in a joint venture to participate in FX aggregation service; Teekay Corporation and Marubeni Corporation in their $1.4 billion acquisition from Maersk, and General Bearing Corporation in its $125 million acquisition by SKF AB.
Jahnke has worked extensively on antitrust issues in connection with U.S. and international merger and acquisition transactions and joint ventures involving companies in the financial services, derivatives, energy, foods, tobacco, information services, telecommunications, paper/packaging and automotive industries, among others. His experience covers the full spectrum of antitrust work, including deals (analysis of potential issues, input on draft agreements and diligence, HSR filings, dealing with regulators’ requests), advice on other types of business activities (joint ventures, IP licensing, compliance queries and training, exclusive dealing), antitrust litigation and criminal/cartel investigations.
“I was attracted to the balance of Thompson Hine’s robust corporate and litigation practices – both of which are essential for a successful antitrust practice,” said Jahnke. “The firm’s strong relationships with international firms in key markets is also a plus, as is the firm’s focus on client service. In addition, I was impressed by the firm’s commitment to diversity, and I am looking forward to participating in the LGBT groups within the firm.”
Since 2009, Jahnke has been ranked by Chambers & Partners as a leading antitrust lawyer in New York.
Jahnke is the latest to join the expanding New York office, which recently hired several top-tier lateral partners. In addition to Fritz, the office recently welcomed Jonathan Ross, Karen M. Kozlowski, William H. Schrag and Peter J. Gennuso, who joined the Commercial & Public Finance, Real Estate, Business Restructuring, Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy and Corporate Transactions & Securities practices, respectively.
The firm’s litigation practice has also recently grown, having added high-profile lateral partners Ugo A. Colella in Washington, D.C. and John L. Watkins in Atlanta.
