Bio: Michael Platner serves as Chair of Lewis Brisbois’ Corporate Practice Group. Mr. Platner works with clients to develop and execute business savvy legal strategies for businesses from early stage through maturity and sale or merger, with a view towards maximizing benefit to their owners and investors. As an experienced corporate and finance “deals” lawyer and strategist, Michael often acts as primary outside counsel to middle market companies owned by private individuals , investment and private equity firms, and public companies. He also manages litigation matters strategically in the context of how the ultimate business goals can best be achieved and financial statement impacts and business solutions considered. His practice is focused on helping companies and their owners build value and manage risk. Michael also has personally founded or been an early stage investor in several businesses, particularly in software, internet infrastructure, new media and cloud computing, providing significant additional understanding important to entrepreneurs and Venture Capital investors. Michael speaks regularly nationally and abroad on applying merger and acquisition and partnering strategies to create value and liquidity and reduce or eliminate conflict.