John R. Pitfield
John Pitfield, co-chair of Choate’s Business & Technology Group, helps private equity and growth equity clients to maximize the value of their transactions and strategic initiatives. John excels in leading teams in mergers and acquisitions and public and private debt and equity offerings, bringing a unique business judgment to these matters. He regularly advises public companies on a range of disclosure, governance, and board level matters. Additionally, John has years of experience working with Canadian companies on a wide range of matters. A gifted collaborator, John utilizes Choate’s superior resources and expertise in the areas of intellectual property and healthcare to provide exceptional service to clients in the life sciences and health services industries.
John’s clients include a range of investors and operating companies – particularly in the health services, life sciences, and technology, media, and telecom sectors – including Bain Capital, Candescent Partners, Summit Partners, Haemonetics, Pegasystems, and Forrester Research.
Recognition
- Best Lawyers in America (2015-2025)
- Chambers USA (2018-2024)
- Best Lawyers in America: “Lawyer of the Year” for Securities Regulation Law (2016, 2020, 2024)
- The Legal 500: Leading Lawyer in Middle Market Private Equity Buyouts (2018-2024)
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers
Representative Engagements
M&A
- Creation Technologies in acquisition of IEC Electronics Corp (Nasdaq: IEC).
- Ecobee Inc. in sale to Generac Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GNRC).
- Global biotechnology company in acquisition of privately held company.
- Kadant Inc. (NYSE: KAI) in its acquisition of Key Knife and KWS Manufacturing.
- Summit Partners in sale of Reverb Holdings Inc. to Etsy Inc. (Nasdaq: ETSY)
- TVR Communications in sale to U.S. Hospitality Publishers, Inc.
Financings
Investor Side
- Bain Capital Life Sciences Fund in multiple growth equity investments, including ADARx Pharmaceuticals, Alkeus Pharmaceuticals and Cardurion Pharmaceuticals.
- Candescent Partners in multiple financings with a range of technology and health services companies.
- lululemon founder Dennis J. Wilson in formation of investor consortium to purchase Amer Sports Corporation.
Company Side – Private
- Cogito Corporation in convertible note and growth equity offerings.
- ENT Partners in growth equity financings.
- Forma Therapeutics in growth equity financing.
Company Side - Public Company
- Haemonetics in $500 million convertible note offering.
- LeMaitre Vascular in follow-on public offering.
- Pegasystems in $600 million convertible note offering.
Corporate Governance and SEC Reporting
- Advise multiple publicly traded companies in ongoing corporate governance and SEC reporting.
Publications and Presentations
- "Let's Make a U.S. Deal," co-author, Best Lawyers Winter Business Edition
- "Practical Tips for Canadian Companies Launching in the U.S. Market," speaker, Canadian Entrepreneurs in New England's 48hrs in the Hub
- “Proxy Statement Interactive Breakfast Seminar,” panelist, RR Donnelley
- “Practical Tips for Canadian Companies Launching in the US Market,” speaker, the Canadian Technology Accelerator and the Canadian Entrepreneurs in New England's 48 Hours in the Hub
- “Q&A With Choate’s John Pitfield,” featured, Securities Law360.
Professional and Community Involvement
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Boston Bar Association
- Former Co-Chair and Member, Fenway Health Board of Visitors
Education & Credentials
- University of Toronto Law School
- LLB, 1997
- Queen's University
- BA, 1994, first class distinction
Admissions
Massachusetts