Robert Jay inkus is a trusted, long-term adviser to companies large and small in matters of mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and corporate governance. For more than 35 years, Bob has represented buyers, sellers, independent directors, and members of management in complex business transactions. He has worked on hostile takeovers, friendly mergers, and a variety of other large-scale negotiations. His measured and straight-forward demeanor keeps talks moving forward.
Whether working on a merger or acquisition or drafting a contract, Bob tries to understand everyone’s point of view in order to make sure all issues are addressed as well as possible. In addition to providing the legal perspective, he understands his clients’ business priorities and the bottomline impacts to a business.
He works closely with regulatory experts in his clients’ various industries. He advises public companies on their disclosure duties and matters of corporate governance, and he provides general corporate representation to both public and privately-held companies. Bob also represents issuers in securities offerings and other financing transactions.
Many of Bob’s clients have worked with the firm for several decades, and return for additional counsel because of the relationships he develops. From familyowned businesses to Fortune 500 corporations, Bob wants his clients to feel like he’s part of their team and enjoys seeing the positive impact of his work on their businesses.
Bob is also invested in the future of Schiff Hardin as former chair of the Professional Personnel Committee, and a member of the Diversity Committee. Working on associate development and advancement, Bob sees his committee work as an important way to guide the next generation of partners. Bob is also a member of the Professional Practice Committee and Opinions Committee.
EXPERIENCE:
- Bob took the lead on NiSource Inc.’s $6 billion acquisition of Columbia Energy Group at a time when there had been no other hostile takeover of a utility under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA). He and his team navigated complicated regulatory issues that had never been challenged before under the now-repealed PUHCA. After the takeover of Columbia, Bob represented NiSource in subsequent dispositions of a number of non-core businesses and continues to represent the company in various corporate and securities matters.
- After working with the principals years earlier on a large asset sale transaction between their former employers, Bob was asked to represent them and their private equity investor group in the purchase or start-up of several oilfield service businesses. Bob continues to provide counsel for the investors and their growing stable of portfolio companies, which has expanded into other industries.
EDUCATION:
- University of Chicago Law School, J.D., 1979
- Yale University, B.A., History, 1976
BAR ADMISSIONS:
- Illinois
- New York
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
- American Bar Association, Section of Business Law
- Ray Garrett Jr. Corporate and Securities Law Institute, Executive Committee, Past Chair (2013)
- Society of Corporate Secretaries and Governance Professionals, Chicago Chapter Advisory Committee
Cost
Rate : $$$