Client Alerts
A playbook for preparing for, responding to and mitigating short seller campaigns A “short attack” is a campaign in which …
February 5, 2026
February 5, 2026 • 5-minute read
John P. Johnston
Counsel
Capital Markets and Mergers & Acquisitions
Overview
John’s principal areas of practice are capital markets, shareholder activism and mergers and acquisitions. John represents businesses in a wide range of corporate transactions, including initial public offerings, registered and unregistered offerings of equity and debt securities and M&A transactions. In addition, John advises companies on corporate governance matters, shareholder activism, Exchange Act reporting, beneficial ownership reporting, stock exchange compliance and other securities law matters.
Cactus, Inc. in its $503 million initial public offering of common stock
PetroLogistics LP in its $595 million initial public offering of common units
Niska Gas Storage Partners in its $360 million initial public offering
Navios Maritime Partners L.P. in its $230 million initial public offering
SunCoke Energy, Inc. in its $186 million initial public offering
Smashburger in connection with its acquisition by Jollibee Foods
Trican Well Service Ltd. in connection with divestiture of shares of common stock of National Oilwell Varco
Quintana Shipping Limited in connection with the sale of its fleet of dry bulk carriers to Golden Ocean Group
Golar LNG Partners in connection with acquisitions of LNG carriers and floating storage and regasification vessels (“FSRUs”)
Golar LNG Partners LP in connection with its sale to New Fortress Energy Inc. for $251 Million
Golar LNG Limited in connection with its sale of its stake in Hygo, a gas to power and downstream LNG distribution company, to New Fortress Energy
Special Committee of the board of directors of Barnes & Noble in connection with sale to Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited
Fondren Management in connection with obtaining a director seat and placing an observer on the board of Harte Hanks Inc.
The Rosenbaum Group in connection with attempt to unseat board of directors of CytoDyn Inc.
Capabilities
- Corporate Governance & Board Representation
- Energy Transition & Clean Technology
- Energy – Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
- Energy – Midstream Oil & Gas
- Energy – Oilfield Services
- Governance and Sustainability
- IPOs & Equity Offerings
- Master Limited Partnerships
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Shareholder Engagement
Credentials
Education
- University of Pennsylvania Law School, J.D., 2006
- Georgetown University, A.B., 2002
Admissions
- New York
Recognitions
- Legal 500 U.S., M&A/Corporate & Commercial: Shareholder Activism, 2025
Insights
Client Alerts
White House Executive Order Targets Proxy Advisory Firms and Signals Heightened Regulatory Scrutiny
On December 11, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting American Investors from Foreign-Owned and Politically-Motivated Proxy Advisors.”
December 12, 2025 • V&E Shareholder Engagement Update
December 12, 2025 • 4-minute read
Client Alerts
When Should Boards Fight (and Not Settle)?
In the headlines today, it is common to see announcements about activist campaigns or activists taking equity positions in public companies.
October 23, 2025 • Published by Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance V&E Shareholder Engagement Update
October 23, 2025 • 6-minute read
Client Alerts
SEC Grants No-Action Relief for ExxonMobil’s Retail Voting Program—Key Takeaways for Public Issuers
On September 15, 2025, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance issued a no-action concurrence letter to Exxon Mobil Corporation (“Exxon”), confirming that it would not recommend enforcement action if Exxon implements its proposed retail voting program.
September 18, 2025 • V&E SEC Update
September 18, 2025 • 3-minute read
