Robert C. Gerlach is Chair of Ballard Spahr's Business and Finance Department. He focuses on public utility law and corporate and project finance.
Since joining Ballard Spahr in 1974, Mr. Gerlach has represented corporate clients and underwriters in financial transactions, including initial public offerings, registered and private debt financings, tax-exempt financings, project financings, asset securitizations, leveraged and synthetic leases, leveraged buyouts, and mergers and acquisitions. A significant portion of his practice is dedicated to assisting clients in innovative financings and the development of new financial products. His experience in these areas includes the federal securities laws, credit enhancement, and corporate indentures.
Since 1996, Mr. Gerlach has represented clients in electric industry deregulation, the creation of independent system operators, and the development of competitive electric markets. His practice in this area has focused on corporate, governance, finance, regulatory, contract, and disclosure matters. From 1997 to 1999, he served as general counsel and secretary of ISO New England Inc., the independent system operator of the bulk power grid and wholesale electricity markets in New England. Mr. Gerlach was also extensively involved in Pennsylvania electric deregulation initiatives, including the drafting of the Pennsylvania Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act, and in representing clients in stranded asset securitizations, including, in 1999, what was then the largest-ever U.S. asset securitization.