Thomas Palmer

Thomas Palmer

Partner

503.802.2018
tom.palmer@tonkon.com

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Services & Industries

Education

J.D., Cornell Law School, 1976

B.A., Hamilton College, 1973

Bar & Court Admissions

Oregon State Bar
New York State Bar
District of Columbia Bar

Tom specializes in securities and corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and private placements. General corporate counseling — including representation of special committees of directors, corporate governance issues, and SEC reporting and disclosure matters — is an important part of his practice. Tom was the Chair of Tonkon Torp’s Corporate Finance & Transactions Practice Group from 1994 through 2018.

Representative Matters

In re Stayton SW Assisted Living, L.L.C. (the Consolidated Sunwest Related Entities)

(Bankr. D. Or.) – Tonkon represented debtor, Stayton SW Assisted Living, L.L.C., and over 700 substantially consolidated affiliates, in a Chapter 11 proceeding that resulted in a confirmed Plan of Reorganization. The biggest and most complex bankruptcy case ever filed in Oregon, the consolidation, restructuring and $1.2 billion sale involving over 700 of Sunwest entities demanded legal expertise in bankruptcy, securities, tax, real estate, corporate governance, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulated industries and commercial transactions. Al Kennedy and Tim Conway worked with a team of Tonkon lawyers and paralegals who developed and executed a complex resolution that restructured obligations owing to over 90 secured lenders, sold 146 senior living facilities (including approximately 1,200 tenant-in-common interests held by investors), and resulted in distributions to creditors and investors exceeding 100% of their claims.

Key Technology, Inc.

Representation of Key Technology, Inc. in its sale for $175 million to Duravant LLC through a tender offer followed by a merger.

First Mortgage Bond Offering

In November and December 2020, Tonkon Torp represented PGE in its offering of $230,000,000 First Mortgage Bonds in two tranches ($160,000,000, 1.84% Series due 2027 and $70,000,000, 2.32% Series due 2032).

Successfully Navigated DOJ Antitrust Concerns for NORPAC Foods Bankruptcy

Tonkon represents NORPAC Foods, Inc. and its affiliates as debtors-in-possession in their chapter 11 bankruptcy cases. The case has included two major asset sales, the first of which caused the United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division to withhold approval and investigate potential anticompetitive impacts and other antitrust violations. Tonkon worked with the DOJ through its investigation by submitting voluntary document productions, offering key witnesses for interviews, and submitting white papers on various legal issues. The DOJ eventually closed its investigation without taking any action and the sale proceeded without incident.

Sale of Industrial Production Facility and Related Technology

Representation of sellers in $100 million+ sale of industrial production facility to private equity buyer. Operating company recognized to have the best available technology for the manufacturing of its industrial products.

Nike Sale to Iconix Brand Group

Represented Nike, Inc. in connection with the sale of Official Starter brand assets to Iconix Brand Group for $60 million.

Nike Sale to Kohlberg & Co.

Represented Nike, Inc. in connection with the sale of NIKE Bauer Hockey, Inc. to Kohlberg & Co. for $200 million.

Nike Acquisition of Starter

Represented Nike, Inc. in connection with the acquisition of Starter for $43 million.

Sale of Store

Represented shareholders of a store in a sale of 100% of the company’s stock.

Facilitation of Key Technology Merger

Represented Key Technology in its acquisition of Belgium-based Visys N.V. The deal, valued at approximately $21 million, created a single, complete source of high-performance digital sorting technologies for food processing and other industrial markets. The transaction involved substantial due diligence regarding intellectual property litigation matters and the acquisition of a company partially owned by Belgian regional government entities. 

Meridian Rail Holdings Corporation Stock Acquisitions

Represented The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. in connection with acquisitions of stock of Meridian Rail Holdings Corporation for approximately $230 million.

Acquisition of UpWind Solutions

Represented Vestas, the world's largest manufacturer of wind turbines, in the $60 million acquisition of UpWind Solutions, Inc., an independent service provider for wind turbines in nine US states.

Acquisitions of Operating Assets

Represented The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. in connection with acquisitions of operating assets of Rail Car America, Inc. (RCA), its American Hydraulics division, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Brandon Corp., for $34 million.

Acquisition of Assets of American Allied

Represented The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. in connection with acquisitions of assets of American Allied and related entities for $83 million.

Policy Development

Assisted international athletic footwear company with crafting and implementing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with new child abuse reporting legislation.

Nike Stock Sale

Represented Nike, Inc. in connection with the sale of the stock of its United Soccer Leagues subsidiary to NuRock Soccer Holdings.

CytoDyn Inc.

Representation of the placement agent in $14.5 million PIPE transaction by CytoDyn Inc.

Enel Green Power North America, Inc.

Representation of Enel Green Power North America, Inc. in its acquisition of Demand Energy Networks, Inc., an energy systems software provider.

Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Filing for Health Care Client

Completed a Hart-Scott-Rodino premerger filing with the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission for Moda Health’s $155 million stock sale to Delta Dental of California.

Methes Energies International, Ltd.

Representation of the underwriters in the initial public offering by Methes Energies International, Ltd.

NORPAC Foods, Inc.

Representation of NORPAC Foods, Inc., debtor-in-possession in its chapter 11 bankruptcy case, in a DOJ antitrust review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. The DOJ closed its investigation without taking any action and the sale of NORPAC proceeded without incident.

TASER International, Inc.

Representation of TASER International, Inc. in its initial public offering

Tonkon Torp Helps Malarkey Roofing Company Construct a Billion-Plus Sale Strategy

Tonkon Torp guided client Herbert Malarkey Roofing Company through a successful $1.35 billion stock sale to Switzerland-based Holcim Group, one of the world’s largest building products companies. The deal secured a place as one of Oregon’s largest M&A transactions in 2021.

Tonkon Torp-Led Sale of NORPAC Foods, Inc. Named Global 2020 M&A Deal of the Year

The Tonkon Torp-led sale of NORPAC Foods, Inc. has been named an M&A Deal of the Year ($100MM-$250MM) in the 19th Annual M&A Advisor Awards, which selects the finest deals and professionals within the global M&A and Turnaround industry annually.

Tonkon Torp Pilots Smooth Landing in Columbia Helicopters Sale

Tonkon Torp led one of Oregon’s most notable M&A deals of 2019 for its client, Columbia Helicopters. Founded in 1957, Columbia Helicopters, Inc. (CHI) is one of Oregon’s most recognizable brands.

Tonkon Torp Leads Moda Health Through Corporate Restructure and $155 Million Sale

Tonkon Torp led client Moda Health through its high-profile corporate restructure and $155 million stock sale to Delta Dental of California.

Tonkon Torp Leads Sale of Pendleton Whisky Brands for Hood River Distillers

In early 2018, Tonkon Torp concluded the $205 million sale of the Pendleton Whisky brands by its client Hood River Distillers, Inc. (HRD) to Proximo Spirits, whose international portfolio of spirits includes Jose Cuervo tequila. HRD was Oregon’s first distillery, and one of Tonkon’s original clients.

Tonkon Torp Brings Attorney Power to Renewable Energy Transaction

Tonkon Torp client Enel Green Power North America (EGPNA) is the North American subsidiary of one of the largest corporations in the world, the Italian electricity company Enel S.p.A. Here’s how we helped EGPNA in a renewable energy acquisition.

Tonkon Torp Represents Vestas in Acquisition of UpWind Solutions

Tonkon Torp represented its client Vestas, the world’s largest manufacturer of wind turbines, in the acquisition of UpWind Solutions, Inc., an independent service provider for wind power plants in nine US states. The $60 million acquisition furthers Vestas’s strategic objectives for its North America service business.

Diverse Team Aids Greenbrier in Joint Venture

Tonkon Torp acted as Oregon corporate counsel for its long-term client The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. in finalizing a 50/50 joint venture with Watco Companies, L.L.C. The venture combines the two companies’ railcar repair, refurbishment and maintenance businesses into a new organization, GBW Railcar Services, LLC.

Tonkon Torp and Law Firm Alliance Partner Facilitate Key Technology Merger

Tonkon Torp represented Key Technology in its acquisition of Belgium-based Visys N.V. The deal, valued at approximately $21 million, created a single source of high-performance sorting technologies for food processing and other industrial markets. Find details and more featured cases here.

Local Firm Snags Megadeal: Case Doesn’t Faze Midsize Law Office

Tonkon Torp is featured in an article in the April 2011 issue of the ABA Journal. The firm’s work on the Sunwest bankruptcy case is the topic of the story, which discusses our representation of Clyde Hamstreet, the Chief Restructuring Officer for the case. The Sunwest bankruptcy concluded with a $1.2 billion deal, which was the culmination of one of the biggest and most complex bankruptcy cases of its kind ever filed in Oregon.

Untangling the Sunwest Bankruptcy

In August 2010, Blackstone Real Estate Advisors closed a $1.2 billion deal to acquire 134 senior living properties from bankrupt Oregon-based Sunwest Management, formerly the country’s fourth largest (and largest privately-held) senior living operator. Tonkon Torp represented the Chief Restructuring Officer of Sunwest in this deal, which was the culmination of one of the biggest and most complex bankruptcy cases of its kind ever filed in Oregon.

Exploring Lewis and Clark College’s Perfect Storm

When the President of Lewis & Clark College made an unauthorized $10.5 million loan to an oil company that eventually defaulted on the loan, Tonkon Torp was asked to investigate.

Community Involvement & Activities

National Association of Corporate Directors
Board of Directors
Member

The Society of Corporate Secretaries & Governance Professionals
Member

Technology Association of Oregon
Member

Association for Corporate Growth – Portland
Board of Directors, Past Member

Business for Culture & the Arts
Board of Directors, Past Member
Governance Committee, Past Chair

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oregon Chapter
Board of Directors, Past Member


Professional Memberships

American Bar Association
New York City Bar Association
Multnomah Bar Association

The Best Lawyers in America

2008-2024, Corporate Governance Law
2008-2024, Corporate Law
2008-2024, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
2008-2024, Securities/Capital Markets Law
2012-2024, Securities Regulation
2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, Lawyer of the Year – Corporate Governance Law, Portland
2020, Lawyer of the Year – Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Portland
2013, 2018, 2024, Lawyer of the Year – Securities Regulation, Portland
2016, Lawyer of the Year – Securities/Capital Markets Law, Portland

Chambers USA

2005-2023, Corporate/M&A

Read More

Super Lawyers

2006-2023, Oregon Super Lawyer – Mergers & Acquisitions

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Best Lawyers in America® Includes 49 Tonkon Torp Attorneys on 2024 List

Forty-nine Tonkon Torp lawyers representing 36 practice areas have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024. All of the attorneys have been previously named to the peer-review list, and most have been listed for more than 10 years.

Two Tonkon Torp Partners Named Portland Lawyer of the Year

Two Tonkon Torp partners have been named 2024 Portland Lawyer of the Year in their respective specialties by The Best Lawyers in America peer-review survey. Only one lawyer per specialty in a community is honored as Lawyer of the Year. Sherrill Corbett was honored as Portland Lawyer of the Year for her work in Corporate Governance Law while Thomas Palmer was honored for his work in Securities Regulation.

39 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Honored on 2023 Super Lawyers Lists

Thirty-nine Tonkon Torp attorneys in 12 practice areas have been included in the 2023 Oregon Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists.

Chambers USA 2023 Ranks 26 Tonkon Torp Attorneys

Chambers USA has recognized 26 Tonkon Torp attorneys in eight practice areas in its Chambers USA 2023 Guide.

Five Tonkon Torp Partners Named Portland Lawyer of the Year

Five Tonkon Torp partners have been named 2023 Portland Lawyer of the Year in their respective specialties by The Best Lawyers in America.

All News Items

SEC Proposes Limited Expansion of Accredited Investor Definition

In December 2019, the Securities and Exchange Commission proposed amending the definition of “accredited investor” under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933. Currently, there are eight different categories by which a natural person is deemed an accredited investor, including individuals whose net worth exceeds $1 million and those with income in excess of $200,000 in each of the two most recent years.

SEC Adopts Disclosure Modernization Amendments

The US Securities and Exchange Commission recently adopted useful housekeeping rule amendments that reduce outdated, redundant, and unnecessary disclosures.

Proposed Regulation Crowdfunding: Who Wants to Be a Crowdfunding Platform? Part II

On October 23, 2013, the SEC proposed rules governing the offer and sale of securities through “crowdfunding.” If adopted, these rules would permit companies to raise capital by selling small amounts of equity to large groups of investors via regulated, online crowdfunding platforms. Crowdfunding platforms are necessary because companies looking to undertake a crowdfunding offering can only do so through an intermediary that has registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, the organization that currently oversees, among other things, securities brokers.

Proposed Regulation Crowdfunding: Few Surprises and Possibly a Step Forward – Part I

On October 23, 2013, the SEC proposed rules governing the offer and sale of securities through “crowdfunding.” If adopted, these rules would allow issuers to raise capital by selling small amounts of equity to a large number of investors via regulated Internet crowdfunding platforms.

SEC Proposes CEO Pay Ratio Disclosure Rules

On September 18, 2013, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved proposed rules requiring the disclosure by public companies of the median annual total compensation of all employees of the company, the annual total compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, and the ratio between the two. Companies would need to disclose this pay ratio in proxy statements, information statements, registration statements and annual reports. The proposed rules are an effort to implement Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

All Alerts Items

Publications & Presentations

“SEC Proposes Limited Expansion of ‘Accredited Investor’ Definition, Tonkon Torp Legal Alert, February 2020

Moderator, “The Role of In-House Counsel in M&A Transactions,” Oregon Association of Corporate Counsel, May 2019

“SEC Adopts Disclosure Modernization Amendments,” Tonkon Torp Legal Alert, April 2019

Moderator, “Expect the Unexpected – How to Communicate Uncertainty While Maintaining Credibility,” Oregon Association of Corporate Counsel, May 2018

“To Be or Not to Be an Equity Crowdfunding Portal?” Mar. 2016

Roundtable Chair, “Governance Priorities for Small-Cap Public Company Directors,” National Association of Corporate Directors, Northwest Chapter, Nov. 2015

Moderator, “Brand Protection in the Transactional Context,” Association of Corporate Counsel, Oregon Chapter, Sept. 2015

“2013 Reforms Regarding Private Offerings,” Moss Adams LLP, Nov. 2014

“Entrepreneurs Forge Ahead with ‘Crowdfunding’ Alternatives,” Daily Journal of Commerce, August 2013