James W. Mathis

James is a member of Husch Blackwell’s Food & Agribusiness team, with extensive experience in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industries. He previously served as associate general counsel for Anheuser-Busch and has advised food, beer and liquor manufacturers and wholesalers, brand owners, restaurant chains, co-packers and other participants in the food and beverage industry. James has closed dozens of acquisitions and divestitures, served as lead attorney in the negotiation of entertainment and advertising matters and advised senior management on complex commercial transactions. His noteworthy experience includes:

• Acquiring and divesting majority and minority interests in craft brewers and beer wholesalers.
• Preparing multimillion-dollar agreements for the supply and recycling of aluminum cans and the development of innovative packaging.
• Advising consumer goods companies on advertising procurement matters across all platforms: radio, television, outdoor venue signage, digital, product placement and event sponsorship.

James has extensive experience providing counsel for packaging, procurement, distribution, advertising, licensing and regulatory compliance and other sectors of the food and beverage industry. He has assisted clients at all steps in the product-to-market chain, from development to negotiating manufacturer/wholesaler relationships, all the way through retail sales and advertising to consumers. He is nationally recognized for his depth of knowledge in branding and advertising.