Johnny Lopez

In Platinum’s early years, Mr. Lopez, under the guidance of Tom Gores, worked to execute upon all of the firm’s M&A initiatives including business development and lead generation, transaction execution, and transitioning acquisitions. He established the foundation of the firm’s approach to business development, proactively cultivating relationships to generate deal flow by using mail, e-mail, fax, and phone calls–fundamental methods that Platinum still actively applies today.

Along with Mr. Gores, Mr. Lopez has led the deal teams on many of Platinum’s major transactions, including negotiations with the Illinois insurance regulators to acquire Broadspire Insurance Services, working directly with Alcatel’s former President to produce Platinum’s first European acquisition which later became NextiraOne, as well as negotiating with BASF and Deutsche Bank to acquire Dystar from three of Germany’s most significant chemical companies (Bayer, BASF, and Aventis Hoechst). In addition, Mr. Lopez has worked as one of Platinum’s transaction ambassadors throughout the European continent where he and other senior Platinum executives introduced the Platinum business model in late 2001.

Mr. Lopez’ guidance was essential to Platinum’s bankruptcy bid to acquire Delphi, one of the world’s largest automotive parts manufacturers. The bid ultimately proved unsuccessful, but Tom Gores, Mr. Lopez, and the Platinum transaction team were the catalysts that brought GM, the US Treasury’s Auto Task Force, and Delphi management to execute definitive agreements on June 1, 2009. After Platinum’s work to win the support of these constituents, Delphi was able to emerge from a 4+ year bankruptcy process.

His contributions to Platinum’s mission, principles, and culture have been important factors in the development of the firm’s extraordinary teamwork, tenacity, and work ethic. He also helped to develop Platinum’s trademark M&A&O strategy and continues to work with Platinum’s M&A executives to ensure its successful execution.