George Martin is head of the Faegre & Benson Corporate Group. He focuses on international transactions and related compliance matters. He has led transactions in over 30 countries around the world, with a special expertise in emerging markets, having lived and practiced law in China and Eastern Europe for five years.
George is also co-chair of the firm's international practice and founder of the China practice. George divides his time among the firm's U.S. offices, Asia and Europe, where he advises both publicly traded and privately held U.S. and European clients regarding:
International Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures. George has represented buyers, sellers and institutional investors as lead counsel in a variety of cross-border M&A transactions. His clients include both strategic and financial investors.
International Joint Ventures. George has extensive experience advising clients on structuring, documenting, negotiating and operating both U.S. and non-U.S.-based international joint ventures. His work includes foreign government relations, negotiations and approvals, and preparation of ancillary manufacturing, licensing, distribution and related agreements (including those involving trade secret protection).
Foreign Direct Investment & Contracting. George regularly advises clients in connection with the overseas establishment and operation of "Greenfield" manufacturing, assembly and processing facilities, including in Free Trade Zones, together with all ancillary contracts.
International Compliance Counseling & Investigations. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") diligence in M&A transactions, and FCPA training, compliance counseling and internal corporate investigations have been core aspects of George's practice for many years. He has handled investigations throughout the Asia Pacific region (including China and India), Russia and other emerging markets, while providing worldwide FCPA training and compliance programs for both publicly traded and privately held companies. His work also involves advising on customs compliance, Overseas Foreign Asset Controls ("OFAC") matters and the U.S. Export Administration Regulations ("Export Controls").
International Managing Counsel. George regularly engages in large scale international project management, including the selection, instruction and oversight of large teams of lawyers in numerous locations outside of the United States in connection with structuring, negotiating and closing complex, multi-jurisdictional business transactions.
Media Mentions, Publications & Presentations
George is a frequent commentator on international business and legal issues. He has appeared recently on CNBC, and in the Wall Street Journal and Counsel-to-Counsel magazine, among other media. He also speaks regularly on international business law and compliance topics around the country. He discusses a recent international M&A transaction in the article, "Deal Making in China: Getting In on the Action," from the January, 2008 edition of Counsel-to-Counsel.