John T. Blatchford

John Blatchford guides public and private companies, emerging and startup businesses, institutional investors, underwriters and corporate boards on raising capital, buying and selling businesses and managing complex corporate governance and compliance matters.

Operating across industries such as technology, manufacturing, consumer products and financial services, John’s clients are often based in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With deep technical knowledge of corporate and capital markets law, as well as a clear understanding of business strategy, John helps companies raise capital through IPOs, high-yield debt, convertible notes and structured finance. He also helps clients navigate the complexities of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, as well as comply with securities and regulatory requirements and execute sophisticated cross-border financing deals.

As Co-Chair of Vedder’s Securities & Capital Markets Group and with more than 30 years of financing experience, John approaches transactions with a big-picture perspective, ensuring legal strategies align with and promote broader business goals. His extensive background representing public companies, boards and financial institutions in high-profile deals allows him to offer valuable insights into capital markets, corporate governance and cross-border transactions.

Experience

• Represented LeddarTech in its business combination with Prospector Capital Corp. and concurrent listing on the Nasdaq National Market in a transaction valuing LaddarTech at a pro-forma equity value of $348 million
• Represented ACCO Brands Corporation in a Rule 144A offering of $575 million of Senior Unsecured Notes due 2029
• Represented Century Aluminum Company in a Rule 144A offering of $250 million of Senior Secured Notes due 2029 and a concurrent Rule 144A offering $86.25 million of 2.75% Senior Convertible notes due 2028
• Represented the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of EXFO Inc. in the “going private” sale of the company to its controlling stockholder
• Represented Ace Hardware Corporation in the acquisition of The Daily Grommet
• Represented Calamos Asset Management Inc. in the “going private” sale of the company to its founder and controlling stockholder
• Represented Wilo USA LLC, a subsidiary of Wilo SE, in the acquisition of the operating assets of QuantumFlo, Inc.
• Represented Air Canada in approximately 10 transactions since May 2020 raising combined gross proceeds in excess of $12 billion, including term loan credit facilities, revolving credit facilities, secured and unsecured notes offerings, common stock offerings, convertible notes offerings and enhanced equipment trust certificate transactions secured by fleet aircraft