Brian D. Meacham

Brian is a life-long North Carolinian who has spent his entire legal career at Smith Anderson, practicing law less than 15 minutes from where he grew up in nearby Garner. Brian joined Smith Anderson after becoming a “Double Tar Heel” by earning an undergraduate business degree and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.   

Using his business and legal education on a daily basis, Brian helps his clients achieve their goals by negotiating a wide range of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate purchases and dispositions, and long-term commercial contracts such as supply agreements and sponsorship agreements. Brian enjoys bringing a practical, solutions-oriented approach to transactions, recognizing that most businesses want their lawyers to focus on completing transactions in a way that is agreeable to both parties. 

Brian assists public and private companies in a wide range of industries, with a focus on businesses that manufacture or distribute tangible products such as foods and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and industrial equipment and supplies. Brian regularly assists these clients with legal issues at all points of the supply chain, and has experience drafting and negotiating contract manufacturing agreements, distribution agreements, logistics contracts, product warranties, customer agreements, sales contracts, and similar documents. Brian also has significant experience helping manufacturing and distribution companies manage their real estate needs through vacant land and completed building acquisitions, new site development, long-term facility leases, storage and warehousing agreements, and property dispositions.

When not negotiating transactions for his clients, Brian gives back to his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, by serving in a number of leadership capacities. Brian is the President of the UNC Law Alumni Association and is also on the Boards of Directors of Carolina Alumni (formerly the General Alumni Association), the UNC Law Foundation and Presbyterian Campus Ministry of Chapel Hill.

In his spare time, Brian enjoys playing golf, coaching youth sports teams, and traveling with his wife and two children, especially to the North Carolina mountains or anywhere the Tar Heels are playing.

Recognition

• The Best Lawyers in America®
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2022-2025)
  • Corporate Law (2024-2025)
• Business North Carolina Legal Elite, Real Estate (2012)
• J. Nelson Young Award Winner, 2003 (Outstanding Third-Year Student in Tax Law)
• North Carolina Banking Institute, Articles and Notes Editor, 2002-2003
• North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Star (2013-2018)

Education

• University of North Carolina, J.D., 2003
• University of North Carolina, B.S., with highest distinction, 2000

Bar & Court Admissions

• Board of Directors, Carolina Alumni (formerly General Alumni Association) (2024-present)
• Board of Directors, UNC Law Foundation (2024-present)
• Board of Directors, Presbyterian Campus Ministry of Chapel Hill (2024-present)
• Elder, University Presbyterian Church (2024-present)
• UNC Law Alumni Association Board of Directors (2015-2017; 2019-present)
  • President (2024-present) 
  • Vice President (2021-2024)
  • Secretary (2020-2021)
  • Second Vice President (2019-2020)
• UNC Law Alumni Association Engagement Committee (2009-2017)
  • Chair (2014-2017)
• North Carolina Bar Association
  • Mentor, North Carolina Bar Association Mentoring Program (2011-2013)
• North Carolina YLD Bar Exam Committee (2007-2010)
• Tenth Judicial District Bar, Bar Candidate Interview Committee (2005-2013)
  • Vice-Chair (2009-2013)
• Wake County Bar Association

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Represented a large privately-held soft drink manufacturer, seller and distributing company in multiple acquisitions of independent bottlers.
• Advised a sports and media company on its acquisition of a summer collegiate baseball league.
• Advised a life sciences company on its acquisition of a clinical manufacturing facility for an undisclosed amount.
• Advised a publicly traded financial institution in reaching an agreement to be acquired by another publicly owned financial institution.
• Represented a family-owned national customized food service company in acquisition of a national restaurant chain’s in-house distribution business.
• Represented a major convenience store chain in multiple acquisitions of convenience stores throughout the southeast.
• Represented a specialty pharmaceutical company in a merger with a subsidiary of a publicly-traded international pharmaceutical company.
• Advised a protein bar manufacturer in a definitive agreement to be acquired by a global wellness products company.

Commercial Contracts

• Represented a large privately-held soft drink manufacturer, seller and distributing company in negotiation of multiple sponsorship agreements with professional sports teams, colleges and universities, and tourist attractions.
• Represented a publicly-traded international pharmaceutical company in a contract manufacturing agreement with a developer of bioequivalent and branded pharmaceutical products.
• Represented a private materials and recycling technology company in a manufacturing, warehousing, and services agreement with a product supplier.
• Represented a family-owned national customized food service company in negotiation of multiple distribution agreements with regional and national restaurant chains.
• Represented a multinational manufacturer and supplier to the papermaking industry in negotiation of multiple supply agreements with materials suppliers and sales agreements with paper manufacturers.
• Advised a high concentration solar module manufacturer in the negotiation of a long-term supply agreement with an international energy company.

Real Estate Development

• Represented a large privately-held soft drink manufacturer, seller and distributing company in acquisition, development, leasing, and disposition of bottling plants and distribution facilities.
• Advised a developer in land acquisition and financing for a multifamily and retail mixed used development.
• Represented an equipment retailer in connection with store acquisitions and leasing matters.
• Represented a major convenience store chain in acquisition, development, leasing, and disposition of convenience store locations.
• Advised numerous borrowers in negotiation of legal opinions required by lenders in secured real estate transactions.
• Assisted owner of a country club in negotiation of drainage, construction, and other development easements.