John E. Berg

A firm shareholder, John assists buyers and sellers in effectively structuring and documenting transactions involving business combinations, purchases and sales, and financing. He provides counsel for businesses and individuals in the following areas: Mergers and acquisitions Commercial law Finance Corporate law Entity taxation Exit planning A leader in the firm's Multi-Unit Succession and Transition (MUST) group, John works with multi-unit retail business owners helping them solve the unique legal challenges to structuring their exit plan. The process combines John's skills and experience with the firm's strengths in the areas of taxation, estate planning, corporate finance, franchise and mergers and acquisitions to provide a targeted and effective exit plan. John has significant experience in large workout transactions and restructuring of borrowers’ financial obligations. His results-driven practice includes evaluating and managing the tax aspects of complex financial transactions, including multi-tiered financing and complex corporate capitalization structures. John's goal is always to find the best solution for his clients, one that will save his clients money and add value to their businesses. He prides himself on not pointing out the problem, but instead finding the answer. He also represents clients in the resolution of state and federal tax controversies at the examination, appellate and tax court levels. With an in-depth knowledge of the franchise and multi-unit retail industry, John represents numerous multi-unit operators, assisting with their strategic planning and daily operational issues. For these clients he serves essentially as outsourced general counsel. In addition, John works closely with industry franchisors, lenders and vendors, and he is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and seminars. John has been honored by Franchise Times as one of franchising’s “Legal Eagles” (2004-2025), recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for corporate law and tax law, selected as a “Minnesota Super Lawyer” (2006-2024), and is listed in the 2024 edition of “Who’s Who Legal: Franchising.” Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees John E. Berg included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors Honored by Franchise Times as one of franchising’s “Legal Eagles”, 2004 - 2025 Minnesota Super Lawyer, 2006 - 2024 Other Sources of Feedback About John E. Berg Included on the 2026Minnesota Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2025 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2024 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2023 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2022 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2021 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2020 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2019 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2018 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2017 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2016 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2015 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2014 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2013 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2012 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2011 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2010 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2009 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2008 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2007 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2006 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 2002 Minnesota Super Lawyers list 1999 Minnesota Super Lawyers list

• Minnesota, 1989
• U.S. Tax Court

• Minnesota State Bar Association, Tax Section (Member)
• American Bar Association, Taxation Section and Franchising Forum (Member)
• International Franchise Association (IFA)