Jim Birge focuses his practice on a variety of corporate transactions and economic incentive programs. He has significant experience providing counsel in strategic mergers and acquisitions in regulated industries such as advanced manufacturing, food and agriculture, life sciences and insurance. He represents high-growth companies in the area of corporate governance and on commercial and regulatory matters. He advises companies seeking economic or tax incentives for relocation or business expansion, and he assists both corporate and governmental clients in forming public/priate partnerships.

Prior to returning to Faegre Baker Daniels, Jim served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Joseph E. Kernan, working on economic development and government reform issues. He has experience representing public and private companies, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups. Areas of focus include:

• Corporate Finance — Jim advises clients in connection with seed and venture capital investments, mezzanine financing and commercial credit facilities.
• Mergers and Acquisitions — Jim represents buyers and sellers in acquisitions, mergers, and other business combinations.
• Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics — Jim works with advanced manufacturing transportation and logistics companies on supply agreements, sourcing arrangements, product liability disputes, economic incentive opportunities and employment relations.
• Life Sciences — Jim works with life science companies and investors on licensing, commercialization, financing, and other strategic issues.
• Economic Development — Jim advises clients on state and local economic incentive programs, including EDGE, training grants, property tax abatement, and the creation of TIF districts.
• Entrepreneurship — Jim counsels emerging businesses regarding formation, employment issues, equity structure, licensing and intellectual property matters, and acquiring investments.
• Sports and Entertainment — Jim works with sports and entertainment clients regarding marketing agreements, recording contracts, licensing, publishing deals and event sponsorships.

Representative Transactions

• Acting as mergers and acquisitions counsel to one of Indiana's largest agricultural seed distributors
• Acting as mergers and acquisitions counsel to the largest international private ambulance services provider
• Acting as mergers and acquisitions counsel to one of state's largest durable medical equipment companies
• Acting as mergers and acquisitions counsel to one of the largest national medical malpractice insurers
• Representing joint venture comprising one of the largest international food and beverage businesses and one of the largest European dairy providers to develop new products for U.S. distribution
• Representing one of the largest international pesticide and seed technologies companies in general corporate and regulatory matters
• Representing one of the largest international popcorn retailers in mergers & acquisitions and general corporate matters
• Representing the largest international bottle cap manufacturer in various commercial, intellectual property, and international matters
• Representing one of the world's largest orthopaedic device manufacturers in various commercial and regulatory matters
• Representing Honda North America in securing economic incentives for $500M manufacturing facility
• Representing Rolls-Royce North America in national search to create new $100M research & development facilities
• Representing the largest Chinese aluminum manufacturer in securing incentives for $140M aluminum extrusion facility
• Representing two of the largest, national multi-family housing developers on various corporate matters
• Representing Regional Transit Authority in development of governance/statutory structure for creation of regional mass-transit system
• Representing the State of Indiana in efforts to license lottery system for more than $1billion (potentially the first privatization of a state lottery in the nation)

Honors

• Indiana Super Lawyers — Rising Star, Business/Corporate, 2009 and 2011 
• Indianapolis Business Journal — Forty Under 40 Award, 2008
• Sagamore of the Wabash
• Junior Achievement's "Best and Brightest" Under Age 40 (Law), 2005
• Junior Achievement's "Best and Brightest" Under Age 40 (Government), 2004
• Order of the Coif
• Michigan Law Review — Editor
• Clarence Darrow Scholar

Civic Activities

• Arts Council of Indianapolis — Board of Directors
• Keep Indianapolis Beautiful — Board of Directors

Professional Associations

• Indianapolis Bar Association — Business Section
• Indiana State Bar Association — Business Section
• American Bar Association — Business Section

Presentations

• "Agency and Partnerships," Bar Preparation Lecturer, IBA Program, 2008

Publications

• "This Wheel's On Fire – Preventing Third Party Logistics Double Payment," Corporate Finance Newsletter, August 2008