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Practice Areas

Education

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., M.B.A., 2005

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.A., Economics, 2001

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

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Finance and Corporate Attorney

Michael focuses on banking and finance matters and routinely represents financial institutions, borrowers, agents, sponsors, mezzanine providers and other investors (both regulated and nonregulated) in a wide range of financings and structures. They include bilateral, syndicated deals, secured and unsecured credit facilities, first lien/second lien credit facilities, mezzanine financings and cross-border financings. Michael also helps investors consummating equity co-investments and equity “kickers.”

Michael’s experience encompasses leveraged buyout and leveraged recapitalization loans, asset-based loans, distressed debt financings, including debtor-in-possession (DIP) financings, and real estate financing. His practice also focuses on representing lenders and borrowers on workouts and restructuring of troubled credits.

Additionally, Michael advises companies on different areas of corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, and serves as the outside general counsel for numerous companies assisting them with respect to day-to-day business issues.

Chambers USA, which ranks top lawyers and law firms, notes that Michael “is adept at representing both borrowers and lenders in a wide variety of financing transactions. Peers highlight his rising profile in the market and identify him as a good lawyer.” Interviewees further declare him to be “an expert at debt instruments” whose “interface with lenders is extremely helpful.”

Experience

Represented Fabco Holdings, Inc. in sale of product portfolio and related technologies to Meritor. Negotiated transaction documents and advised on employee benefit, union, intellectual property and financing-related matters.

Represented borrowers with locations in the United States and Canada (including Quebec) in connection with a multi-currency syndicated secured credit facility, featuring a revolving loan facility with a swingline and letter of credit sublimits ($210 million).

Represented borrowers (family office-owned) in a multi-bank acquisition financing transaction featuring a revolving loan facility with a swing line and a term loan ($95 million).

Represented lead lender in a multi-bank acquisition financing transaction, involving senior and subordinated positions ($55 million).

Represented lead lender in a multi-bank financing transaction, including an accordion feature ($50 million).

Represented lead lender in a multi-bank workout of an automotive supplier ($33 million).

Represented borrowers (private equity-owned) in a financing transaction involving senior and subordinated positions ($31 million).

In re Goodrich Quality Theater, Inc. (Bankr. W.D. Mi. 2020) (regional movie theater chain) (represented senior agent and lenders of $30 million in pre-petition workout and subsequent Chapter 11 sales of substantially all of the borrower’s assets, including representing agent and lead lender in debtor-in-possession financing facility).

In re Clio Holding Company, et. al. (Bankr. Del. 2020) (national building supplier) (represented senior agent and lenders of $26 million in pre-petition workout and subsequent Chapter 7 sales and liquidation, negotiating a cash collateral agreement with the Chapter 7 trustee, overseeing the sale of the borrower’s operating assets in a series of going-concern sales and the collection of over $8 million in outstanding accounts receivable).

Sale of a privately owned automotive supplier to a publicly traded company.

Acquisition of a large portfolio of national cellular phone retail locations.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Banking and Finance Law, 2022

Chambers USA©: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, recognized practitioner

DBusiness©, Top Lawyers, Banking and Financial Services Law, since 2020, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2021. 2023

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Leaders in the Law, 2021

Professional Affiliations

Association for Corporate Growth, Detroit

Turnaround Management Association, Detroit

Young Presidents’ Organization, Mid-America Chapter

Community Involvement

Detroit Regional Chamber, Leadership Detroit, Class XXXIX

“Varnum is the best firm in town. Mike Romaya is a tremendous attorney.”

Senior vice president, financial Institution

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