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© 2012 Dorsey & Whitney LLP

  • Harvard Law School (J.D., 1975), Board of Editors, Harvard International Law Journal,
    1974-1975
  • University of Nebraska, Lincoln (B.A., Journalism, 1971), with distinction, Phi Beta Kappa

  • Minnesota
  • Registered Foreign Lawyer, England & Wales

James F. Pedersen

Partner
Minneapolis
P: (612) 340-7894
F: (612) 340-2868
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Partner in the Corporate group since 1995, Mr. Pedersen is co-Chair of Dorsey's European practice.  Previously, Group Head, International Corporate, 1996-2000.  Practice involves a variety of international corporate law matters with emphasis on international transactions, including product distribution, technology transfers, licensing, mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and divestitures, and international benefits law.

Mr. Pedersen has acted as lead counsel in a broad array of multi-country, complex mergers and acquisitions for both United States and European clients.  He has advised clients in the IT, software, medical device, bio-tech, manufacturing, automotive, logistics, financial services and travel services industries, including representation of both strategic and private equity buyers, sellers and investors.

Representative Transactions


Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Counsel to The Valspar Corporation in a 23 country asset swap of Valspar’s inks business for the can coatings business of DIC Corporation of Japan together with the purchase of all of the share capital of DIC Coatings India Ltd. 
  • Counsel to CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc. in the acquisition of Walker Logistics Ltd. and its group companies
  • Counsel to FSI International Inc. in the sale of 29% of its shares in M.FSI Ltd. to Yasuda Enterprise Development and Mizuho Capital Ltd.
  • Counsel to Rochester Medical Corporation in the purchase of the UK urological business of Coloplast A/S.
  • Counsel to Sintex Industries Ltd. in the acquisition of a majority of the share capital of Wausaukee Composites, Inc.
  • Counsel to CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc. in the purchase of the share capital of Hirdes Gebruder GmbH 
  • Counsel to Capman Invest A/B in the acquisition of Dedert Corporation 
  • Counsel for IDS Group plc in its sale to Schroeder Ventures LLC 
  • Counsel for Gyrus plc in the acquisition of Smith & Nephew’s ENT surgical business 
  • Counsel for Donaldson Company in connection with the acquisition of the DCE Group from Invensys Plc 
  • Counsel for Nilfisk A/S in the acquisition of the commercial equipment cleaning business of Electrolux A/B
  • Counsel for Carlson Companies, Inc. in connection with the merger of Carlson’s business travel operations with the business travel operations of Accor, S. A. to form Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
Joint Ventures
  • Counsel for Carlson Companies, Inc., in connection with a joint venture with Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-lits et du Tourisme, S.A. for business travel services
  • Counsel for H.B. Fuller Company in a joint venture with EMS - CHEMIE Holding AG in area of adhesives and sealants for the automotive industry
International Stock Incentive Plans
  • Counsel for United Airlines and H.B. Fuller Company with respect to international ESOP and trust arrangements
  • Counsel to United Airlines, eFunds Corporation, Pentair Inc., Cargill Inc., and CH Robinson Worldwide with respect to international employee stock purchase plans and international stock option plans

Professional Activities

  • Member, American Bar Association, International Law and Practice Section, and Corporations, Banking and Business Law Section
  • Member, the Law Society of England and Wales
  • Director, Minnesota International Center (1996-2002)
  • Member, Minnesota State Bar Association, International Business Law Section and Corporate Counsel Section
  • Member, Swedish American Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota