Robert L. Kahan

Robert L. Kahan
Partner
Corporate

Biography

Robert Kahan has been practicing corporate transactional law in Los Angeles for more than 50 years. He has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, equity, tax, securities, and other business transactions. But his focus and his passion is representing entertainment and lifestyle brands—brands that shape popular culture—including well-known restaurant chains, athletes, celebrities, and other influencers. As validation of his success and client satisfaction, he has represented some of his clients for more than 40 years.

Bob’s work is often behind the scenes, supplementing and supporting other lawyers and business managers so they can provide their high-profile clients with seamless and discrete full service. He takes pride in, and great satisfaction from providing his niche business, tax, and equity legal services in stealth mode. For example, law firms and wealth managers servicing the entertainment industry often turn to Bob for his sage advice as they structure, negotiate, and draft significant deals on behalf of their celebrity and sports clients.

Among Bob's clients are entrepreneurs throughout the life of their businesses, high-net-worth individuals with regard to their business interests, private equity firms in conjunction with their portfolio company investments and sales, and mid-market companies. He also represents franchisors and franchisees, licensing companies, entertainers, athletes, and high-profile social media influencers, helping them ink lucrative licensing and endorsement transactions, sponsorship deals, and joint ventures.

Experience

  • A Los Angeles-based private equity firm in a multimillion-dollar acquisition of a minority interest in the preferred stock of a Vancouver-based health food company.
  • A Los Angeles-based private equity firm in a multimillion-dollar acquisition of 65 percent of the common stock of an Orange County-based, mineral-based cosmetics company.
  • A Los Angeles-based private equity firm in the acquisition of a 15-percent preferred stock position in a northern California-based, high-end tea and tea products manufacturer.
  • A Los Angeles-based private equity firm in a multimillion-dollar acquisition of preferred stock of a Los Angeles-based, all-natural pet food brand.
  • An Academy Award-winning film director, producer, and screenwriter in the sale of partial ownership in a major sports franchise.
  • An Academy Award-winning filmmaker in the purchase of a theater property along with other filmmakers.
  • A prominent TV actor in the launch of a spirits brand.
  • Celebrity influencers in a number of transactions including the formation of a branding company.
  • A famous film actress in the launch of a food brand.
  • A TV actor and personality in a special effects joint venture.
  • A well-known actress, writer, and producer in connection with investment in two restaurants.
  • A sports executive in connection with the formation of a new sports concept.
  • A pharmacy in connection with its sale to a public company.
  • A personal management company in connection with a strategic sale.
  • A well-known entertainer in connection with the formation of a multifaceted entertainment business joint venture.
  • Restaurant industry veterans in a securities offering in connection with a new restaurant concept.
  • High-profile and entertainment clients in non-entertainment corporate transactions.
  • A consumer product producer in its sale of assets to a private equity firm.
  • A business management and accounting firm in connection with numerous acquisitions.
  • A client in the sale of its fitness certification business to a strategic buyer.

News & Views

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Recognitions

  • 2024, "Entertainment Business Visionary," listed by Los Angeles Times B2B Publishing
  • 2006–2025, Corporate Law in Los Angeles, listed in Best Lawyers in America©
  • 2006–2023, Securities / Capital Markets Law in Los Angeles, listed in Best Lawyers in America©
  • 2012, “Lawyer of the Year: Securities/Capital Markets Law,” awarded by Best Lawyers in America© 
  • 2011, “Who’s Who in L.A. Law,” listed by Los Angeles Business Journal
  • AV Preeminent®, listed by Martindale-Hubbell®

Affiliations

Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
Professional Activities

Bob is an active member of various legal associations. He is the past chair of the California State Bar Franchise Law Committee and past vice chair of the California State Bar Executive Committee, Business Law Section. He previously served as a member of the International Franchise Association’s Legal/Legislative Committee.

Bob is also actively engaged in pro bono service and formerly served on the board of directors for the Tony Hawk Foundation and the Suzanne Somers Foundation. He is a former member of the board of directors of Drop in Center in Santa Monica and a former board of trustees member for both the Landmark School and Windward School. He is also a former member of City of Hope, Inner Circle, and the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.

Credentials

Admissions

  • California

Education

  • UCLA School of Law, JD
  • University of California, Santa Barbara, BA

A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolades are based can be found here.

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