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Benjamin L. Mitchell

Benjamin L.

Mitchell

Overview

Ben Mitchell is a business lawyer who helps companies navigate complex transactions, protect valuable brands, and structure deals that drive growth.

About

Ben advises businesses across industries on mergers and acquisitions, franchise systems, trademark protection, and commercial contracting. He has guided public companies, private equity groups, family-owned businesses, and startups through transactions ranging from multimillion-dollar acquisitions and exits to early-stage financings. Clients turn to Ben for practical, deal-focused advice that balances legal protection with business objectives.

He also counsels companies through the unique regulatory requirements of franchise and gaming businesses. His experience includes advising on franchise sales spanning multiple states with complex regulatory considerations. He has also represented clients in online sportsbook agreements and sophisticated technology licensing arrangements. On all projects, Ben brings a collaborative approach aimed at creating value and closing deals efficiently.

Experience

Mergers & Acquisitions

  • Representation of OneWater Marine Inc. (NASDAQ: ONEW) in $125 million acquisition of Ocean Bio-Chem, Inc. (NASDAQ: OBCI)
  • Representation of OneWater Marine Inc. (NASDAQ: ONEW) in $185 million acquisition of T-H Marine Supplies, a leading manufacturer of boat parts and accessories
  • $140 million sale of oil and gas technology provider
  • $17 million acquisition of furniture manufacturer
  • $10 million acquisition of equipment distributor
  • Acquisitions of irrigation dealerships with $19 million total transaction value
  • Acquisitions of boat dealerships with total transaction value of $203 million
  • $46 million sale of yacht service center
  • $52 million sale of government defense contractor
  • $50 million sale of payment card processor
  • $66 million sale of ROW vegetation management company
  • $16 million sale of majority stake in hospitality company
  • $90 million sale of transportation and logistics company

Trademark

  • Trademark clearance, prosecution, and maintenance
  • Enforcement and dispute resolution
  • Buy-side trademark counsel in acquisition of major furniture brand and manufacturing operations

Franchise

  • National franchise counsel for franchisors in restaurant, education, and vacation rental industries
  • Counsel in franchise system acquisitions
  • Spin-off of franchisor operations
  • Buy-side and sell-side unit acquisitions

Gaming

  • Online sportsbook agreements, including market access, platform, and framework agreements
  • Contract templates and provisions library for major gaming and hospitality company
  • Local gaming counsel opinions for syndicated financings and payment processors
  • $7 million sale of casinos
  • $9 million casino real estate acquisition
  • $20 million offer to acquire casino

Other Transactions & Commercial Matters

  • $18 million investment in oil and gas technology provider
  • $20 million investment in nuclear facility development
  • $13.2 million technology license to municipal authority
  • Cannabis manufacturing, distribution, and marketing contracts
  • Startup venture finance
  • Lumber sales contract; sawtimber supply agreement
  • Software and IP license agreements
  • Service, purchase, supply, confidentiality, and other commercial agreements

Distinctions

  • BL Rankings, The Best Lawyers in America®
    • Franchise Law, 2023-2026

Bar Admissions

  • Colorado, 2008
  • Mississippi, 2013
  • U.S. District Courts
    • Mississippi: Northern, Southern
  • U.S. Court of Appeals
    • 5th Circuit

Education

  • Wake Forest University, J.D., 2008
    • Moot Court Board, Problem Book Editor and Competition Chair
  • The College of Wooster, B.A., Political Science, 2004
    • Phi Sigma Tau

Associations

  • American Bar Association - Forum on Franchising
    • Member, 2011 - Present
    • Technology Committee, 2014-2016
    • Corporate Counsel Committee, 2012
  • The Mississippi Bar - Intellectual Property, Entertainment & Sports Law Section
    • Executive Committee Chair (2022-2023), Vice Chair (2021-2022), Secretary (2020-2021), and Member at Large (2018-2020)

Papers, Presentations & Publications

Benjamin L.

Mitchell

Overview

Ben Mitchell is a business lawyer who helps companies navigate complex transactions, protect valuable brands, and structure deals that drive growth.

About

Ben advises businesses across industries on mergers and acquisitions, franchise systems, trademark protection, and commercial contracting. He has guided public companies, private equity groups, family-owned businesses, and startups through transactions ranging from multimillion-dollar acquisitions and exits to early-stage financings. Clients turn to Ben for practical, deal-focused advice that balances legal protection with business objectives.

He also counsels companies through the unique regulatory requirements of franchise and gaming businesses. His experience includes advising on franchise sales spanning multiple states with complex regulatory considerations. He has also represented clients in online sportsbook agreements and sophisticated technology licensing arrangements. On all projects, Ben brings a collaborative approach aimed at creating value and closing deals efficiently.

Experience

Mergers & Acquisitions

  • Representation of OneWater Marine Inc. (NASDAQ: ONEW) in $125 million acquisition of Ocean Bio-Chem, Inc. (NASDAQ: OBCI)
  • Representation of OneWater Marine Inc. (NASDAQ: ONEW) in $185 million acquisition of T-H Marine Supplies, a leading manufacturer of boat parts and accessories
  • $140 million sale of oil and gas technology provider
  • $17 million acquisition of furniture manufacturer
  • $10 million acquisition of equipment distributor
  • Acquisitions of irrigation dealerships with $19 million total transaction value
  • Acquisitions of boat dealerships with total transaction value of $203 million
  • $46 million sale of yacht service center
  • $52 million sale of government defense contractor
  • $50 million sale of payment card processor
  • $66 million sale of ROW vegetation management company
  • $16 million sale of majority stake in hospitality company
  • $90 million sale of transportation and logistics company

Trademark

  • Trademark clearance, prosecution, and maintenance
  • Enforcement and dispute resolution
  • Buy-side trademark counsel in acquisition of major furniture brand and manufacturing operations

Franchise

  • National franchise counsel for franchisors in restaurant, education, and vacation rental industries
  • Counsel in franchise system acquisitions
  • Spin-off of franchisor operations
  • Buy-side and sell-side unit acquisitions

Gaming

  • Online sportsbook agreements, including market access, platform, and framework agreements
  • Contract templates and provisions library for major gaming and hospitality company
  • Local gaming counsel opinions for syndicated financings and payment processors
  • $7 million sale of casinos
  • $9 million casino real estate acquisition
  • $20 million offer to acquire casino

Other Transactions & Commercial Matters

  • $18 million investment in oil and gas technology provider
  • $20 million investment in nuclear facility development
  • $13.2 million technology license to municipal authority
  • Cannabis manufacturing, distribution, and marketing contracts
  • Startup venture finance
  • Lumber sales contract; sawtimber supply agreement
  • Software and IP license agreements
  • Service, purchase, supply, confidentiality, and other commercial agreements

Distinctions

  • BL Rankings, The Best Lawyers in America®
    • Franchise Law, 2023-2026

Bar Admissions

  • Colorado, 2008
  • Mississippi, 2013
  • U.S. District Courts
    • Mississippi: Northern, Southern
  • U.S. Court of Appeals
    • 5th Circuit

Education

  • Wake Forest University, J.D., 2008
    • Moot Court Board, Problem Book Editor and Competition Chair
  • The College of Wooster, B.A., Political Science, 2004
    • Phi Sigma Tau

Associations

  • American Bar Association - Forum on Franchising
    • Member, 2011 - Present
    • Technology Committee, 2014-2016
    • Corporate Counsel Committee, 2012
  • The Mississippi Bar - Intellectual Property, Entertainment & Sports Law Section
    • Executive Committee Chair (2022-2023), Vice Chair (2021-2022), Secretary (2020-2021), and Member at Large (2018-2020)

Papers, Presentations & Publications