Yannick Godeau Email & Phone Number

Decisive, independent executive level legal officer and business partner with strong business acumen, a high level of analytical skills and 20 plus years of corporate legal experience. Driven to lead complex legal transactions and create strategic alliances with organization leaders, effectively aligning and supporting key business initiatives, adding value, controlling costs, and managing risks. Adapt quickly to new opportunities and challenges, consistently demonstrating resourcefulness, integrity, and flexibility in evolving environments.Seasoned adviser to boards of directors, senior management, and other stakeholders at all management levels, translating legal, governance, compliance and regulatory requirements into clear guidance.Provide ongoing direction on all matters impacting business corporations, including corporate governance, continuous disclosure and regulatory filings; Assess known or anticipated risks and implements company-wide strategies to respond to and mitigate such risks; Facilitate conflict resolution.Extensive expertise in leading and performing domestic and international due diligence processes; Effectively lead, negotiate, draft, and execute all closing documents pertaining to merger & acquisition transactions. Partner with operations and sales teams to negotiate and draft complex contractual agreements relating to supply chain, vendor, sales, banking, IT and IP; Leverage business acumen and legal expertise to structure win-win agreements that resolve issues which may otherwise restrict or limit business transactions; Ensure compliance.Oversee all registration and management of trademarks, copyrights, and other IP related matters; Ensure compliance with contractual requirements and enforce contractual terms as necessary.Direct, draft, and implement company policies and procedures pertaining to all legal, governance, compliance, safety, and HR matters. Partner with HR, finance, accounting, R&D, supply chain, and other key departments in risk management, costs control measures and overall strategic planning.CORE ACCOMPLISHMENTS• Manage all corporate governance and disclosure related matters on behalf of publicly traded companies.• Successful handling and completion of more than 90 merger & acquisition transactions on behalf of several acquirers. • Successful handling and management of a portfolio of more than 120 commercial leases.• Representation in complex commercial and employment related litigations, both in-house and through partnership with outside counsel.

Listed skills include Mergers And Acquisitions, Intellectual Property, Strategic Partnerships, Corporate Governance, and 8 others.

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  Legal Affairs And Corporate Secretary

  Quincaillerie Richelieu Ltée/Richelieu Hardware Ltd

  Jan 2014 - Present - Montreal, Canada Area

  Quincaillerie Richelieu Ltée / Richelieu Hardware Ltd. (TSX:RCH) is a leading North American distributor, importer and manufacturer of specialty hardware and complementary products showing annual revenues north of $1.4 billion, and a market capitalization exceeding $2.7 billion. Its products are targeted to an extensive customer base of manufacturers and retailers, including renovation superstores. Richelieu offers its more than 90,000 customers a broad mix (over 130,000 SKU) of high-end products sourced from select manufacturers worldwide and made available through a network of 104 distribution centres within North America (47 located in Canada and 57 within the continental United States). • Execute upon Richelieu’s disciplined acquisition strategy, having negotiated, documented, performed domestic and international due diligence processes, and subsequently closed, more than 34 strategic acquisitions throughout North America over an 8-year period.• Manage a large commercial real estate portfolio; Prepare, negotiate, and draft all commercial lease agreements; Review applicable statutory and local ordinances to ensure continued compliance; Collaborate with commercial real estate industry professionals; Support and provide advice on insurance portfolios. • Hands-on conflict resolutions with a goal of early resolution without expensive litigation; Manage company-wide litigation portfolios (contractual, product liability, general liability, employment) and alternative dispute resolution processes; When required, hire appropriate litigation counsels and direct activities; Provide direction throughout pleadings, discover, pre-trial, trial and settlement phases of litigation. Maintain relationships with local and national law firms while streamlining legal spending.• Perform as lead point person on intellectual property management, litigation activities, regulatory compliance, and employment law.