Kansas City Corporate Lawyer Lance Formwalt Joins Sonnenschein

March 25, 2008

(KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 25, 2008) -- Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP announced today that Lance J. Formwalt has joined the law firm's Kansas City office as an of counsel in its Corporate Practice Group.  Formwalt was previously associate general counsel at Applebee's International, Inc., where his primary area of responsibility focused on corporate transactions and domestic franchise matters.  He also served as general counsel of the company's international division.

"The combination of Lance's experience in franchising and corporate transactions is in great demand within the business community," said Paul A. Gajer, national chair of Sonnenschein's Corporate Practice Group.  "He will be a valuable asset to the firm, both in Kansas City and nationwide."

As part of Formwalt's corporate transactions responsibility, he served as lead in-house counsel for the negotiation of a whole company securitization staple-on financing structure, valued at $1.9 billion, which was then used to finance Applebee's acquisition by IHOP Corp.  Following the closing of that deal, Formwalt served as lead legal counsel for the re-franchising of more than 400 company-owned restaurants.

As general counsel of Applebee's international division, Formwalt was responsible for legal matters relating to company-owned operations in China.  He also oversaw international franchise matters.  Prior to joining Applebee's, Formwalt was an attorney with Seigfreid, Bingham, Levy, Selzer & Gee, P.C.

"Sonnenschein has a tremendous presence in the Kansas City area and is highly regarded here," said Formwalt.  "I am delighted to be joining the firm and returning to private practice."

Formwalt received a J.D. degree with high distinction, Order of the Coif, from the University of Iowa and a B.A. degree, summa cum laude, from Wartburg College.  He is the co-author of "America's National Pastime: A Study of Race and Merit in Professional Baseball."

At Sonnenschein, we are committed to providing the highest-quality legal and counseling services for all of our clients, all of the time.  They include many of the world's most admired businesses, nonprofits and individuals.  Through integrated, inter-office teamwork, we help them to prosper and grow.  For more information, visit www.sonnenschein.com.

Media Contact:

Jeff Mutterperl
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP
(212) 398-8470
jmutterperl@sonnenschein.com