Benjamin D. Sharp

Ben helps established and emerging companies execute transactions, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, as well as general corporate matters.

Ben advises clients in negotiating and closing business transactions, primarily including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and other strategic transactions. In his practice, he manages substantial work streams for all ranges of transactions, from bolt-on acquisitions and product line carve-outs, to divestitures of substantial business units and transformational cross-border acquisitions. Ben works with companies from a variety of industries, including manufacturing, industrials, health care, technology, telecommunications and energy. Drawing upon his experience as a consultant, Ben brings a cross-functional approach to his legal practice. The result aligns the legal process to help clients achieve their financial, commercial and operational objectives.

Acquisitions

• A diversified manufacturing and innovation company in purchases of seven healthcare companies, ranging from more than $6 billion in transaction value to small, tuck-in acquisitions
• A major technology company in a significant cross-border tender offer for a leader in semiconductor electronics
• A major technology company in its purchase of an Internet of Things company
• A diversified manufacturing and innovation company in its purchase of a personal protective equipment company
• A diversified manufacturing and innovation company in its purchase of an industrial technology company
• A major technology company in its purchase of a semiconductor and software solutions company
• A global airline services company in its purchase of a company to expand its geographic portfolio

Divestitures

• A diversified manufacturing and innovation company in divesting 16 product lines or business units since 2014 with annual revenues ranging from $20 to $400 million in the following industries: health care, government, safety, consumer, electronics and construction
• A global energy company in a divestment program consisting of 25 midstream and downstream assets
• A software company in the sale of the entire company via six separate purchases of distinct business units
• A telecommunications company in the sales of its fiber optic and pay-as-you-go businesses

Joint Ventures

• An industrial manufacturing company conducting a retrospective study on its JV Operating Agreements, culminating in a playbook identifying negotiated deal points and strategies
• A major technology company in forming a joint venture, which was later wholly acquired, to strengthen its position as a market leader in 5G

Education

• University of Kansas School of Law, J.D., 2009
• London School of Economics and Political Science, M.S., 2005
• Kansas State University, B.S., 2003

Admissions

• Minnesota, 2009