Charlie Kim B.A.C.S., J.D.

Bio

Owner-managers and family businesses come to Charlie Kim when they are making important decisions about the ownership, governance and future of their businesses. For some, that means preparing for and completing a sale. For others, it means transitioning ownership to the next generation, putting the right governance structure in place or addressing shareholder issues before they become disputes.

Much of Charlie's practice is lower-middle-market sell-side M&A. He works with owner-managers throughout the sale process, from preparing for a transaction and negotiating a letter of intent through due diligence, the purchase agreement and closing. 

Charlie's practical and commercial approach means he identifies the issues that materially affect the seller, protects negotiating leverage and focuses legal effort on what matters to the outcome. He regularly works alongside M&A advisers, accountants, tax advisers and other professionals to coordinate the transaction and keep it moving towards closing. On the $30 million sale of a steel fabrication business to a publicly traded company, Charlie acted for the seller alongside the firm's tax, real estate and employment lawyers.

Charlie also advises family-owned and closely held businesses on shareholder agreements, corporate governance, succession and the transition of ownership between generations. Many have significant real estate holdings or operating businesses held through complex corporate structures. He helps families address governance, ownership, liquidity and exit issues and works with the firm's tax, estates, real estate and employment lawyers where a matter requires expertise across disciplines.

Beyond M&A and family business matters, Charlie advises on secured lending and private financings, partnerships and joint ventures, corporate reorganizations and general commercial matters. He also acts for foreign businesses establishing or expanding operations in Ontario and supports the firm's affordable and social housing practice on corporate, financing and transactional matters.

Charlie gives clients a clear assessment of risk and a practical recommendation about what to do next. In negotiations, he is prepared to press firmly for his client's position while keeping the discussion constructive and focused on the commercial objective.