Anthony Paesano

“Clients need a business attorney who knows more than just the regulatory landscape. They need one who can help them identify which risks are worth taking while protecting enterprise value. Those are the conversations I have with every client on every deal.”

Businesses, investors, financial institutions, public companies, and boards of directors across Michigan turn to Anthony for practical guidance on mergers and acquisitions, dispositions, commercial finance, securities transactions, corporate governance and structuring, capital raising, public company matters, and regulatory compliance. A seasoned business, finance, and securities attorney, he leads a team of legal and strategic advisors as co-managing partner of the firm’s Detroit office.

Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate, and Commercial Finance

Anthony counsels public and private companies throughout the business lifecycle, from entity formation and strategic growth initiatives to acquisitions, financing transactions, ownership transitions, and exits. He regularly advises boards and board committees on corporate governance, fiduciary matters, investigations, and public company compliance.

His experience includes mergers and acquisitions, strategic business combinations, special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) and de-SPAC transactions, transaction structuring, business combination agreements, SEC registration and proxy disclosure matters, shareholder approvals, financing coordination, and post-closing implementation.

Anthony's commercial finance practice includes representing borrowers, lenders, investors, and business owners in debt and equity financing, acquisition financing, asset-based lending, real estate and construction financing, CMBS loans, and workout matters.

Securities, Regulatory Compliance, and Transfer Matters

Anthony represents issuers, investors, shareholders, and other market participants in public and private securities offerings, SEC reporting and disclosure matters, registration statements, capital markets transactions, securities-related disputes, and regulatory compliance issues. As a FINRA arbitrator, Anthony brings valuable insight into the practical and regulatory considerations that impact securities matters.

His experience includes Securities Act registration statements, exempt offerings, ongoing reporting obligations, and transaction-specific legal opinions. He regularly advises on Rule 144 transactions, Section 3(a)(10) exchanges, legend removals, registration exemptions, transfer-agent matters, valid issuance opinions, and related federal and state securities law issues.

Affiliated Business Arrangements

Anthony advises title agencies, mortgage and real estate businesses, brokerages, and investment entities on affiliated business arrangements and compliance under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and Regulation X.

His work includes structuring ownership, capital contributions, distributions, service arrangements, referral practices, and marketing relationships. He also represents clients in RESPA compliance reviews, investigations, and enforcement matters before the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and state regulatory agencies.

Why Clients Choose Anthony

• Capital Raising and Commercial Finance Counsel Backed by Complex Deal Experience. Anthony guides companies, investors, developers, and lenders through multimillion-dollar equity raises, Regulation D offerings, commercial lending transactions, construction financing, CMBS loans, and complex debt restructurings. He understands how capital is raised, deployed, and protected throughout a transaction.
• Business-Focused Securities Law and Regulatory Guidance. Anthony helps public and private companies and investors navigate securities offerings, SEC reporting obligations, disclosure requirements and regulatory compliance issues, enabling clients to pursue strategic objectives while managing risk and meeting evolving regulatory expectations.
• Drives Value Through Real Estate Development and Investment Strategies. Anthony positions clients for growth and long-term value creation through acquisitions, financing, development projects, opportunity zone investments, and public and private securities offerings supporting large-scale real estate ventures.
• Experienced Navigation of Cross-Border Business. Anthony advises domestic and international companies on cross-border transactions, foreign investments, joint ventures, and global expansion initiatives while managing the legal and business challenges that arise in global transactions.