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Robert Stead
OVERVIEW

Robert R. Stead

Partner

Grand Rapids

171 Monroe Avenue NW
Suite 1000
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2694

Ann Arbor

24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive
Suite A-3300
P.O. Box 511
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

P 616-742-3995

F 616-742-3999

Bob Stead represents buyers and sellers in merger, acquisition and disposition transactions, and regularly provides comprehensive strategic counsel to the firm’s business clients. Understanding the pressures of running a business and committed to making a difference for his clients, Bob applies a deep business and tax background to counseling business owners and professionals. Bob is known for having his client’s back and is appreciated for clearly explaining viable options that help clients shape their future while mitigating risk.

OVERVIEW

Bob Stead represents buyers and sellers in merger, acquisition and disposition transactions, and regularly provides comprehensive strategic counsel to the firm’s business clients. Understanding the pressures of running a business and committed to making a difference for his clients, Bob applies a deep business and tax background to counseling business owners and professionals. Bob is known for having his client’s back and is appreciated for clearly explaining viable options that help clients shape their future while mitigating risk.

In addition to representing privately held companies in transactions and as counsel, Bob also advises startup companies and established businesses interested in pursuing debt and equity funding to fuel their growth and expansion. 

Leveraging firsthand in-house experience as general counsel to a multibillion-dollar foodservice distribution business with operations in the U.S. and Canada, Bob is a seasoned counselor who helps clients drive strategic development and lead change within their organizations. His industry experience is diverse and includes representing enterprises engaged in the oil and gas exploration, energy conservation, biofuels, office furniture, food distribution and automotive industries. 

A consensus builder and effective negotiator, Bob seeks to understand all points of view and the why behind each constituent’s position and reasoning. This helps him to solve problems and negotiate desired results for his clients. An active listener who is smart and empathetic, Bob works diligently to weigh options and help his clients make the decisions needed to realize their objectives.

Professional and Community Involvement

Board member, World Affairs Council of Western Michigan

Past board member and president, Association for Corporate Growth West Michigan 

Member, American Bar Association Section of Taxation (Committee on S Corporations; Committee on Closely-Held Businesses; and Pass-Through Entity Task Force) 

Member, American Bar Association Section of Business Law (Committee on Negotiated Acquisitions) 

Former chair and current member, State Bar of Michigan Taxation Section 

Member, State Bar of Michigan Agricultural Law Section 

Member, State Bar of Michigan Business Law Section 

Member, Grand Rapids Bar Association 

Adjunct professor, Graduate Tax Program, Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University

Honors

Crain's Grand Rapids, West Michigan’s 200 Most Influential Leaders, 2023-2024 

Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers, 2022-2024 

Grand Rapids Business Journal's Notable West Michigan Lawyers, 2023 

Michigan Super Lawyers, 2008-2009 

The Best Lawyers in America, 2008-2025; Lawyer of the Year, 2017, 2025 

Chambers USA, 2018-2019 

Leading Lawyers, 2016-2025

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