P. Christian Anderson

Business and Finance, International, Life Sciences/Technology, Mergers and Acquisitions/Private Equity, Securities

Paul Christian (Chris) Anderson is a partner in the Business and Finance Department and a member of the Mergers and Acquisitions/Private Equity, Life Sciences/Technology, Securities, and International Groups. He practices primarily in the areas of business, securities, and international law.

Mr. Anderson has an extensive background in venture capital transactions for emerging-growth companies. He assists business clients in dealing with the many commercial issues they need to address as they progress through the growth cycle. He works with high-technology and biotech companies, as well as businesses in more traditional industries.

Mr. Anderson represents high-technology companies in the initial stages of development and represents more mature companies in public and private financings, acquisitions, dispositions, recapitalizations, mergers, and other complex commercial transactions and agreements. He assists clients in corporate structuring, establishment of commercial and strategic relationships, international expansion, and franchising matters.

Representative Matters

• Represents numerous venture capital funds, groups, and investors in connection with the structuring and negotiation of debt and equity investments in emerging-growth companies
• Represents emerging growth companies engaged in fields such as biosciences, health care, computer software, internet marketing, manufacturing, and information technologies, both in connection with venture capital investments and with respect to the many other legal issues and commercial transactions such companies typically encounter
• Represents entrepreneurs in the establishment of business alliances and the formation and development of new business ventures
• Represents technology-based companies with respect to both in- and out-bound licensing to facilitate commercial development
• Represents established businesses in connection with the negotiation of complex commercial contracts
• Serves as an adviser and expert witness with respect to business development and venture capital issues

Pro Bono Experience

Mr. Anderson represents numerous nonprofit and public-interest groups as a way of contributing to the community and assisting worthwhile ventures in reaching out to underserved segments of society. His pro bono clients include Utah MicroEnterprise Loan Fund, Spring City Arts, Central Utah Art Center, and University of Utah Tanner Dance Program.

Professional Activities

American Bar Association

California State Bar Association

Utah State Bar
Member and past President, International Section; Member and past President, Securities Section; Member, Business Law Section

Recognition & Accomplishments

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, corporate/M&A law, highest ranking (band one), 2006-2011

The Best Lawyers in America, corporate governance law, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions law, private funds/hedge funds law, venture capital law, 2007-2012

Publications

"Understanding Venture Capital Terms," Launch Magazine

Speaking Engagements

Mr. Anderson is a frequent lecturer on topics relating to the formation and financing of new businesses, venture capital investments, commercial transactions, and director and officer responsibilities. He recently participated in seminars presented to angel investor groups, university technology transfer professionals, university entrepreneurship programs, and Utah entrepreneur groups.

Community Activities

Utah Business Corporation Act Revision Committee, former chairman (at the time of drafting and adoption of the Utah Revised Business Corporation Act)

Board Memberships

Central Utah Art Center
University of Utah Tanner Dance Program
Weilenmann School of Discovery

University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law (J.D. 1978)

University of Utah (B.A. and certificate in Latin American Studies, 1976)

Languages

Spanish (fluent)

California

Utah