George Martin focuses his practice on international mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic transactions, together with Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") matters. He has led transactions in over 35 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 recognized in the Guide to Leading Practitioners: China as one of the pre-eminent practitioners with expertise in mergers and acquisitions involving China. He also maintains a very active FCPA practice.
George served as Business & Corporate Services Group Head from 2009–11 and now serves on the Firm's Management Committee. He 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).
International Compliance Counseling & Investigations. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") diligence in M&A transactions and FCPA internal investigations, risk assessments, training and compliance counseling (including audits of third party intermediaries) have been core aspects of George's practice for many years. He has handled investigations and risk assessments throughout the Asia Pacific region (including China and India), Russia, Africa and other emerging markets, while developing FCPA training, compliance and audit programs for both publicly traded and privately held companies worldwide.
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 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.