John J. Schuster

PARTNER

John J. Schuster is a member of the Firm's corporate practice group.

John's practice is focused on corporate and securities work, representing both public and private issuers in connection with public and private securities offerings, bank and second lien financings, and general corporate and securities work, including ongoing Form 10-K and 10-Q reporting and disclosure requirements, and Sarbanes-Oxley and other compliance matters.

John has represented numerous issuers and investment banks in public and private financings, many involving highly leveraged entities. He has represented acquiring companies, acquired companies, lenders and financial advisors in connection with acquisitions and dispositions of public and private companies, and has defended public companies against tender offers and proxy contests.

John has represented public companies with respect to general corporate and SEC compliance matters, including Burlington Resources Inc. (and its predecessor The Louisiana Land and Exploration Company), Engelhard Corporation and Energy Partners, Ltd.

He has also assisted in developing Sarbanes-Oxley compliance programs for a number of NYSE-listed companies. He has also represented mezzanine lenders including DLJ Investment Partners, Credit Suisse's mezzanine loan fund, since 1999, Apollo Investment Corporation since 2004, the principals of Ares Capital Corporation since 2002 and GSO Special Situations Fund since 2005.

John participated in the formation of the middle market lending office of Banque Indosuez (now Calyon) and represented the Bank in approximately 100 financing transactions over 7 years, consisting of senior, mezzanine and/or equity financings.

• Representing A&P in its acquisition of Pathmark Stores, Inc.
• Representing Energy Partners, Ltd. in its defense against the unsolicited tender offer by Woodside Petroleum.
• Representing Validus Reinsurance, a new Bermuda reinsurance company, in connection with its initial public offering. Validus was sponsored by Aquiline Capital Partners and was initially capitalized with in excess of $1.0 billion at year-end and commenced underwriting on January 1, 2006.
• Represented the founders of Integro Ltd., global insurance brokerage and risk management services provider, and Integro itself, including its formation and initial capitalization. Integro was capitalized with in excess of $300 million in equity capital in April 2005.
• Represented the underwriters in the initial public offering of Toll Brothers, Inc. in 1988 and has served as designated underwriters' counsel since.

John became a partner in 1985.