Paul W. Griepentrog

Meet Paul

Paul’s objective is to serve as his clients’ most trusted advisor on mergers and acquisitions, other strategic growth transactions and general corporate matters. His experience includes representing publicly-traded, private equity-owned, family-owned and closely-held businesses. As a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Paul brings a high level of business acumen to his clients and is well-positioned to help his clients find practical solutions to complex problems.

Mergers and acquisitions

Paul has significant experience assisting private equity firms, publicly-traded companies, family-owned businesses and entrepreneurs with the structuring, negotiation and closing of complex mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and recapitalizations. In addition, he is frequently asked to lead less common transactions, such as strategic alliances and joint ventures. He has earned a reputation for taking a proactive and practical approach to problem solving for these complex transactions, always focusing on a successful result for his client.

Trusted counsel

Paul often serves in a capacity similar to an outside general counsel, advising the company regarding issues the clients raise in real time. He provides guidance on a range of issues, including customer/supplier contracts and disputes, employment arrangements, equity and debt financing, succession planning, and tax questions. His depth of expertise in corporate governance issues enables him to serve on and provide regular counsel to boards of directors.

Family business and succession planning

Intergenerational business ownership transitions are often complicated and delicate situations. Paul understands the nuances of these transitions and emphasizes the link between estate and succession planning while providing general corporate advice. As a trusted advisor for legal matters as well as strategic planning, he works side-by-side with clients to ensure long-term planning continuity for both the family and the business, bringing additional Godfrey & Kahn resources into the mix as needed. Through his practice, Paul has gained significant experience serving as trustee to family trusts and as a director on both formal and advisory boards.