Securities
Foster Swift attorneys have extensive experience representing issuers, underwriters, and lenders in offerings of debt, equity, and other financial instruments. Our clients range from start-ups to small cap publicly-traded companies. From venture capital financing and private placements to IPOs, our attorneys have the skills and experience required to meet your needs.
Our attorneys frequently advise on numerous federal and state laws, including the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Michigan Uniform Securities Act (2002), and the rules of various stock exchanges, including the NYSE and NASDAQ.
Specifically, some of our areas of expertise include:
- Private Placements
- Registered Offerings
- Blue Sky Compliance
- Broker/Dealer Registrations and Compliance
- SEC Filings, including registration statements and Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K
- Proxy Solicitations
- Investment Advisor Registration and Compliance
Corporate Governance
The demands of proper corporate governance have increased in recent years. Foster Swift attorneys regularly advise public and private companies, boards of directors, and executive officers regarding the entire spectrum of corporate governance issues, including fiduciary duties, shareholder relations, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
Specifically, some of our areas of expertise include:
- Fiduciary Duties
- Conflicts of Interest
- Shareholder Proposals
- Articles and Bylaws
- Boards of Directors Nominations
- Audit Committee Oversight Duties
- Internal Controls
- Compensation Committee Duties and SEC Compliance
- Shareholder Relations
Foster Swift has been named a Tier 1 firm in Corporate Governance Law in Lansing by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018. 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Corporate Finance
Foster Swift has an experienced and skilled corporate finance practice. Our clients include private and publicly-traded businesses in their roles as borrowers, lenders, investors, buyers, and sellers. We regularly represent corporations, investment funds, banks, and equity investors in an array of financing transactions.
Specifically, some of our areas of expertise include:
- Venture Capital and Angel Investment
- "Going Private" Transactions
- Mezzanine Financing
- Traditional Secured and Unsecured Bank Debt
- Bond Financings
- Joint Ventures
- Recapitalizations and Restructurings
Recent Blog Posts
- Michigan Launches “Afflicted Business” Grant Program
- SEC Finalizes Long-Awaited Title III Crowdfunding Rules
- Crowdfunding 101
- Kickstarter and Crowdfunding can provide much needed business funds – and a big tax bill
- New Michigan Crowdfunding Website
- PART 3: New Michigan Law Permits Intrastate Crowdfunding
- Part 2: New Michigan Law Permits Intrastate Crowdfunding
- New Michigan Law Permits Intrastate Crowdfunding
- The SEC Proposed Crowdfunding Regulations: Funding Portal's Transaction Responsibilities
- The SEC Proposed Crowdfunding Regulations: Investor Accounts for Platforms
Publications & Alerts
- Corporate Transparency Act: Big Brother is Now Watching Small Businesses, Focus Magazine - Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, December 12, 2022
- Year End Budgeting and Housekeeping Best Practices for Businesses, Foster Swift Business & Tax Law News, October 27, 2022
- Funding Capital Improvement Projects: Financing Options for Michigan Libraries, Foster Swift Municipal Law News, February 12, 2019
Events
- Environmental Impacts to Consider in Business Brokerage Activities, Michigan Business Brokers Association, May 4, 2023
News
- Foster Swift Attorneys Named 2025 Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America, August 15, 2024
- Foster Swift Best Lawyers® 2023 "Ones to Watch", Best Lawyers in America, August 18, 2022
- Best Lawyers® 2022 "Lawyer of the Year", August 19, 2021
- Foster Swift Attorneys Named to 2022 Best Lawyers in America©, August 19, 2021
- Nine Attorneys Listed as Top Lawyers 2020, Grand Rapids Magazine, December 11, 2020
- Foster Swift Listed in "Best Law Firms" 2021, Best Lawyers, November 5, 2020
- Eight Foster Swift Attorneys Included in GR Magazine Top Lawyers 2019, Grand Rapids Magazine, December 2, 2019