As part of its Outstanding Growth Awards, ACG West Michigan honored two deals led by attorneys from Warner Norcross + Judd LLP as standout acquisitions.
The Association for Corporate Growth is a global organization with 60 chapters focused on driving middle-market growth. ACG West Michigan’s award decision process is based on deal size, value, complexity, potential for economic growth and the perseverance shown by the parties involved.
The Warner-led, award-winning transaction was:
- Deal of the Year Between $10 Million-$20 Million: Warner represented Harlo Products, a Grandville-based manufacturer of rugged, rough-terrain forklifts, in its sale to Wisconsin-based Borgman. The firm represented Harlo in all aspects of the transaction with a team led by Michael J. Jones with attorneys from nine practice groups, including tax, employee benefits, real estate and corporate.
Warner also represented a client in a transaction nominated in the Deal of the Year over $20 Million category:
- Deal of the Year over $20 Million: Warner represented DHE Plumbing and Mechanical, founded in 2005 by the Heyboer family, as it became 100% employee owned. Justin W. Stemple served as the lead attorney for the transition to an employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP.
In 2025, Warner was recognized by ACG for representing Macatawa Bank Corp. in its merger with Wintrust Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: WTFC) and Sage Direct in its sale to 5THGEN.
About Warner
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn or Facebook.
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