Thomas M. Wearsch (Tom)

Partner

New York + 1.212.326.3838 Cleveland + 1.216.586.7015

Tom Wearsch advises clients on strategic alternatives when faced with troubled company situations. Focusing on distressed companies, financial institutions, equity and hedge funds, bondholders, boards, and management, he has served as counsel to numerous corporations involved in out-of-court restructurings, chapter 11 reorganizations, and distressed mergers and acquisitions. Tom's practice has exposed him to a number of industries, including automotive, aerospace, industrials/manufacturing, health care, energy, hospitality, mining, media, and technology.

With a creative approach to the complex issues facing clients, Tom is credited with bringing his strong business acumen to finding practical, efficient solutions. Faced with often dire situations, he has led numerous out-of-court restructurings that have allowed clients to continue their business operations without filing bankruptcy.

Tom is a recognized, market leader in the automotive supply base having successfully led commercial negotiations and out-of-court restructurings for dozens of tier 1 automotive suppliers. Tom brings a wealth of unique industry knowledge to these situations, which enables clients to swiftly move through commercial negotiations — permitting the possibility of an out-of-court restructuring.

Tom has significant experience representing debtors and other constituencies in all aspects of chapter 11 proceedings. He has served as debtor's counsel in Shiloh Industries, Peabody Energy, and Alpha Natural Resources and as purchaser's counsel in Instant Brands, Hardinge, Foundation Fitness, and National Label. Prior to joining Jones Day, Tom served as company, trustee, or debtor's counsel in Black Elk Offshore Energy, Swift-Cor Aerospace, Excello Engineered, VSV Group, Creative Polymer, Westgate Resorts, Bernard L. Madoff Investments, and Globix, and as purchaser's counsel in Dune Energy, Cardinal Fastener, and Saberliner Aerospace.