Mark J.
Jahnke
Ask Mark Jahnke how he's doing, and he will tell you he's living the dream. And while every attorney knows on some days that might ring sarcastic, Mark regularly means it.
For him, the dream is the opportunity to work with clients to help them achieve their dreams. Because clients recognize that his level of care and concern is something unique, Mark is often asked to serve on client boards, advisory groups or in other capacities that allow him to work hand-in-hand with management to achieve business goals or navigate challenges and complexities.
While day-to-day client counseling frequently occupies a portion of Mark's workday, his reputation has been built on and staked to the special skill he brings to advising clients on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other major corporate transactions. Several times Mark has represented one party in a deal only to be hired later by the other party in connection with a separate transaction.
A long-time client describes Mark as “the kind of lawyer that every CEO dreams of hiring,” and the lawyer he would want on his side of the table in any negotiation. As that client recognized, Mark does not pretend to be an expert in every area, but involves the right people as needed to help clients avoid unnecessary legal adventures. This echoes Mark’s recognition in Chambers USA as an “astute business lawyer and negotiator who is very easy to deal with,” and who will "fight for the things that are important with great practical judgment and a sense of humor.”
From 2000-September 2020, Mark was the President and CEO of Katz Teller. Mark’s ability to bring out the best in those around him, along with his leadership and judgment, help to keep us focused on achieving the level of service our clients expect and deserve.
Awards and Honors
- Listed as one of the Best Lawyers in America® for Corporate Law and Mergers & Acquisitions every year since 1999
- Named “Lawyer of the Year” for Cincinnati in Corporate Law for 2012, 2014, 2017 & 2021 and Mergers and Acquisitions Law for 2012 & 2015 by Woodward/White’s Best Lawyers in America®
- Listed in Chambers USA – America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions
- Received the Neil H. McElroy Award from the United Way of Greater Cincinnati in 2008 for Resource Development Leadership
- Received the Deal Maker of the Year Award in 2007 from the Association for Corporate Growth
- Named an M&A Client Service All-Star by The BTI Consulting Group, Inc.
In addition to handling a variety of matters relating to business organizations, including owner/shareholder relationships, business succession and related issues, and representation of C-level private and public company executives, Mark has represented a number of our clients, including those identified below, in significant acquisition, recapitalization and disposition transactions:
- BASCO Manufacturing Company - represented the shareholders of BASCO in a sale to LIXIL Corporation
- Refrigiwear - represented the shareholders of Refrigiwear in a recapitalization transaction with Sentinel Capital
- Dayton Heidelberg Distributing - retained as special corporate counsel to design and lead a process resulting in the sale of Ohio's largest distributor of beer, wine and low-proof spirit's products to Redwood Capital
- Divisions Maintenance Group - represented the shareholders of DMG in a recapitalization transaction with Roark Capital Group
- ILSCO Corporation - represented the shareholders of ILSCO in a recapitalization transaction with ECM Industries, a portfolio company of Sentinel Capital Partners.
- Computerease Software - represented the shareholders of Computerease Software in a sale to Roper Technologies
- Cardinal Solutions Group - represented the shareholders of Cardinal in a sale to Insight Enterprises.
- Washing Systems - represented the shareholders and management team in a recapitalization transaction with Gryphon Investors
- Rough Brothers/RBI Solar - represented the shareholder in connection with a sale to Gibraltar Industries
- West Chester Protective Gear – represented the shareholders of West Chester Protective Gear in a recapitalization transaction with Protective Industrial Products, Inc., a portfolio company of Audax
- The Minster Machine Company – represented the fourth generation owners of this Ohio manufacturing business in a sale to Nidec Corporation
- The Estate of Austin E. Knowlton – represented this Estate in the sale of a 30 percent interest in the Cincinnati Bengals. Negotiated transaction with third parties and handled sale to Cincinnati Bengals through exercise of right of first refusal
- The Midland Company – represented the controlling family shareholders and principal executives in connection with the sale of Midland to Munich Re Group
- Paycor - represented the largest shareholder of Paycor in a recapitalization transaction with Apax Partners
Professional Memberships
Community Involvement
From 2019-2022, Mark was Chair of the Board of Trustees of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Cincinnati Children's is recognized internationally as a leader in pediatric medical clinical care, education and researchMark has led our firm’s United Way campaign for several years and has helped keep our firm as the community leader in terms of per capita giving. Mark and his wife, Karen, have chaired or co-chaired many United Way initiatives.
From 2005-2015, Mark was a member of the Board and Executive Committee and General Counsel for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.
Bar Admissions
- 1979, Ohio
Education
- Northwestern University School of Law, J.D., 1979
- The Ohio State University, Honors Program, B.A., M.A., 1976, summa cum laude