Kimberly J. Schaefer

Kim is a partner in the Vorys Cincinnati office, specializing in mergers and acquisitions.  For the last 25 years, she has focused her practice on providing practical corporate advice to public and private companies, including strategic buyers and private equity, across a range of industries.  Kim's practice revolves around delivering comprehensive legal counsel to her clients, encompassing areas such as banking, securities, franchising and general corporate matters.  She provides strategic guidance and representation throughout the entire spectrum of corporate legal matters, including mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, and public and private securities offerings.  Kim has been recognized by various publications for her exceptional skills in navigating complex transactions.  She leverages her deep understanding of legal intricacies, regulatory frameworks and market dynamics to safeguard her clients' interests and facilitate successful outcomes.

Representative transactions include:

• Representing Jones Fish Hatcheries & Distributors in its acquisitions of Aqua Services, Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource and Advanced Technical Aquatic Control
• Representing Snow Commerce, a leading ecommerce solution provider, in its acquisition by Printful
• Representing Jones Fish Hatcheries & Distributors in its growth strategy with a private equity firm and subsequent strategic growth acquisitions
• Representing the Sherwin-Williams Company in its acquisition of Tennant Coatings, a national cleaning equipment and coatings systems manufacturer
• Representing the Sherwin-Williams Company in its acquisition of Randolph Products, a manufacturer of military specification and general industrial products
• Representing a private technology company in the sale of a majority of its interests to a private equity firm
• Representing First Defiance Financial Corp. in its $70.3 million acquisition of Commercial Bancshares
• Representing a public Midwest regional financial services holding company in its private placement of $40.0 million with follow-on $5.0 million rights offering
• Representing public company clients in initial public offerings, going private transactions, corporate disclosures, and Securities and Exchange Commission compliance and reporting
• Assisting financial services companies with complex financial regulations, trust preferred offerings and supervisory actions
• Assisting financial institutions in negotiating vendor contracts and complying with vendor management requirements

Kim has spoken publicly on pitfalls in and preparation for mergers and acquisitions, cybersecurity and data breach response plans, vendor contract management, executive compensation, whistleblower and internal controls, as well as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and customer privacy.

Kim received her J.D. magna cum laude from the Duke University School of Law where she was a staff editor for the Journal of Law and Contemporary Problems.  She received her B.S. summa cum laude from Miami University.

Honors & Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America, Corporate Law, 2013-2025; Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2020-2025

Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Securities and Corporate Finance, 2012-2013

Lead Cincinnati Women of Influence, Class of 2013

Cincinnati Business Courier Forty Under 40, August 2008

One Hundred Wise Women, 2008-2009

IFLR1000 Corporate & Financial List, M&A – highly regarded (Ohio), 2020

Professional & Community Activities

Crossroad Health Center, Board Member, 2024

ACG Cincinnati, Board of Directors, 2017 to present; Secretary, 2018 to present

ACG M&A Roundtable Member, 2015 to present

ACG Cincinnati, Women’s Committee Chair, 2015 to present

Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, WE Lead Class III, 2008-2009

Cincinnati Ballet, Member, Board of Trustees, 2009-2011