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John H. Spillman
Partner / AtlantaJohn H. Spillman is a Partner in the Corporate Practice of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP.
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Full Bio
Mr. Spillman counsels clients on corporate and transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, emerging company issues and international transactions. Mr. Spillman has represented both strategic and financial buyers and sellers, as well as sellers of family-owned and entrepreneurial businesses. He has also assisted numerous foreign companies entering the U.S. market through acquisitions and joint ventures. He has extensive experience in franchise law matters, including the purchase and sale of franchisors and multi-unit franchisees.
Mr. Spillman has been listed in Best Lawyers in America® from 2013 to 2017 and 2019 to 2023 for Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Law and has an AV® Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Mr. Spillman is a member of the Business and International Law Sections of the American Bar Association, as well as its Forum on Franchising. He is a member of the Board of HOPE Atlanta, an Atlanta non-profit. He is former board chair of Travelers Aid of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.
Mr. Spillman is a co-author of: M&A — Protecting the Purchaser and Global Venture Capital Transactions, both published by Kluwer Law International. He has spoken frequently at seminars and written articles on transactional topics. He attended law school at the University of North Carolina, where he served on the Law Review before graduating with honors. He received his undergraduate degree in International Studies from the University of North Carolina.
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Representative Experience
Representative transactions in which Mr. Spillman played a leading role include the following:
- $45 million sale of specialty textile manufacturing division on behalf of European client
- $30 million sale of family-owned medical products distributor to private equity purchaser
- $300 million acquisition of a Latin American beverage products company
- $150 million sale of U.S. consumer products company on behalf of a European client
- Acquisition of restaurant franchisor in bankruptcy on behalf of private equity buyer
- $220 million Portfolio sales of assisted living facilities by owner/operator
- Joint venture between U.S. defense manufacturer and a Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund
- Internal investigation for board of directors of national non-profit regarding press allegations of conflicts of interest and other improprieties
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Bar Admissions
Georgia -
Education
Undergraduate- University of North Carolina
Law School- University of North Carolina
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Languages
Spanish -
Recognitions
The Best Lawyers in America®, Atlanta, Corporate Law (2013-2017, 2019-2026)
The Best Lawyers in America®, Atlanta, Mergers & Acquisitions Law (2013-2017, 2019-2026)
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SGR Publications
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Press
- The Best Lawyers in America® Recognizes 105 SGR Attorneys in 2025 Edition
- Smith Gambrell Russell Advises Entek Solutions on Successful Sale to PremiStar
- SGR Partners Recognized in IFLR1000 Leading Lawyers for 2023
- The Best Lawyers in America® Recognizes 102 SGR Attorneys in 2024 Edition
- Smith Gambrell Russell Partners Recognized in IFLR1000 Leading Lawyers for 2022
- Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 91 SGR Attorneys in 2023 Edition
- Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 66 SGR Attorneys in 2022 Edition
- Smith, Gambrell & Russell Represents Latitude 27 Capital in Acquisition of JK Jewelry
- Smith, Gambrell & Russell Partners Recognized in IFLR1000 Financial and Corporate and M&A Rankings for 2020
- Best Lawyers in America© Recognizes 63 SGR Attorneys in 2021
- Smith, Gambrell & Russell Represents Astra Group in Sale to Equix
- Best Lawyers® Recognizes 45 SGR Attorneys in 2020
- Best Lawyers in America© Recognizes 34 SGR Attorneys in 2019
- Smith, Gambrell & Russell Partners Recognized IFLR1000 Elite Dealmakers for 2018
- Best Lawyers in America® Recognizes 25 SGR Attorneys in 2018