Mr. Johnson’s recent work includes:
Proxy Contests and Other Shareholder Activism Matters
- Virtusa in its defense against, and entry into settlement agreement with, New Mountain Vantage Advisers
- LaSalle Hotel Properties in its defense of activist campaigns in connection with a hostile takeover
- Leaf Group in its successful defense of several activists campaigns
- Monotype in its successful defense of a threatened proxy contest by Starboard Value
- Cognizant in the negotiation of a cooperation agreement with Elliott Management
- PAREXEL in its defense of activist campaigns led by Corvex and Starboard Value
- iRobot in its successful proxy contest concerning board representation against Red Mountain Capital
- Brightcove in its successful defense of several activists campaigns
- Progress Software in its successful defense of a threatened proxy contest by Starboard Value
Mergers & Acquisitions
Mr. Johnson has substantial experience in the merger and acquisition area representing both buyers and sellers, including:
- Virtusa in its $2 billion sale to Baring Private Equity Asia in a "going private" transaction
- LaSalle Hotel Properties in its response to unsolicited public acquisition proposals from Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, leading to its proposed $4.8 billion sale to Blackstone in a “going private” transaction, and subsequent acceptance of topping bid from, and $5.2 billion cash and shares acquisition by, Pebblebrook Hotel Trust
- Leaf Group in its $323 million sale to Graham Holdings Company
- Control4 in its $680 million sale to SnapAV, a portfolio company of Hellman & Friedman
- Monotype in its $825 million sale to HGGC
- Imprivata in its $544 million sale to Thoma Bravo in a “going private” transaction
