Biography
William (“Bill”) Sopp concentrates his practice on corporate transactions, commercial finance, business workouts and reorganization, and bank loan enforcement matters. He has developed an industry focus in consumer products, particularly in the food and beverage and fashion markets. Bill typically represents privately-owned companies, C-level executives, and investors in these areas. He is often enlisted in complex transactions, such as strategic acquisitions and joint ventures, and strives to recognize transformative opportunities for his clients.
In representing middle-market companies, their owners, and management teams, Bill delivers a strategic approach based upon three decades of legal and financial experience to assist his clients in achieving their business objectives. His focus on the middle-market emphasizes a sensitivity to the goals and dynamics of the ownership group, and the interplay between their personal goals and their business and financial strategies.
In serving as outside general counsel to technology, manufacturing, transportation, and media companies, Bill supports company leadership in preparing and implementing business plans for revenue and operational growth, enhanced profitability, capital sourcing and, ultimately, a successful exit. On the investment and institutional side, he advises numerous debt and equity funding sources in assessing and implementing transactions to fund market opportunities, as well as transforming distressed ventures.
Prior to entering the practice of law, Bill was a commercial loan officer with State Street Bank and Trust Company in Boston.
Experience
- Sale of PE/Founder-owned beverage manufacturing company to a global strategic purchaser.
- Sale of multiple New England based assisted living facilities from Fund/Founder owners to a national REIT acquirer.
- Sale of investment management and advisory firm to a national multi-platform financial advisory group.
- Sale of privately owned agri-business through a UCC Article 9 foreclosure transaction.
- Formation of a joint venture between a closely held technology developer and a global medical device manufacturer.
- Outside general counsel to family-owned consolidated transportation companies.
- Acquisition of regional beverage manufacturing plants and distributorships in the United States and Canada as a growth plan for a New England-based company.
- Negotiation of product development, manufacturing, and distribution agreements for numerous consumer products companies.
- Outside general counsel to various early-stage technology and media companies, focusing on areas of securing funding, technology development, licensing transactions, and exit opportunities for founders.
- Negotiation of multiple C-Level executive employment, equity, and separation transactions accompanying related company acquisitions or sales.
- Special counsel to niche restaurant developer for debt and equity expansion financing transactions.
- Value-based corporate and real estate acquisitions and reorganizations through Chapter 11.
- Advisor to Private Equity and Family Office funds in administration, funding, and disposition of distressed portfolio companies.
- Advisor to Boards of Directors in assessing duties and responsibilities concerning service to distressed companies.
Recognitions
- Multiple years, listed in Massachusetts Super Lawyers
- AV® Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
Affiliations
Memberships
- American Bar Association
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- Boston Bar Association
Bill serves as a leadership council for the Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston, as a member of the board of the RPC Social Impact Center of Boston, and as a member of the University of Rochester George Eastman Circle. He previously served on the board of trustees for the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts of Massachusetts.
Credentials
Admissions
- Massachusetts
- United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
Education
- Northeastern University School of Law, JD
- University of Rochester, BA, with distinction