麻豆直播

麻豆直播
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John A. Simon

Partner

John A. Simon focuses his practice on national corporate restructuring, insolvency, bankruptcy, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial contract matters. He frequently represents buyers and sellers of companies, borrowers, debtors-in-possession, creditors’ committees, shareholders, customers, suppliers, landlords, and other constituents in complex, high-stakes, troubled-company situations.

Representative Experience

John has helped many clients achieve success in transactional and litigation matters in the restructuring and insolvency arena as well as in their strategic acquisitions and customer and supplier relationships. His representative engagements include the following matters:

  • Representing the official committee of unsecured creditors in the chapter 11 case of a large multinational automotive interiors supplier; pending in Delaware.
  • Representing a publicly traded alternative energy automotive manufacturer and supplier in connection with its chapter 11 case and successful sale, preserving value for constituents.
  • Representing critical suppliers in several cases, including the Takata and UCI International chapter 11 cases.
  • Primary mergers and acquisitions counsel to a US $2bn publicly traded international fashion company, including in transactions across the United States and cross-border acquisitions in Mexico and Canada, including licensing matters.
  • Represented the nation鈥檚 largest honey distributor as a chapter 11 debtor, achieving exit from bankruptcy and transition to new private equity owner within 90 days after filing under a pre-negotiated chapter 11 plan.
  • Achieved a successful purchase of a high-technology energy grid power management company for a private-equity-backed purchaser in a 363 sale in the Western District of Texas.
  • Represented a multinational consumer packaging company as stalking horse purchaser in a 363 sale in Delaware.
  • Represented the City of Detroit in its chapter 9 bankruptcy case with respect to disputed claims.
  • Represented US $1bn petroleum distributor as stalking horse purchaser in section 363 acquisition of supply business.
  • Represented US $4bn publicly traded manufacturing company as stalking horse purchaser in section 363 purchase of business line from an automotive supplier.
  • Represented several large multistate manufacturing companies that were debtors in possession in selling their assets pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code.
  • Representation of the official committee of unsecured creditors in the chapter 11 case of the world’s largest producer of flexible solar panels.
  • Representation of the official committee of unsecured creditors in the chapter 11 case of a publicly-traded bank holding company with a network of banks throughout the country.
  • Assisted the out-of-court restructuring of a national aftermarket automotive part distributor.
  • Assisted the chapter 11 restructuring of one of the world鈥檚 largest producers of ductile castings to the automotive industry, with approximately US $1bn in annual revenues.
  • Assisted the out-of-court restructuring of a broadcasting company with operations in several states.
  • Assisted the chapter 11 sale of a major plastic parts manufacturer with annual revenues of approximately US $2bn.
  • Represented the committee of unsecured creditors in the bankruptcy of one of the country鈥檚 largest subprime auto loan servicers, with over US $1.8bn in loans under management.
  • Represented the committee of unsecured creditors in the chapter 11 case of an automotive supplier with over US $500m in annual revenues.
  • Defended a former shareholder, officer, and director from a US $36m lawsuit brought by a creditors鈥 committee in connection with a failed leveraged buyout transaction.
  • Represented a “big four” accounting firm in connection with its engagements in various chapter 11 cases around the country.
  • Assist companies in various industries, including automotive, manufacturing, and food sectors, with their supply contracts.
  • Represent creditors in a variety of bankruptcy and creditors鈥 rights matters, including the enforcement of rights under the Uniform Commercial Code and the defense of avoidance actions brought by bankruptcy estates in adversary proceedings and the representation of customers and suppliers of troubled companies in critical supply disputes.
  • Represent parties in interest in connection with many of the nation鈥檚 largest bankruptcy cases, including: GST Autoleather, Inc., Takata Holdings US, Payless Shoes, The City of Detroit, Revel Casinos, Patriot Coal, Dynegy, Broadview, Delphi Automotive, Tronox, Metaldyne, General Motors, Chrysler, Dana Automotive, Dura Automotive, Rescap, Nortel Networks, Hostess Brands, American Airlines, Kodak, Tropicana Casino, Washington Mutual, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Awards and Recognition

  • Lead attorney for the team that won the 2025 M&A Advisor Consumer Discretionary Deal of the Year for the Bankruptcy 363 Sale of Wireless Advanced Vehicle Charging
  • Stand-out Lawyer,聽Thomson Reuters (2025-2026)
  • Selected by his peers for inclusion in聽The Best Lawyers in America庐 in the fields of bankruptcy and creditor/debtor rights, insolvency, and reorganization law (2016-2024)
  • Named to聽DBusiness Top Lawyers (2016, 2018, 2025)
  • Named winner of the 2017聽M&A Advisor Materials聽Deal of the Year
  • Received the 2017聽M&A Atlas聽Special Situation M&A Deal of the Year for his representation of Quantum Fuel Systems, Inc. in its chapter 11 case and sale to Douglas Acquisitions pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code

Affiliations

  • Member, The American Bankruptcy Institute
  • Member, Turnaround Management Association
  • Member, The Association for Corporate Growth
  • Member, The Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan

Presentations and Publications

  • 鈥淎utomotive Restructuring in the U.S. and Europe,鈥 2025 American Bankruptcy Institute International European Insolvency Symposium, October 27, 2025
  • 鈥淭hriving Through Economic and Geopolitical Shifts in the Luxury and Lifestyle Industry鈥 麻豆直播 Fashion, Apparel and Beauty Team Summit Panel, September 30, 2025
  • 鈥淣avigating in Stormy Economic Seas: How to Protect and Maximize Your Interests in Dealing with Financially Distressed Companies,鈥 ACC Conference, Michigan, November 21, 2019
  • 鈥淎re Your Suppliers in Trouble? Warning Signs and What to Do,鈥澛Industry Week, February 26, 2019
  • 鈥淐ritical Concepts in Lender Liability,鈥 American Bankruptcy Institute Central States Conference, June 13, 2015
  • 鈥淒irectors鈥 and Officers鈥 Fiduciary Duties in the Context of Insolvency and Bankruptcy,鈥 University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, April 6, 2015
  • 鈥淐ommonly Negotiated Issues in DIP Financing,鈥 American Bankruptcy Institute Central States Conference, June 12, 2014
  • “Michigan’s Local Government and School District Fiscal Accountability Act of 2011,”聽Lawyers Weekly,聽Vol. 25. No. 40, August 15, 2011
  • “Commentary: Lenders Seek Alternatives to Foreclosures,”聽Michigan Lawyers Weekly, August 13, 2010
  • “Navigating Disinterestedness and Disclosure Issues in Multiple Debtor Representations,”聽American Bankruptcy Institute Journal, September 2008
  • “‘Gift’ Arrangements in Chapter 11: A Viable Tool?”聽Michigan Bar Journal, July 2008
  • “Potential Limitations On Rights of 鈥楲oan To Own鈥 Financiers To Credit Bid In Chapter 11,”聽Stout Risius Ross Journal,聽Fall 2007
  • “Not Business As Usual: Initial Business Bankruptcy Lessons Under BAPCPA 2005,”聽Michigan Business Law Journal,聽Fall 2006
  • In re Morris: Is the Sixth Circuit Inviting Real Estate Constructive Trust Claims in Bankruptcy Cases?”聽Michigan Real Property Review,聽Spring 2002
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March 12, 2026 麻豆直播 In Fashion

Restructuring the Runway: How Chapter 11 363 Sales Are Reshaping Fashion and Beauty

Recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings by Saks Global Holdings, LLC on January 13, 2026, and Eddie Bauer LLC on February 9, 2026, underscore the continued financial stress facing companies across the fashion and beauty sector. Consumer inflation, financial uncertainty, reduced discretionary spending, tariff exposure, inventory and supply chain disruptions, shifts in customer behavior driven by the growth of ecommerce, and higher borrowing costs have placed sustained pressure on traditional operating models.
December 9, 2025 In the News

John Simon Quoted on Bankruptcy Trends in Beauty Industry

麻豆直播 & Lardner LLP partner John Simon is quoted on bankruptcy trends in the beauty industry in the Glam article, 鈥淢akeup And Beauty Companies That May Not Be Around Much Longer.鈥
November 19, 2025

麻豆直播 Recognized at 24th Annual M&A Advisor Awards

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March 31, 2025 麻豆直播 In Fashion

麻豆直播 FAB Launches The Laws of Fashion: What鈥檚 Trending in 2025

Our team is committed to staying ahead of the curve 鈥 our The Laws of Fashion: What鈥檚 Trending in 2025 dives deep into the latest case law, highlights key cases to watch, and provides insights into impactful trends and emerging challenges. We have crafted this guide to help you navigate both the opportunities and uncertainties that lie ahead.
March 26, 2025 Deals and Wins

麻豆直播 Advises Ideanomics in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Proceedings and 363 Sale

麻豆直播 & Lardner LLP is advising Ideanomics, Inc. and its subsidiaries in their jointly administered Chapter 11 Bankruptcy cases in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.聽
February 20, 2025 Deals and Wins

麻豆直播 Advises Steve Madden in Agreement to Acquire UK-based Kurt Geiger

麻豆直播 & Lardner LLP served as U.S. legal advisor to Steven Madden, Ltd. (Nasdaq: SHOO), a leading designer and marketer of fashion footwear, accessories, and apparel, in its entry into a definitive agreement to acquire UK-based footwear and accessories brand Kurt Geiger for an enterprise value of approximately GBP 289M in cash.