Craig J.
Knobbe

Craig regularly advises clients on a variety of commercial legal issues in the areas of franchise and distribution, real estate, corporate, brewing and distilling, and trademark law. In his practice, he often acts as lead outside general counsel to his clients, helping them navigate through the complex legal issues in their transactions. Craig has over 18 years of legal experience and, before joining Moye White, was an attorney at multiple large national and international law firms.

Franchise & Distribution

Craig advises clients ranging from small start-ups to publicly traded companies in a variety of industries on franchise and distribution issues. This representation includes drafting and registering franchise disclosure documents (domestically and internationally) and advising clients on disclosure issues, registration laws and franchisee relationship issues.

Craig also guides his clients on a broad variety of corporate, trademark, and real estate concerns. Additionally, Craig regularly counsels private equity funds, franchisors, and large multi-unit operators on the regulatory issues, due diligence process, and related matters in connection with mergers and acquisitions in the highly-regulated franchise environment. These merger and acquisition transactions range in size from the purchase and sale of small franchise systems to the acquisition of large international franchise companies valued up to $1 billion.

Real Estate

Craig has extensive experience assisting clients with their real estate needs. This experience includes drafting and negotiating leases for properties located in a variety of developments (shopping centers, office buildings, mixed-use developments and light industrial), negotiating purchase and sale agreements, drafting and negotiating development agreements, and providing guidance on a variety of other real estate matters. Craig has also counseled multiple large investors on real estate issues related to low-income housing tax credit projects.

Corporate & Business

In his business practice, Craig regularly advises his clients on a variety of corporate matters. This advice and assistance includes negotiating purchase and sale agreements, entity formation, and advice on corporate structure, asset purchases, assistance with commercial and vendor contracts, and day to day concerns. Craig has experience negotiating complex contracts, partnership agreements, commercial loan documents, consent agreements and assignments, and advising companies on gift card programs, and related regulatory issues.

Brewing & Distilling

Craig assists restaurateurs and brewing clients with various and complicated legal issues that arise in the operation of their businesses. This includes assisting clients with corporate issues related to the acquisition of liquor licenses, construction of new facilities in connection with expansion efforts, real estate and leasing needs, negotiating vendor contracts to produce beer bottles, and addressing liquor license violations. Craig also previously managed a national liquor counsel portfolio for a large, industry leading quick-serve restaurant chain.