Warner Norcross Partner, Client to be Honored by Association for Corporate Growth

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Oct. 20, 2016 - PRLog -- A partner and a client of Warner Norcross will be honored Thursday by the Association of Corporate Growth for their excellence in mergers, acquisitions and dealmaking over the past year.

Warner Norcross partner Michael J. Jones will be recognized as "Dealmaker of the Year" for his leadership and creativity in completing key transactions between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016. Firm client Crystal Flash will receive the "Top Deal" award in the middle-market category for its transition to an employee stock ownership plan, which was led by Warner Norcross partner Justin W. Stemple.

During his 12 years with the firm, Jones has led or assisted with more than 100 transactions involving billions of dollars in a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, automotive, energy, technology, software and furniture. He co-chairs the firm's Mergers and Acquisitions Practice Group and represents both large, publicly traded companies as well as privately held businesses.

Crystal Flash is being recognized for its establishment of an employee stock ownership plan to ensure the long-term future of the organization. After three generations of leadership, the family-owned energy company decided to transition its interest in the company to an ESOP model.

"Research has shown that employee-owned companies perform above industry averages," said Crystal Flash President Tom Olive. "Knowing our team members, that will be an easy standard for them to continue."

Warner Norcross provided counsel for establishing the ESOP, with Stemple serving as the lead attorney. The Michigan-based energy distributor's 250 employees became beneficial owners through the ESOP in 2016.

The ACG event will take place tomorrow at Studio D2D Event Center at 401 Hall St. SW in Grand Rapids. The event features a networking and cocktail hour, awards presentation and a strolling dinner.

About Warner Norcross

   By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP builds a better partnership with its clients.  Warner Norcross is a corporate law firm with 230 attorneys practicing in eight offices throughout Michigan:  Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Macomb County, Midland, Muskegon and Southfield.  To learn more, visit www.wnj.com, follow us on Twitter @WNJLLP or connect on LinkedIn.