Brian A. Cromer

In today's dynamic business environment, companies of all sizes, from established public corporations to emerging new ventures, frequently encounter complex legal challenges related to transactions, finance, and corporate governance. For businesses operating in Kentucky, having a seasoned legal advisor who can navigate these intricate matters is essential for growth and stability. In Louisville, Kentucky, one attorney who stands out for his extensive experience and leadership in this critical area is Brian A. Cromer. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of his practice, designed to help local Kentuckians understand the valuable legal services he offers right here in the heart of the Commonwealth.

Brian A. Cromer is a distinguished Member of Stites & Harbison PLLC, a prominent law firm with a long-standing reputation for excellence across the region. He holds a significant leadership position within the firm, serving as the Chair of its Business & Finance Service Group. This role underscores his deep expertise and the trust placed in his guidance for critical business and financial matters. With a career spanning over three decades since his admission to the Kentucky Bar in 1990, Mr. Cromer has become a trusted counsel for some of the largest companies in the U.S. and those operating in the international arena.

Before embarking on his legal career, Mr. Cromer gained valuable practical experience working as a commercial banking officer for a major financial institution. This background provides him with a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of the financial intricacies that often underpin the legal challenges faced by his business clients. This combination of legal acumen and real-world financial insight allows him to offer comprehensive and highly effective solutions, whether he is advising on a multi-million dollar merger, structuring a complex corporate finance transaction, or guiding a new venture through its initial growth phases.

His broad range of experience extends to providing and organizing a variety of legal services for companies at all stages of their life cycle. He has represented clients in numerous business transactions where individual deal values ranged from $25 million to $1 billion or more, demonstrating his capability to handle transactions of significant scale and complexity. For Kentuckians, particularly those leading businesses or looking to invest, Brian A. Cromer's practice offers a sophisticated and reliable legal resource right in Louisville.

Brian A. Cromer's office is conveniently located within the prominent legal and business hub of downtown Louisville, Kentucky, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients throughout the city and beyond. The address is 400 W Market St #1800, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. This central location within a well-known building facilitates easy access for businesses and individuals seeking expert legal counsel.

Being situated in a key downtown area means the office is well-served by local transportation options, and various parking facilities are typically available nearby, making visits straightforward for clients. The professional environment of Stites & Harbison PLLC reflects the high standards of legal practice, providing a comfortable and confidential setting for discussing sensitive business and financial matters. This prime location also offers convenient proximity to other essential business services and financial institutions in Louisville, further enhancing its suitability for corporate clients.

Brian A. Cromer leads the Business & Finance Service Group at Stites & Harbison, offering a comprehensive suite of legal services tailored to the needs of various businesses, from large public companies to middle-market firms and new ventures. His expertise covers a broad spectrum of corporate and financial legal matters, including:

• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Representing both buyers and sellers in complex corporate transactions, including private equity-funded change of control transactions and strategic mergers and acquisitions.
• Corporate Finance Transactions: Advising commercial lenders and borrowers in multi-million dollar asset-based loan and financing transactions across diverse industries, such as manufacturing, technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer goods, and basic materials. This also includes counsel for global revolving credit facilities.
• Venture Capital and Private Equity Investments: Providing legal guidance for investments, including representing companies seeking capital and investors deploying funds in new ventures.
• Corporate Governance Matters: Advising on best practices for corporate boards, executive compensation, shareholder agreements, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Securities Offerings: Counseling on public offerings (IPOs) and secondary offerings, as well as private placement of securities.
• Business Services: Offering general corporate legal services for companies at all stages of their development.
• Real Estate Transactions (Investment Advisor Counsel): Representing major investment advisors in the disposition of large apartment communities and other commercial real estate matters.
• Formation of Investment Funds: Counseling management groups in the formation of hedge funds and offering of limited partnership units.
• Business & Corporate Law: Comprehensive legal advice on various aspects of business and corporate operations.

Brian A. Cromer's distinguished career is characterized by several key features and highlights that underscore his expertise and leadership in business and finance law:

• Chair of Business & Finance Service Group: His leadership role as Chair of this key service group at Stites & Harbison demonstrates his strategic influence and deep expertise in corporate and financial legal matters.
• Extensive Transactional Experience: He has represented clients in numerous business transactions with individual deal values ranging from $25 million to $1 billion or more, showcasing his capability to handle high-stakes and complex deals.
• Pre-Law School Banking Background: Before attending law school, Mr. Cromer worked as a commercial banking officer for a major financial institution, providing him with a unique and practical understanding of financial markets and business operations.
• Consistent Peer Recognition: Mr. Cromer has been consistently recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law since 2006. He was also selected to Kentucky Super Lawyers® from 2007-2014 for Mergers & Acquisitions, Securities & Corporate Finance, and Business & Corporate law.
• AV-Preeminent® Peer Review Rated: He holds the highest possible rating (AV-Preeminent®) from Martindale-Hubbell®, indicating exceptional legal ability and ethical standards as reviewed by his peers.
• Involvement in Major Transactions: His portfolio includes significant work such as U.S. counsel to a public company affiliate in connection with a £1.5 billion global revolving credit facility and advising on a $10 billion combination transaction resulting in the formation of a new public company.
• Community and Professional Leadership: Mr. Cromer is deeply involved in various civic and professional organizations. He serves on the Board of Directors of Greater Louisville, Inc. (where he's been on the Executive Committee and held office as Secretary) and chairs its Task Force on Tax Reform. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the University of Louisville, was a member and former President of The Lawyers Club, and was involved with 21st Century Parks.
• Client Testimonials: Clients commend his depth of knowledge and experience, particularly in his lending practice.

As a highly experienced and esteemed attorney specializing in complex business and finance law, operating within a major regional firm like Stites & Harbison PLLC, Brian A. Cromer's practice does not typically engage in "promotions" or "special offers" in the conventional retail sense. Legal fees are determined based on the specific nature, complexity, and duration of the legal services required for each client and transaction. However, the value offered by Mr. Cromer and his firm can be understood through the following key aspects:

• Strategic and Efficient Counsel: Mr. Cromer's extensive experience and deep understanding of business and finance enable him to provide highly strategic and efficient legal advice. This expertise can translate into significant long-term value for clients by facilitating smooth transactions, mitigating risks, and preventing costly future disputes.
• Comprehensive Solutions: His ability to provide and organize a wide range of legal services for companies at all stages of development means clients receive holistic counsel that addresses their diverse needs. This comprehensive approach can save clients time and effort in coordinating with multiple legal advisors.
• Access to a Full-Service Firm: As Chair of a key service group at Stites & Harbison, Mr. Cromer's clients benefit from the full resources and collaborative expertise of a large, full-service law firm. This includes access to specialized attorneys across various practice areas (e.g., tax, intellectual property, litigation), advanced research capabilities, and a robust support system, all contributing to superior legal service.
• Initial Consultations: While policies may vary, many reputable law firms offer initial consultations to prospective clients. This allows for an introductory discussion of legal needs and a determination of how Mr. Cromer's expertise aligns with the client's objectives. Prospective clients are encouraged to inquire directly about their consultation policy.

For precise information regarding fees or to discuss how his services can be tailored to your specific business and financial legal needs, it is always recommended to contact Brian A. Cromer’s office directly. Their professional team will be able to provide clarity and guidance.

For businesses and individuals in Kentucky seeking expert legal counsel in corporate, finance, or business-related matters from Brian A. Cromer, his contact details are as follows:

• Address: 400 W Market St #1800, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
• Phone: (502) 681-0440
• Mobile Phone: +1 502-681-0440

To ensure direct and efficient communication, it is recommended to use the provided phone numbers during business hours. The professional staff at Stites & Harbison PLLC will be able to assist with scheduling appointments, addressing initial inquiries, and connecting you with Mr. Cromer or the relevant legal team for your specific needs.

For businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors across Kentucky, particularly those navigating the complexities of corporate transactions, finance, and growth, Brian A. Cromer offers an exceptionally suitable and highly advantageous legal resource right here in Louisville. His practice provides a unique blend of deep expertise, strategic insight, and tangible experience that makes him an ideal choice for local legal needs.

Firstly, Mr. Cromer’s role as Chair of Stites & Harbison's Business & Finance Service Group signifies his top-tier leadership and comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape governing business operations and financial markets. For local companies, this means access to an attorney who is not only well-versed in the law but also actively shaping how it is applied, offering cutting-edge advice on everything from mergers and acquisitions to venture capital investments. His ability to handle multi-billion dollar transactions demonstrates a capacity that benefits businesses of all scales, providing robust and sophisticated counsel.

Secondly, his prior experience as a commercial banking officer provides him with an invaluable practical perspective. This isn't just about legal theory; it's about understanding the real-world financial implications and operational nuances of business decisions. For Kentucky businesses, this translates into legal advice that is not only sound but also commercially savvy, directly aligning with their strategic and financial objectives. This practical insight can be crucial in structuring deals and mitigating risks effectively.

Furthermore, Mr. Cromer's consistent recognition in prestigious legal publications and by his peers, alongside his active involvement in organizations like Greater Louisville, Inc. and the University of Louisville Board of Trustees, underscores his commitment to both legal excellence and community prosperity. For Kentuckians, this means engaging with a legal professional who is deeply invested in the economic health and development of their region, fostering a sense of shared purpose and trust.

Finally, the convenient location of his office in downtown Louisville ensures that this high-caliber legal expertise is readily accessible to businesses throughout the Commonwealth. Brian A. Cromer's practice offers local companies a strategic partner capable of navigating the most complex business and financial challenges, making him an invaluable asset for Kentucky's corporate landscape.