Brian R. Tunis

Overview

Brian R. Tunis is a Shareholder in the firm’s Business Transactions Group. Brian represents companies, founders, private equity groups, and investors in a wide variety of transactional, corporate, and business planning matters. His practice includes mergers and acquisitions, franchise matters, tax planning, and the formation, reorganization, structuring, and ongoing operation of business entities. He also regularly serves as outside general counsel to clients across a broad range of industries handling their ongoing legal needs.  Brian assists privately held companies and private equity groups with capital raises, securities offerings, and related compliance matters. His experience navigating both the buy-side and sell-side of transactions gives him insight into the full lifecycle of business ownership, from formation and growth to exit.

Brian advises franchisees and multi‑unit operators throughout the full lifecycle of their business—from initial evaluation of the franchise system and review of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), to negotiating franchise agreements, area development agreements, and multi‑unit expansion strategies. Brian also assists franchisees with acquisitions and divestitures of franchise locations, succession planning and ownership transitions, and day‑to‑day operational issues that intersect with legal, tax, and franchise considerations.

Brian’s multifaceted background allows him to approach client matters with a comprehensive understanding of the intersecting business, financial, and tax considerations that drive successful outcomes. He counsels clients through complex transactions—negotiating deal terms, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and addressing sophisticated structuring issues—with an emphasis on practical, client-focused solutions.

Representative Matters

• Represented hundreds of clients in the acquisition or sale of businesses of all sizes, including franchisees in a wide range of sectors.
• Represented one of the largest home furniture retailers in the United States—operating more than 300 stores across eight states—in its $580 million sale to Franchise Group through a 100% equity transaction.

Honors and Distinctions

• Tampa Magazine’s Top Lawyers List, 2023-2026
• The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, Business Organizations (including LLCs & Partnerships), 2021-2025
• Florida Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, Business/Corporate, 2022-2025