Rising Stars

Tax in Canada

Felesky Flynn LLP

Established over 40 years ago, well-known boutique Felesky Flynn LLP has grown into one of the largest dedicated tax firms in Canada. Particularly recognized for its specialist skill set in resource taxation — where it can leverage its two platforms in Alberta to support energy clients — it also stands out for its record in ‘butterfly’ spin-off transactions. Calgary-based partners Craig M. McDougall and Anthony Strawson co-head the national group together with Edmonton’s K. John Fuller; all handle a mix of tax planning and tax litigation, among other matters.

Practice head(s):

Craig M. McDougall; Anthony Strawson; K. John Fuller


Key clients

Ovintiv


Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust


Perpetual Energy


Trimac Holdings


Baytex Energy Corp


Parex Resources


Work highlights


  • Represented Alaris Equity Partners in an intervention on a Supreme Court of Canada matter that potentially creates uncertainty for countless other taxpayers.
  • Advised Perpetual Energy on the tax aspects of the spin-out of Rubellite Energy and related equity raise.

Counter Tax Litigators LLP

Primarily active on behalf of private companies and high-net-worth individuals, Counter Tax Litigators LLP focuses exclusively on tax litigation, voluntary disclosure matters and tax relief issues. Highly regarded for its efficient technology-driven offering, the three-partner group routinely publishes its performance statistics, which show impressively high case win rates (87% at last count). Founding partner Peter Aprile brings to the table 17 years of tax litigation expertise, including experience gained as lead counsel in over 150 tax disputes. The Toronto-based team also draws on fellow tax litigators Natalie Worsfold and James Roberts.

Practice head(s):

Peter Aprile


Other key lawyers:

Natalie Worsfold; James Roberts; Jennifer Mak


Testimonials

‘Outstanding team that listens first, ask questions second, researches options and then speaks. A breath of fresh air from other firms.’

‘It is at the top of its field. Lawyers have the authority to act and communicate, while other firms wait for a partner. At Counter Tax, all lawyers understand the client not just one person.’

‘The lawyer and assistant who handles my case are patient in explaining the details. They are always responsive and very easy to talk to. The firm also brings in additional staff specializing in different stages of the audit process. The senior partner is also involved in key stages as needed.’

‘Counter Tax is a fantastic boutique law firm, without the intimidation of a big corporate law office. One feels a lot more at ease the minute you walk into its office, which is so important when you are dealing with CRA and tax laws.’

‘The individuals so far have been exceptional, always available, very welcoming to questions and show great understanding of all processes and great anticipation of all obstacles.’

‘Exceptional law firm with a team of highly skilled and knowledgeable attorneys who are experts in their respective fields. Peter Aprile brings a certain calm and composure to all matters, no matter how small or large, and possesses great people skills. Peter and his team adapt to the clients’ needs.’

‘Natalie Worsfold, James Roberts and Jennifer Mak have been wonderful to work with for our numerous legal cases. They don’t make a big deal out of everything and understand there’s a job to be done and they get it done with minimal fuss and detailed written follow-up.’

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

The tax department at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP demonstrates strength in M&A tax planning work, cross-border tax controversy and transfer pricing matters. Paul Stepak heads up the national group; domestic and cross-border income tax planning, capital markets transactions and the taxation of mutual funds are amongst his specialities. Mark Tonkovich directs the tax litigation and controversy group and is well-versed in representing clients in proceedings against the Canada Revenue Agency. Transfer pricing lead Jeffrey Shafer assists clients with complex advance pricing arrangements. Zvi Halpern-Shavim has focused his practice on indirect tax matters, while Andrew Spiro majors on tax matters involving REITs and other real estate investment vehicles. Dan Jankovic in Calgary also brings tax litigation expertise. While senior counsel Jeffrey Trossman recently retired, the practice was strengthened with four new arrivals. Advisory tax partner Christopher Sheridan and litigator Sameer Nurmohamed joined the firm in June and July 2022, respectively. They were joined by indirect tax specialist Elena Balkos in October 2022 and Lara Friedlander in January 2023. Unless noted, all lawyers mentioned work in the Toronto office.

Practice head(s):

Paul Stepak; Mark Tonkovich; Jeffrey Shafer


Key clients

Magnet Forensics


Royal Bank of Canada


Sycamore Partners Management


Pacific Woodtech


Galaxy Digital Holdings


Suncor Energy


Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan


Audax Private Equity


Pembina Pipeline Corporation


Imperial Oil


Redpath Sugar


Strathcona Resources


Work highlights


  • Advised Royal Bank of Canada on its C$13.5bn acquisition of HSBC Canada.
  • Advised Pembina Pipeline Corporation on its $11.4bn joint venture with KKR & Co. to merge their western Canadian natural gas processing assets.
  • Represented Redpath Sugar in transfer pricing litigation involving cross-border financing transactions before the Tax Court of Canada.

Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP

The almost 50-strong tax group at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP fields lawyers in both Toronto and Montreal and is praised by one client as being ‘efficient, fast and always available with the right answers’. The team advises on the tax elements of Canadian and cross-border business transactions and demonstrates strength in litigation. The practice is co-led by Toronto-based contentious and non-contentious practitioner Elie Roth, billed by one client as being ‘in a league of his own’. Additional key partners in Toronto include tax advisors Ian CrosbieChristopher Anderson and Julie Colden; associate Darren Joblonkay is also noted. Over in Montreal, Marie-Emmanuelle Vaillancourt takes charge of the group. Other names to note in Montreal include specialized litigator Guy Du Pont, veteran international tax planning advisor Brian Bloom and younger partner Anne-Sophie Villeneuve, lauded as a ‘very professional, competent lawyer who is very clear in her explanations and very rigorous’. Nathalie Goyette was appointed judge of the Federal Court of Appeal in October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Elie Roth; Marie-Emmanuelle Vaillancourt


Other key lawyers:

Anne-Sophie Villeneuve; Guy Du Pont; Julie Colden; Darren Joblonkay; Brian Bloom


Testimonials

‘Excellent teamwork; they provide good transparency on what is driving the billings.’

‘The Davies tax team is easily the best tax group in the country. They work efficiently, fast and are always available with the right answers.’

‘Solid teamwork. Each of the lawyers took the time necessary to understand the complex facts of the file.’

Key clients

McKesson


Barrick Gold


Apotex


Foodtastic


Interfor


Shaw Communications


CAE


Alimentation Couche-Tard


Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec


National Money Mart


Onex


FCMI Financial


Claridge


Nemaska Lithium


Google LLC


Work highlights


  • Acted for Agnico Eagle Mines in its joint topping bid with Pan American Silver for the acquisition of Yamana Gold.
  • Acted as lead transaction and tax counsel to Apotex Pharmaceutical Holdings in its sale to SK Capital Partners.
  • Acted as tax counsel to Foodtastic in its C$74.4m acquisition of Freshii.

McCarthy Tétrault

McCarthy Tétrault‘s ‘top-shelf’ tax team is routinely retained as tax counsel in high-profile transactions and is frequently instructed by financial institutions, REITs, private equity funds and pension funds. Litigation is an additional area of expertise. Toronto-based practice co-head Raj Juneja handles both corporate tax planning and contentious matters. Brett Anderson also co-leads from the Calgary office and specializes in public reorganizations, M&A and international tax matters. In Toronto, Stephanie Dewey, Patrick McCay and Stefanie Morand are noted for their tax planning expertise, while Jeff Oldewening is praised for his ‘truly outstanding technical knowledge’. May 2022 saw the arrivals of Simon Douville and Dominic Bédard-Lapointe; Leonard Nesbitt and Michael Dolson also joined the group in March and June 2023, respectively.

Practice head(s):

Raj Juneja; Brett Anderson


Testimonials

‘Outstanding global view. Top-shelf practitioners. By far the best tax firm in Canada.’

‘Raj Juneja is one of the preeminent tax practitioners on the global stage. A giant among Canadian tax advisors. Very practical and creative.’

‘Jeff Oldewening is a market leader. His technical knowledge is second to none. A world renowned expert in butterfly transactions – truly outstanding.’

Key clients

Bell Media/BCE


Cameco Corporation


Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)


Cascade Investment


Cenovus Energy


Enercare


Fortis


Innergex Renewable Energy


Lithium Americas


Rio Tinto


Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers


Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)


Summit Industrial Income REIT


Toronto Dominion Bank (TD Bank)


Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP‘s tax group handles both tax advisory and tax disputes. The team offers transactional support, represents clients in litigation and assists with the development of strategies for audits and assessments. The practice is co-directed by the Toronto-based Patrick Marley, who focuses on international tax planning, and Calgary-based tax all-rounder Edward Rowe. Additional key contacts in Toronto include star litigator Al Meghji; Firoz Ahmed, who handles the tax aspects of M&A, corporate reorganizations, debt restructurings, partnership arrangements and international tax matters; Drew Morier, who majors on international taxation; and Amanda Heale, whose expertise covers tax litigation and transfer pricing. Kim Maguire joined the firm in July 2022 from Borden Ladner Gervais LLP.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Marley; Edward Rowe


Other key lawyers:

Firoz Ahmed; Drew Morier; Amanda Heale


Key clients

Cameco


Royal Bank of Canada


Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce


Bank of Montreal


The Bank of Nova Scotia


TD Bank


National Bank of Canada


Morgan Stanley


Goldman Sachs


TELUS Communications


IBM Canada


The Stars Group


ConocoPhillips Canada Resources


Brookfield


Encana


BlackRock


Kinross Gold


Canadian Tire


Loblaw Companies


Cenovus Energy


Canadian Natural Resources


Suncor


Athabasca Oil


Methanex


Wheaton Precious Metals


EQP POSCO Global No. 1 Natural Resources


VAALCO Energy


M3-Brigade Acquisition III


Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, LLC


Partners Value Investments


Bennett Jones LLP

Bennett Jones LLP‘s practice offers tax planning advice, as well as transactional and tax controversy support. Non-contentious strengths include advising on tax aspects of M&A, divestitures and other business ventures, while on the contentious side, the group regularly represent clients in negotiations with the Canada Revenue Agency and provincial tax authorities, and in tax appeals. The practice is co-led by Toronto-based contentious and non-contentious practitioner Thomas Bauer, and Calgary-based tax planning specialist Anu Nijhawan. Alongside them, on the contentious side, tax litigation head Edwin Kroft KC works from both the Vancouver and Toronto offices; Calgary-based Jehad Haymour completes the leadership team. Also in Calgary, partner Darcy Moch is noted for his international tax planning expertise.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Bauer; Anu Nijhawan; Ed Kroft KC; Jehad Haymour


Other key lawyers:

Darcy Moch


Key clients

ATCO Power / Canadian Utilities


BP Canada Energy Group


Canadian Pacific Railway


Cando Rail & Terminals


Cantor Fitzgerald


CapVest Partners


Cenovus Energy


Cresco Labs, LLC


Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corporation IV


Devon Canada Corporation


Extendicare


ExxonMobil Canada Resources


Equitable Bank


Gateway Casinos & Entertainment


Heritage Resources Limited Partnership


Lee Equity Partners, LLC


Lineage Logistics Holding


North West Refining


Osisko Gold Royalties


Riverstone Holdings LLC


Secure Energy Services


Stone Canyon Industries / Kissner Group


The Denver Broncos NFL Franchise


Third Eye Capital


Total Energy Services


TriWest Capital Partners


Vale Canada


Waste Connections


Zekelman Industries


CBS


CHR Investments


EXC Holdings


Grand Bow Petroleum


Mark Anthony Group


RBC Canada Trading


Schlumberger Canada


Taste of Asia Group


Yong Gang Yang


Work highlights


  • Acted as Canadian tax and corporate counsel to the Bowlen family in connection with their ownership of a majority stake in the Denver Broncos NFL franchise, stemming from the initial acquisition in 1984.
  • Acted as Canadian counsel to Cresco Labs in its $2bn acquisition of Columbia Care, making Cresco the second-largest cannabis producer and retailer in the US at the time of the transaction.
  • Advised Lineage Logistics Holdings, an international refrigerated warehousing and storage company, on its acquisition of VersaCold Logistics Services.

Stikeman Elliott LLP

The group at Stikeman Elliott LLP offers domestic and international tax advice, tax planning and tax controversy support. Core areas of expertise include tax aspects of M&A, private and public debt and equity financings, reorganizations, restructurings and compliance settlements, as well as transfer pricing, litigation and insurance taxation mandates. The practice is jointly led by a trio of experienced partners. Toronto-based John Lorito‘s practice is focused on transactional tax matters, while Calgary-based Julie D’Avignon majors on resource and energy taxation mandates; Montreal-based Frank Mathieu is concerned with the tax implications of cross-border M&A. Transactional practitioner Dean Kraus is an additional key contact. The practice was strengthened by the arrival of partner John Lennard, previously at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, in June 2022.

Practice head(s):

John Lorito; Frank Mathieu; Julie D’Avignon


Other key lawyers:

Dean Kraus


Key clients

Seven Generations Energy


Canadian Power Holdings


Squared Capital Advisors


Webtoon


A. O. Smith


Sustainable Opportunities Acquisition


Westmount Square Trust


Telesat Corporation


Investment Management Corporation of Ontario


FFL Partners


Torys

The tax practice at Torys is regularly instructed by private equity funds, corporations, pension funds and banks for its support on transactional tax matters including M&A and capital markets mandates, many of which feature a cross-border component. At the helm of the department, Jerald Wortsman specializes in domestic and international corporate tax planning work. ‘Senior statesman’ and transactional specialist Corrado Cardarelli is lauded by one client as ‘humble, practical and responsive’, while the ‘very technically skilled’ Gwen Watson places emphasis on M&A and corporate reorganizations. In Calgary, Craig Maurice majors on energy and natural resources tax matters.

Practice head(s):

Jerald Wortsman


Other key lawyers:

Corrado Cardarelli; Gwen Watson; Craig Maurice


Testimonials

‘Torys has a great team. The lawyers demonstrate across the board knowledge.’

‘Corrado Cardarelli is highly experienced – a senior statesman. He is humble, practical and responsive.’

‘Gwen Watson is very technically skilled and practical – she helps bring order to complex issues.’

Key clients

Brookfield


Kohlberg Kravis Roberts


Toronto-Dominion Bank, Bank of Montreal, iA Financial


Sunwing Vacations


123Dentist


BMO Financial


Champion Petfoods


Enbridge


Fairstone Financial


TD Securities


Gallatin Point Capital


IMEA Canada


Majesco


Axium Infrastructure


Work highlights


  • Advised Sunwing on its sale to WestJet Group.
  • Advised 123Dentist, a portfolio company of Peloton Capital Management, on its merger with Altima Dental and Lapointe Group.
  • Advised Champion Petfoods on its sale to Mars Petcare.

Aird & Berlis LLP

The 32-strong team at Aird & Berlis LLP is regularly instructed by large multinational enterprises for its expertise in cross-border tax matters. Practice co-head Angelo Gentile‘s expertise includes litigation, GST, HST and land-transfer tax matters; Marni Pernica co-leads alongside him. Former practice head Francesco Gucciardo remains active on advisory tax matters, while senior tax partner Jack Bernstein is noted for his work in international tax planning, M&A, corporate restructuring, reorganizations and financings; young partner Jacob Brown is an additional key contact. The practice was recently strengthened by the arrivals of partners Michael Selchen and Manjit Singh in July and September 2022, respectively.

Practice head(s):

Angelo Gentile; Marni Pernica


Other key lawyers:

Francesco Gucciardo; Jack Bernstein; Michael Selchen; Manjit Singh


Testimonials

‘Francesco Gucciardo is very hands-on and has a very good initial judgment about complex fact patterns. His overview of international tax law cases is phenomenal and he is good in summarizing to the point. Jack Bernstein is the expert for high-net-worth families and individuals.’

‘The team is very strong in terms of depth of knowledge, industry know-how and understanding of the government rule-making framework. We have found, time after time, that their understanding on who’s who in the government entities, as well as which governmental departments are tasked with which objectives, has helped expedite our internal decision-making in terms of content and timelines.’

‘They are genuine in their approach and response. Pragmatic and thoughtful in terms of the bigger picture. These are the kind of lawyers that I would want to work with on a day-to-day basis: business-minded, objective and very knowledgeable.’

Key clients

Linamar Corporation


Jade Power Trust


Wynnchurch Capital, LLC


Medisun


Danilee Capital


The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings


MediPharm Labs


Juno Pharmaceuticals


CFI Funding Trust


The Whittall Family Trust


Kevin L. Davis Dentistry Professional Corporation


Milgram Foundation


Work highlights


  • Advised Linamar Corporation in its acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Salford group of companies for an aggregate purchase price of C$260m.
  • Represented CFI Funding Trust in obtaining in excess of $40m of input tax credits for HST payable on prepaid rents under a lease securitization structure.
  • Advised Wynnchurch Capital on its acquisition of a majority ownership in FloWorks International.

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

The 43-strong team at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP handles the range of tax matters, including corporate tax, estate planning, commodity tax and the tax aspects of domestic and international transactions. The group also takes care of disputes relating to Canada’s federal and provincial taxes, including GST and HST, income tax and commodity taxes. Toronto-based practice head Craig Webster leads from Toronto and focuses on tax matters relating to investment funds. Also working at the Toronto office, Steve Suarez is active on both transactional and contentious issues. Calgary-based Laurie Goldbach fronts the tax disputes team.

Practice head(s):

Craig Webster


Other key lawyers:

Steve Suarez; Laurie Goldbach


Key clients

Kone


Canadian Chamber of Commerce


Lake Shore Gold/Pan American Silver


Wentao Yang


Champlain College of Vermont – Montreal Campus


Pam American Silver


Capital Power


Loblaw Companies


Horizon Capital Holdings


Trustees of the Mohamed Aly Pirani Trust


Work highlights


  • Representing Kone in a successful tax appeal to the Court of Quebec.
  • Acted as counsel for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada challenging the interpretation of the General Anti-Avoidance Rule.
  • Defended Lake Shore Gold in an application for a tax indemnity brought by subscribers to a flow-through share agreement.

Fasken

The department at Fasken is known for its cross-border tax offering, which includes counsel on M&A, tax treaty interpretation and transfer pricing. The firm operates from seven Canadian locations, and its international footprint extends to London and Johannesburg, where it fields offices. The group routinely proves a popular choice for energy and natural resources-sector clients, as well as startups, banks and other financial institutions. Practice head Christopher Steeves leads from Toronto and specializes in advisory work, namely covering the tax aspects of corporate restructurings and acquisitions. Alain Ranger and Michael Coburn lead on tax matters from Montreal and Vancouver respectively.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Steeves


Other key lawyers:

Alain Ranger; Michael Coburn


Testimonials

‘The team at Fasken operates with a high degree of professionalism and technical capability. What truly sets them apart, however, from other firms with which I’ve worked is its ability to develop creative solutions to overcome challenging problems and people skills.’

‘Michael Coburn is our main tax partner at Fasken and he fully embodies the traits I outlined in my response to the previous question. It’s always a pleasure to work with Mike and the combination of his technical capabilities, ability to creatively solve problems and people skills make it very easy to recommend him over personnel at other firms.’

Key clients

Kraft Heinz Canada


Gold Fields


Aviva Canada


Travelers Insurance


Air Canada


Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC


Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)


National Bank Group


Fiera Capital Corporation


TD Bank Group


Penske Truck Leasing Canada


Zijin Mining Group


Foresters Life Insurance Company


Louisiana-Pacific Group


Wayfair LLC


Nuvei Corporation


Intertape Polymer Group


Work highlights


  • Acted as lead counsel for Schauenburg Hose Technology in connection with the sale of GlobalMed.
  • Assisted Desjardins Securities with the underwriting of the group’s ongoing equity linked note/principal at risk note program.
  • Assisted IAMGOLD Corporation with the sale of its 95% interest in subsidiary Rosebel Gold Mines to Zijin Mining.

Gowling WLG

Gowling WLG‘s tax group demonstrates expertise in range of contentious and non-contentious matters, among them matters relating to transactional tax, tax dispute resolution, indirect tax, transfer matters and Indigenous tax. Practice head Paul Carenza leads from Toronto and majors on the design and implementation of tax-effective executive compensation plans for public and private sector employers. Ottawa-based Pierre Alary focuses primarily on contentious tax matters, as does tax disputes specialist John Sorensen in Toronto. Partner Dan Misutka left the firm in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Paul Carenza


Other key lawyers:

Pierre Alary; John Sorensen


Key clients

Yroo


1180667 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company


SOL Global Investments


Payfare


Persist Oil & Gas


Maslack Supply Limited (shareholders)


Cozen O’Connor LLP


Leucrotta Exploration


Franchise Global Health


RHI Group


Thoughtworks


Savvas Learning Company


Delpharm Industrie


Resa Power


Talan


Bonduelle Group


Deep Trekker


Heico Group


Electronic Warfare Associates


Sodecia Canada Investments


FOOI


Ghislaine Eid


Above Food


Pandell Technologies


Caliber Communications and Syncro Monitoring


Alto Verde Copper


Billyard Insurance Group


Blended Perspectives


Time Out Market


Khiron Life Sciences


Nuts for Cheese


Murphy Oil Company


Toyota Canada


Subaru Canada


Amazon


Work highlights


  • Represented Electronic Warfare Associates (EWA) in connection with a complex audit defence.
  • Represented Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in a transfer pricing APA between the Canada Revenue Agency and the National Tax Agency of Japan.
  • Advised Bonduelle Group in connection with the announced sale of 65% of Bonduelle Americas Long Life, with an enterprise value of C$850m.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright is regularly instructed by private equity firms and public and private companies in the mining, energy, finance, infrastructure and agribusiness sectors for its expertise on both contentious and non-contentious tax matters. Practice co-head Dominic Belley leads from Montreal and specializes in litigation; alongside him, Dion Legge majors on transactional tax matters. Working from the firm’s five Canadian offices, additional key team members include Toronto-based Adrienne Oliver and Derek Chiasson in Montreal, both of whom focus on non-contentious tax matters.

Practice head(s):

Dion Legge; Dominic C. Belley


Other key lawyers:

Adrienne Oliver; Derek Chiasson; Barry Segal


Testimonials

‘The advice is always practical.’

‘Barry Segal is top-notch- he takes the time to understand the business objectives and context to ensure his advice is risk adjusted.’

Key clients

Enerflex


Brookfield Asset Management and Brookfield Infrastructure


Royal Bank of Canada


Air Canada


Deltastream Energy Corporation


SNC-Lavalin Group


Bombardier


Merchant Capital Holdings


TerrAscend


Carlsberg Group


Tidewater Renewables


Yamana Gold


Wesley Clover


Sobeys


Rona


Work highlights


  • Advised Enerflex on its stock-for-stock cross-border business combination with US-based Exterran Corporation, creating a combined entity with an implied combined enterprise value of approximately $1.5bn.
  • Advising the special committee of the board of directors of Yamana Gold Inc. in connection with the acquisition by Pan American Silver Corp. of all of Yamana’s issued and outstanding common shares and the acquisition by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited of certain of Yamana’s Canadian assets.
  • Defending Bombardier in determination, for capital tax purposes, of the inclusion of lease subsidies paid by the taxpayer, an aircraft designer and manufacturer, to its clients as incentives.

Baker McKenzie

Regularly instructed by multinationals, the group at Baker McKenzie brings together senior tax planners and litigators and demonstrates strength in transfer pricing and contentious matters. Practice head and specialized litigator Jacques Bernier leads from Toronto and is noted for his transfer pricing expertise. Alex Pankratz is active on international tax planning matters, while Andrew Morreale has particular experience advising on outbound structuring and tax treaty issues.

Practice head(s):

Jacques Bernier


Other key lawyers:

Alex Pankratz; Andrew Morreale


Testimonials

‘This team is very responsive to the client’s requirements and takes the extra initiative to fully research complex tax matters. They have been instrumental in bringing together various partners and buyers in order to successfully close a very important business deal.’

‘Alex Pankratz has been an invaluable resource for providing legal and tax context to the matters at hand. He is very approachable and will take the time to clearly outline the issues (and solutions) under negotiation.’

‘We have worked with multiple partners and associates over the last 15 years. They all share the passion to assist their clients to complete satisfaction.’

Key clients

Express Gold Refining


Bain Capital


Embracer/Aspyr


Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP

The tax group at Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is regularly instructed by corporations, mining companies, REITs, financial institutions, private equity funds and governmental agencies for its expertise in tax issues relating to M&A and restructuring. Practice co-head Zahra Nurmohamed leads from Toronto and has significant experience in mining matters; she specializes in corporate tax matters, M&A, reorganizations and financings. Alongside her, Calgary-based Douglas Richardson majors on energy-sector transactions.

Practice head(s):

Zahra Nurmohamed; Douglas (Doug) Richardson


Key clients

Pacific Investment Management Company LLC


Sandstorm Gold


Yamana Gold


Canopy Growth Corporation


Lithium Americas


IPH Limited


WonderFI Technologies


CloudMD Software & Services


Lundin Mining Corporation


Essity AB


Kirkland Lake Gold


WMG Technologies


Perrigo Company


Hastings Technology Metals


Orla Mining


Smarsh


Calibre Mining Corp


K1 Investment Management LLC


Trackforce Valiant


LKCM Headwater Investments


Deloitte Legal Canada LLP

Deloitte Legal Canada LLP‘s tax team shines above all in tax litigation, covering matters from domestic and international income tax, GST, HST, to provincial sales tax and customs. The group has additional expertise in tax planning for domestic and international M&A. The practice is co-led by a trio of partners and litigation specialists: Canada national head Olivier Fournier leads from Montreal; alongside him, Joel Scheuerman and Mike Collinge are based in Calgary and Toronto respectively.

Practice head(s):

Olivier Fournier; Joel Scheuerman; Michael Collinge


Testimonials

‘The tight integration between Deloitte Tax and Deloitte Legal’s tax practice, coupled with the privileged nature of our relationship with Deloitte Legal, have proven very helpful for our business. It results in a focused and efficient engagement when Deloitte Legal becomes involved.’

Key clients

Pier 1 Imports (US)


Work highlights


  • Represented Pier 1 Imports in a dispute with the Canada Border Services Agency regarding the proper value for duty of goods imported to Canada.

Dentons

Working from six Canadian offices, the 46-strong tax group at international firm Dentons is regularly instructed by Canadian and foreign multinationals, private equity funds and financial institutions for its tax structuring and litigation expertise. Toronto-based practice head Mark Jadd focuses on the income tax aspects of M&A, restructurings and financings, and has niche expertise providing tax counsel to film and television industry clients. Also in Toronto, partner Larry Nevsky handles a range of transactional, advisory and contentious tax matters. Vancouver-based litigator Joel Nitikman is an additional key figure.

Practice head(s):

Mark Jadd


Key clients

Special Committee of Magnet Forensics


NFP and NFP Canada


Starton Therapeutics


Lions Gate Entertainment


Kerr Industries


Saturn Oil & Gas


Enbridge


Bonnefield Financial


Portage Ventures


Motorola Solutions


TPCO Holding


Collins Family Trust


Belmont Nominee


Damis Properties / Microbjo Properties


The Preston Family Trust II


Polystar Packaging


Work highlights


  • Represented the Special Committee of the board of directors of Magnet in its C$1.8bn acquisition by Thoma Bravo by way of a plan of arrangement.
  • Advised NFP and NFP Canada on its acquisition of Newport Private Wealth, a Toronto-based private wealth management firm.
  • Argued before the Supreme Court of Canada in a tax case discussing the availability of the equitable remedy of rescission.

Lawson Lundell LLP

The group at Lawson Lundell LLP is best known for representing Canada-based institutional investors, including pension plans, on tax matters. It also routinely handles the tax structuring of business acquisitions and divestments, corporate reorganizations, public securities offerings and litigation. Partners Leonard Glass and Reinhold Krahn specialize in transactional matters and co-lead from Vancouver. Nancy Diep of the Calgary office focuses primarily on the tax aspects of cross-border M&A and reorganizations.

Practice head(s):

Leonard Glass; Reinhold Krahn


Other key lawyers:

Nancy Diep