Centreville, DE | Hockessin, DE | Kennett Square, PA | West Chester, PA
724 Yorklyn Rd #100
Hockessin, DE 19707
302-239-3700
Business and Corporate Law
Matthew C. Cooper
Matthew C. Cooper
Partner – Business and Corporate Law
Matthew Cooper is a corporate attorney focused on small- to mid-market mergers and acquisitions, representing buyers and sellers across a wide range of industries throughout the Mid-Atlantic. He regularly advises business owners on sell-side transactions involving both private equity-backed and strategic buyers, and he also represents financial and strategic buyers in acquisitions, roll-ups, and growth-driven transactions.
In addition to M&A, Matthew serves as outside general counsel to closely-held and middle-market companies, advising on entity formation, contract drafting and negotiation, governance, buy-sell agreements, and business disputes. Clients rely on Matthew for clear, commercially-grounded advice that keeps transactions moving, identifies issues early, and manages risk without slowing deal momentum. He is viewed as a pragmatic business advisor to many companies in the region.
Matthew also maintains a niche practice in private securities offerings, advising private companies on capital raises under Regulation D with an emphasis on compliance and efficiency.
Matthew began his career at an AmLaw 100 firm in Washington, D.C., where he represented Fortune 500 companies and private equity clients in complex corporate and securities matters. He brings that large-firm transactional experience to entrepreneurs and middle-market businesses with a clear goal: delivering sound judgment and getting deals done on the right terms and on his clients’ timelines.
Notable Representations
Mergers & Acquisitions
- Represented, as securities counsel, NYSE-listed client in its $2.7 billion sale (cash and stock consideration) to another NYSE-listed company; securities registered on Form S-4.
- Represented NYSE-listed and Fortune 100 client in its $62 million purchase of an equity ownership percentage in a leading media streaming company.
- Represented environmental consulting/remediation Seller in $48 million sale of equity (cash and rollover equity consideration) to private equity firm (F-Reorganization).
- Represented Seller in $42.5 million asset sale of industry leader’s pool/spa products and chemicals business.
- Represented Chester County-based robotics company in $25 million international stock acquisition to a publicly-traded Korean corporation.
Business/Commercial Lending Transactions
- Represented bank in their $10.25 million asset-based loan secured by three separate state mortgages to finance the construction and installation of a geothermal energy facility.
- Represented local mushroom company in $7.5 million convertible loan to essential peat/spawn industry supplier.
- Represented, as securities counsel, OTC-listed client in their Chapter 11 bankruptcy and accompanying $6.7 million asset sale and winding-down process.
- Represented OTC-listed client in a restructuring transaction providing for the satisfaction and extinguishment of debt obligations under an existing Credit Agreement and providing for the issuance of $3 million in new capital.
Securities & Private Placements
- Represented NASDAQ-listed client, as lead counsel to the issuer, in its $375 million Rule 144A/Regulation S offering of senior notes and related guarantees from certain subsidiaries.
- Represented 501(c)(3) corporation in its borrowing of $163 million in sustainability bonds to fundraise the construction, development, and implementation of new and existing structural improvements to one of the country’s premier horticultural display gardens.
- Represented OTC-listed client in obtaining $20 million equity line of credit with securities registered on Form S-1.
- Represented private fund client in its $25 million offering of subscription units for fund’s targeted investments in one of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Qualified Opportunity Zones with a focus on start-up businesses in the internet infrastructure, cellular coverage, and green technology spaces.
- Represented Chester County distillery in $1.5 million private placement of securities to accredited investors.
- Represented Chester County distillery in its $1.2 million private placement offering of securities under Regulation Crowdfunding.
- Represented Philadelphia-based coffee roastery in $2 million private placement of securities to accredited and non-accredited investors; preparation of Private Placement Memorandum.
Community Involvement
- West Chester Public Library, Board of Trustees
- Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Committee, Member
- Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, Community & Government Relations Committee, Member
PRACTICE AREAS
OFFICES
ADMISSIONS
- Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- Washington, D.C.
EDUCATION
- William & Mary Law School (J.D.)
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (B.A., summa cum laude, Political Science)
AWARDS
Jeffrey P. Burke
Jeffrey P. Burke
Partner – Employment Law
Jeff Burke is a Partner at MacElree Harvey, Ltd., working in both the firm’s Business and Litigation practice groups, with an emphasis on employment law. Jeff counsels businesses and individuals on equal employment opportunity (EEO) policies, disability accommodation, employment & severance agreements, restrictive covenants, executive compensation, independent contracting, workforce audits, and other employment-related matters.
Jeff Burke is a Partner at MacElree Harvey, Ltd., working in both the firm’s Business and Litigation practice groups, with an emphasis on employment law. Jeff counsels businesses and individuals on equal employment opportunity (EEO) policies, disability accommodation, employment & severance agreements, restrictive covenants, executive compensation, independent contracting, workforce audits, and other employment-related matters. In the employment law field, Jeff has provided employee and management training to businesses as well as continuing education seminars to other attorneys. Jeff also provides legal counsel in merger and acquisition transactions for employment-related due diligence and contract negotiations.
In his litigation practice, Jeff has successfully resolved numerous disputes in state and federal court and before administrative agencies, including Title VII discrimination claims based upon sex, race, national origin, and religion, Americans with Disability Act claims, compensation claims under state and federal wage and hour laws, and restrictive covenant / non-competition claims, to name a few. Jeff also applies his considerable litigation experience to select complex commercial disputes, working with his partners on contract, real estate, construction and shareholder cases.
In addition to being an experienced litigator and transactional attorney in the field of employment law, Jeff is also a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional®. This certification indicates that Jeff has a deep understanding of HR principles that enables him to provide first-rate legal advice grounded in the latest industry knowledge.
Prior to joining MacElree Harvey, Jeff worked for 6 years at an insurance defense litigation firm, where he represented clients across multiple disciplines in state and federal court, including employment discrimination, personal injury, civil rights, product liability and construction litigation. Before that, Jeff was an associate with a small-size, general practice law firm focusing on criminal defense as well as civil and domestic litigation.
Jeff is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he was a recipient of the Class of 2008 Community Service Award. Before attending law school, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, with minors in Economics and Political Science.
Notable Representations
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of employer in United States District Court against claims of alleged Title VII sex discrimination and alleged violations of Equal Pay Act
- Negotiated executive employment agreements for selling principals in multi-million dollar merger and acquisition transaction
- Obtained favorable, confidential settlements in cases of alleged sex discrimination for multiple Pennsylvania employers, ranging from complex, multi-entity enterprises down to a small family-owned store
- Obtained favorable, confidential settlement through Mediation in favor of Pennsylvania business in a case seeking wages under Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection law and alleging discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- Obtained favorable, confidential settlement through Mediation in favor of Pennsylvania employer in case of alleged national origin discrimination
- Successfully obtained transfers of venue from Philadelphia County to favorable outlying Pennsylvania counties in multiple personal injury lawsuits brought against Fortune 500 Company
- Defended and successfully resolved numerous personal injury and property damage claims brought against Pennsylvania businesses and individuals in the areas of premises liability, motor vehicle liability and construction
- Obtained Summary Judgment before United States District Court in favor of multiple police officer defendants and City alleged to have committed Constitutional rights violations against detainee
- Litigated numerous cases to judgment involving recovery of possession of real property and unpaid rent
- Successfully defended and obtained dismissal of numerous Pennsylvania criminal charges, from First Degree Felonies to Summary offenses
Memberships
- Chester County Bar Association, Civil Litigation Section
- Chester County Bar Association, Employment Law Section
- Chester County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
- Stively Inn of Court
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
Community Involvement
- West Chester Downtown Foundation, Board Member
Videos
PRACTICE AREAS
OFFICES
ADMISSIONS
- Pennsylvania
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
- United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
EDUCATION
- University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Juris Doctor
- The Pennsylvania State University, Finance (A recipient of the Class of 2008 Community Service Award)
ARTICLES
AWARDS
Andrew R. Silverman
Andrew R. Silverman
Partner – Business and Corporate Law
“Andrew Silverman provided straightforward, professional legal advice, allowing me to resolve, efficiently and confidently, an otherwise unsettling contractual matter.” – Client Review from AVVO
Andrew Silverman is an attorney in the firm’s Business Department. Andrew’s practice focuses on providing advice to both principals and stakeholders of Delaware and Pennsylvania business entities concerning mergers and acquisitions, business divorce and inter-company conflicts, complex corporate governance and financing matters, intellectual property, and commercial agreements.
Andrew is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Widener University School of Law. In addition to practicing law, Andrew is on the board of the World Trade Center Delaware, whose mission is to assist Delaware entities and those who seek to do business in Delaware with international commerce. Prior to his work with MacElree Harvey, Andrew was an attorney at a national litigation boutique where he specialized in business, commercial, and tort litigation in Delaware.
Notable Representations
Mergers and Acquisitions
- Represented client in food hygiene industry with respect to multi-million dollar strategic co-investment into industry partner; successfully negotiated board seats and joint venture agreement.
- Counseled biotech seller in the sale of membership interest, including successful negotiation of earn-out and transfer pricing.
- Represented technology firm and stockholders’ representative in the sale of stock to publicly-traded company in exchange for cash consideration and restricted stock in purchaser entity; in addition, negotiated favorable executive compensation and earn-out protections on behalf of stockholders.
- Counseled limited partnership with respect to conversion to limited liability company; successfully resolved complex governance matters with limited partners.
Start-Ups and Growth
- Counseled real estate joint venture with respect to the formation, organization, and successful series A offering.
- Representation of international watch retailer concerning the successful disposition of e-commerce and manufacturing agreements.
- Represented technology company staged for public offering regarding complex governance structure and restricted stock plan.
Business Divorce
- Successful prosecution and resolution of declaratory action under 8 Del. C. § 225 in the Delaware Court of Chancery to avoid a takeover by minority stockholders.
- Prosecuted stockholder oppression action against controlling stockholder of a Pennsylvania corporation to a negotiated settlement that resulted in client’s ownership of the company’s intellectual property in addition to cash consideration.
- Successful representation of a client in Delaware Court of Chancery regarding business divorce and breach of limited liability company agreement.
- Counseled member of 50/50 Delaware limited liability company concerning business divorce and buy-out matter, resulting in favorable buy-out terms and avoidance of litigation.
- Successful representation of minority stockholder in Pennsylvania corporation with respect to the redemption of minority stockholder’s interest on favorable terms.
Memberships
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Chester County Bar Association
- Delaware State Bar Association
- World Trade Center Delaware, Board of Directors
- Main Line Chamber of Commerce
- Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce
- John E. Stively, Jr. American Inn of Court
OFFICES
ADMISSIONS
- Delaware
- Pennsylvania
EDUCATION
- University of Pittsburgh, B.A. in Political Science.
- Widener University School of Law
- Villanova Law School, LL.M, Tax Law
IN THE NEWS
AWARDS
Frank W. Hosking III
Frank W. Hosking III
Associate – Litigation and Family Law
Frank William Hosking III is an associate in the Litigation Department at MacElree Harvey, Ltd., where he represents individuals and businesses in insurance and commercial disputes across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Known for his thorough case preparation and client-focused approach, Frank guides clients through all stages of litigation—from pre-suit strategy through trial.
Frank previously practiced at Wheeler, DiUlio & Barnabei, P.C. in Philadelphia, where he managed a high-volume caseload, representing more than 110 clients at a time through arbitrations and trials. He drafted successful motions, reviewed insurance policies for coverage disputes, and negotiated settlements totaling over seven figures.
Earlier in his career, Frank worked at Russell, Krafft & Gruber, LLP in Lancaster, handling both litigation and transactional matters, including estate planning, business agreements, and zoning issues. He also gained experience at Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP and the Law Office of Peter A. Levin, P.C., where he contributed to cases involving bankruptcy, post-conviction relief, and federal criminal defense.
A graduate of Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Frank earned recognition as a Rising Advocate Scholar and appeared on the Dean’s List multiple times. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry-Biology, cum laude, from West Chester University, where he was part of the Honors College and Pre-Medical Program.
Frank is an Eagle Scout and a Second Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. His leadership, discipline, and sense of service continue to inform his work as a dedicated advocate for his clients.
Community Involvement
- Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
- Knights of Columbus, Second Degree Member
Videos
View all of Franks videos on YouTube.
PRACTICE AREAS
OFFICES
ADMISSIONS
- Pennsylvania
New Jersey
U.S. District Courts: Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
EDUCATION
- Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law (J.D., 2021)
- West Chester University (B.S., cum laude, Chemistry-Biology, 2018)
ARTICLES/IN THE NEWS
Harry J. DiDonato
Harry J. DiDonato
Partner – Business, Real Estate, and Tax Law
With elite business knowledge and foresight, Harry embraces the opportunity to be a problem solver and enjoys finding common sense solutions to complex legal and business problems.
Harry is an experienced transactional attorney and business advisor who works to guide clients through a myriad of legal and business issues. He focuses on solving the business needs of startups as well as more mature companies. As a business owner, Harry understands firsthand the obstacles and opportunities that many small businesses face. His innovative perspective, experience, and aptitude make him a strong business partner and advocate.
Areas of Concentration
Harry has over 25 years of legal experience counseling individuals, small businesses and middle market companies regarding all aspects of general business and corporate matters, real estate transactions, business sales and succession, and tax planning. His representation often starts with advising on the formation and structure of the entity, continues with representing his clients in issues facing small to mid-market companies including contracts, employment matters, financing, and tax matters and ultimately assisting his clients in preparation for and consummation of a liquidity event, whether an equity sale, asset sale, merger or otherwise.
Harry has successfully led interdisciplinary teams of attorneys at MacElree to structure, document and negotiate numerous mergers and acquisitions. He tends to focus on the “big picture” for his clients while also minding the details. His clients include buyers, sellers, investors, strategic partners, and financial advisors.
In addition to serving as general outside counsel for many companies across various industries, Harry devotes a significant portion of his practice to real estate matters from an acquisition, coordination of entitlement process, documentation, construction, sale, lease-up, management, and financing. He has handled a variety of real estate transactions for owners, developers, contractors, sellers and purchasers alike. Harry, together with MacElree’s real estate group is a team of professionals that is results orientated and experience in any type of commercial real estate project.
With an LL.M in taxation, Harry works closely with his clients to advise on estate and planning opportunities, including business succession planning and transfers of family-owned businesses to the next generation.
Harry has an AV Preeminent Rating in Martindale Hubbell Peer Review Ratings, the highest legal ability, and ethical standards rating. Harry has been consistently selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list published by Philadelphia Magazine and Law and Politics Magazine. Only five percent of lawyers in Pennsylvania are recognized on this annual list, which is based upon a multi-phase rating process of peer nominations and evaluations, combined with third-party research.
Out of the Office
When not in the office Harry can be found spending time “at the shore” with his wife and three children, on the golf course at Chester Valley Golf Club, or running on a local trail. Harry is a passionate, and only sometimes obnoxious, fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Notable Representations
- Counsel to a high-end service company in a $15 million sale to a private equity firm.
- Lead attorney in a $23 million acquisition of a manufacturing division of a publically traded company.
- Counsel to real estate company in the purchase and finance of a $12.5 million dollar real estate portfolio.
- Assisted mushroom industry leader in securing financing for state of the art mushroom facility.
- Buyers Counsel in a $35M acquisition of a division of a publically traded company.
- Buyer’s counsel in the acquisition, rezoning, and development of 78-acre brownfields site.
- Seller’s counsel in $11M sale of a closely held business.
- Counsel to a multi-national industrial company with the acquisition of a division of a publicly held company.
- Represented a regional developer in the acquisition, financing, rezoning, and development of 78-acre brownfield site.
- Counsel to a professional firm in recapitalization, restructuring, and preparation of complex Partnership Agreement.
- Negotiated a $56M acquisition for a seller in which seller became a minority owner in the acquirer.
- Advised a family business with business and real estate succession, reorganization, financing and estate and tax planning.
- Acting as outside general counsel to a 400 employee distribution and service company.
- Represented a mid-market business in the acquisition of a strategic competitor.
- Worked with a manufacturer/distributor in a national roll-up of like companies to create a nationwide manufacturing and distribution chain of companies.
- Counsel to many start-up companies assisting with the formation, planning, financing, and partnership/shareholder agreements.
- Lead US counsel to a privately held acquirer in a multi-national $105 million acquisition.
Memberships
- Chester County Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry
- Main Line Chamber of Commerce
- Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce
Community Involvement
- Devon Preparatory School, Board of Trustees
- Chester Valley Golf Club, Past President (2012-2014)
- Youth basketball coach
Speaking Engagements
- Lectures frequently on business, real estate and tax topics to a variety of local audiences.
PRACTICE AREAS
OFFICES
ADMISSIONS
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- United States District Court for Eastern District of Pennsylvania
EDUCATION
- Villanova University School of Law, J.D. and LL.M.
- University of Notre Dame, Pre-Professional Studies
IN THE NEWS
AWARDS
