Lorain County's Largest Law Firm Adds A New Shareholder

From Wickens Law Firm: Wickens, Herzer, Panza, Cook & Batista Co. today announced the promotion of Christopher W. Peer to Shareholder, effective January 1, 2017. "We welcome Chris Peer as a new shareholder and director of WHP. Chris is experienced in a variety of corporate areas, including mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy, creditor's and debtor's rights and corporate finance. Recently, Chris was honored to receive the Turnaround Management Association's prestigious "Turnaround of the Year" Award. We are very pleased to introduce Chris as a future leader of our Firm," said Firm President Matt Nakon.

Mr. Peer is a member of the Firm's Business Organizations & Tax Department and serves on the Firm's Board of Directors. He advises clients on the legal implications of business and commercial decisions. His counsel to business entities includes work on contracts and leases, the Uniform Commercial Code, construction matters, employee matters, lending, mergers and acquisitions, vendor relationships, independent contractors, corporate formation, ERISA and tax matters, and legal aspects and implications from conducting sales of products and services.

Mr. Peer represents businesses with distressed debt concerns both in and out of bankruptcy, and advising on the need to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy. His debtor representations have resulted in successful reorganizations, equity solutions and business transitions. He also represents creditors and committees in Chapter 11 cases. His experience in distressed situations extends to lenders and related third parties.

Mr. Peer works with clients to provide customized contracts and agreements for use in corporate and commercial situations, including, without limitation, mergers and acquisitions, leases of machinery and equipment, distribution contracts, supply contracts, mortgages, security agreements, sales on consignment, sales-on-approval, bailee-bailor arrangements, real estate transactions, and other commercial transactions.

He enjoys representing new enterprises, assisting such companies to achieve their goals.

Mr. Peer also represents lenders in commercial transactions, from loan documentation to workouts and solution development. He frequently consults on lien and collateral issues, including those that arise under the Uniform Commercial Code. He represents construction-based clients, including design builders, owners, contractors, and subcontractors.

He has consulted with entities on ERISA and benefits related matters, focusing on plan design and implementation.

Mr. Peer was recognized in 2009 through 2013 as an Ohio Rising Star and has been selected to the 2014 through 2017 Ohio Super Lawyers list (Bankruptcy and Business/Corporate Law).

Photo Courtesy of WHP