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Robert J. Ward

Partner
Columbus
T.
614.223.9364
liamE

Rob advises private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and publicly and privately held companies in complex mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations, joint ventures, and other strategic commercial transactions. He also counsels clients on corporate compliance and governance matters.

In addition to his M&A practice, Rob has substantial experience structuring and implementing employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) transactions. He represents ESOP trustees and privately held companies in ownership transition transactions, including those resulting in 100% ESOP ownership. His work includes pre-closing reorganizations, tax planning and elections, purchase agreement negotiation, financing arrangements, and the design of post-closing executive compensation programs.

Rob’s experience spans a wide range of industries, including software and technology, manufacturing, professional services and consumer products.

  • Corporate
  • The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law, 2013, J.D.
    • magna cum laude 
    • Order of the Coif 
  • The Ohio State University, 2010, B.S., Business Administration
    • summa cum laude
    • Honors Accounting Program
  • Ohio
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2026
  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®; Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2021-2025
News
February 20, 2026
Benesch Welcomes Corporate Partner Robert Ward to Columbus Office
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