A destination practice for banking and finance, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP stands out for its premier firepower in both the regulatory and transactional spheres. In terms of the former, Paul Belanger is widely acknowledged as a market leader; he recently paired up with Vladimir Shatiryan to advise Royal Bank of Canada on the regulatory aspects of its C$13.5bn acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada — the deal, which was also co-led by specialists in the corporate and dispute resolution practices, additionally highlights the team’s enviable ability to link up with practices from across the full-service firm to resource large-scale matters. Other key names on the regulatory front include Jacqueline Shinfield, Bonny Murray and newly promoted partner Mena Bellofiore. Michael Matheson
is a go-to name for corporate and commercial finance transactions; he advised Toronto-Dominion Bank/TD Securities and Bank of Nova Scotia (as co-lead arrangers and underwriters) on C$1bn in senior secured revolving credit facilities and back-stop facilities to support GIC and Dream Industrial REIT’s acquisition of Summit Industrial Income REIT. Other recommended transactional specialists include Simon Finch, who focuses on private debt transactions; and Calgary-based partners Michael McIntosh KC and Nick Tropak. Michael Harquail recently retired. Named lawyers are based in Toronto unless otherwise stated.
Banking and finance in Canada
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Practice head(s):
Paul Belanger; Michael Matheson; Jacqueline Shinfield
Other key lawyers:
Michael McIntosh KC; Simon Finch; Nick Tropak; Bonny Murray; Mena Bellofiore; Vladimir Shatiryan
Key clients
Bank of Montreal
Calgary Airport Authority
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Capstone Mining Corp.
Definity Financial Corp., formerly Economical Mutual Insurance Company (“Economical”)
Enerplus Corporation
ENMAX Corporation
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board
PayIt
Royal Bank of Canada
Scotiabank
TC Energy Corporation
TD Bank Group
Work highlights
- Advised Royal Bank of Canada on its C$13.5bn acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada.
- Advised Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board on its acquisition of HomeQ Corporation, the parent company of HomeEquity Bank.
- Advised Toronto-Dominion Bank/TD Securities and Bank of Nova Scotia (as co-lead arrangers and underwriters) on facilities to support the acquisition of Summit Industrial Income REIT.
McCarthy Tétrault
The banking and finance practice at McCarthy Tétrault strikes a balance between transactional and regulatory mandates, while the firm’s comprehensive national network also ensures that work is well weighted between Canada’s key business hubs. In Toronto, Richard Higa is sought after for transactional matters; he acted as Canadian counsel to Golub Capital Markets, and a syndicate of lenders, on the financing of Excelitas Technologies Corp. Other transactional specialists in Toronto include Gordon Baird; Justin Lapedus; and project finance specialist Stephen Furlan. Additionally, Joseph Palin and counsel Michel Deschamps are noted for lending deals in Calgary and Montreal respectively. The deep and broad group also includes regulatory and fintech expert Ana Badour, who recently acted alongside Hartley Lefton to advise Novacap on the regulatory aspects of its partnership with online financial marketplace, Ratehub.ca — significantly, Montreal-based Mary Jeanne Phelan led the transactional aspects of that work. Other key contacts include Ian Mak; recently promoted partner Noel Chow; and debt capital markets expert Marc MacMullin, who leads the overarching financial services group — all are focused on transactions and based in Toronto.
Practice head(s):
Marc MacMullin; Ana Badour
Other key lawyers:
Richard Higa; Gordon Baird; Justin Lapedus; Stephen Furlan; Joseph Palin; Michel Deschamps; Hartley Lefton; Mary Jeanne Phelan; Ian Mak; Noel Chow
Key clients
Bank of America Securities, and Bank of America (Canada Branch)
National Bank of Canada, National Bank Financial
ATB Financial
Bank of Montreal
Fiera Capital
Wells Fargo & Company
Brookfield Infrastructure
Instar Asset Management
Morgan Stanley
Pinch Financial
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
From its platforms in Toronto and Montreal, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP’s team advises corporate borrowers and — increasingly — lenders on banking and finance transactions. In Toronto, department co-head Carol Pennycook is widely recognized for her record in acquisition finance, particularly infrastructure-related matters; she is advising Canada Infrastructure Bank on the development of a financing programme, with a C$5bn commitment, for the Government of Canada’s zero-emission buses initiative. Other recommended names in Toronto include highly regarded lender-side specialist Joel Scoler, as well as Derek Vesey and Scott Hyman. Group co-head Dan Wolfensohn is a key contact in Montreal. The team also includes a strong band of up-and-coming partners, including Peter Martorelli and Jennifer Prieto — both are in Toronto.
Practice head(s):
Carol Pennycook; Dan Wolfensohn
Other key lawyers:
Joel Scoler; Derek Vesey; Scott Hyman; Peter Martorelli; Jennifer Prieto
Testimonials
‘The team stands out in several areas: reliability (ultra-responsive and always willing to make time to speak on short notice); quality (highest quality drafting and exemplary legal advice); professionalism; expertise (proactively seeks ways to protect our interests as lenders; extreme ownership / accountability.’
‘It feels like Davies drives the deal and transaction process forward (often not the case with other firms, where we need to follow up to ensure docs are moving). These characteristics are representative of my dealings with Joel Scoler and Peter Martorelli.’
‘When it comes to private equity financing, Joel Scoler is widely viewed as the best in the business. He is very bright, understands the market as well as anyone and simply knows how to get things done. There is a reason he is a ‘go to’ counsel for us and other leading Canadian banks.’
Key clients
Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation
The Blackstone Group
TPG Global
Royal Bank of Canada
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)
Bank of Montreal (BMO)
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
National Bank of Canada
Rogers Communications
Work highlights
- Acted for Rogers Communications on Canada Infrastructure Bank’s financing of a C$1.3bn rural broadband project to provide underserved households in Ontario with internet service.
- Acted for the underwriters, led by Royal Bank of Canada, on the Government of Canada’s C$5bn green bond offering.
- Acted as Canadian financing counsel to Enerflex on establishing a $700m revolving credit facility, a $150m term loan and a $925m bridge credit facility for its $735m business combination with Exterran Corporation.
Fasken
Fasken is considered by many as a market leader for mining finance. That being said, its sector expertise extends far beyond mining to include recent transactions in the TMT, engineering, retail, and manufacturing spheres, among others, where it primarily acts on behalf of lenders. In Toronto, Thomas Meagher is a go-to specialist for mine finance; national department co-chair David Johnson maintains a broad lender and borrower-side practice; while national group co-head Dev Singh is also recommended. Additionally, Angela Onesi and Andrew Jackson co-head the national practice from Montreal and Vancouver respectively, while Calgary-based Scott Sangster spearheads the Alberta team. Other transactional contacts in Toronto include David Ferris and recently promoted partner, Daniel Conrad. The department also houses robust regulatory expertise, with Toronto-based Koker Christensen highly regarded in this field.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Jackson; Angela Onesi; Scott Sangster; David Johnson; Dev Singh; Koker Christensen
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Meagher; David Ferris; Daniel Conrad; Nathan Gates
Testimonials
‘The team is a go-to for our corporate finance function. Fasken delivered best-in-class responsiveness, commerciality, and overall creativity in working towards a close.’
‘Any time of day, any industry, and any counterparty, we have the utmost confidence in Fasken’s ability to not only deliver, but do so on schedule and at the highest value per dollar.’
‘Dev Singh and Daniel Conrad are stand-out. Over the past three years, this team has delivered on all transactions flawlessly. Responsiveness has been unmatched from my perspective, and its ability to be flexible and revert to the bank with solutions as opposed to questions is always appreciated.’
‘The largest firm we use. Fasken does our largest accounts. David Johnson, Daniel Conrad and associate Nathan Gates are very friendly and excellent to work with. Very responsive to every email and call. Always available.’
‘The team goes above and beyond to deliver the highest level of service to its clients. The team is extremely knowledgeable and provides added value services/solutions.’
‘The team provides provides solutions to issues/roadblocks we encounter. Other firms have a tendency to identify risks/issues, but do not go the extra mile to provide practical solutions and/or find a middle ground to get a deal done.’
Key clients
The Bank of Nova Scotia
The Bank of Montreal
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
The Royal Bank of Canada
National Bank of Canada
Macquarie Bank
MortEq Lending Corp
Federation des Caisses Desjardins du Quebec
Canadian Western Bank
ABSA Bank
ATB Financial
HSBC Bank of Canada
Work highlights
- Advised the Bank of Nova Scotia-agented syndicate on providing $2.5bn secured credit facilities (inclusive of a $500m accordion) to TELUS International in connection with its $1.2bn acquisition of WillowTree.
- Acted as lead counsel to Bank of Montreal, as agent on behalf of a syndicate of international lenders, on the C$2.4bn financing of Element Fleet Management.
- Acted as lead counsel to the Bank of Nova Scotia-agented syndicate (Bank of Montreal and Royal Bank of Canada were co-lead sustainability structuring agents) on a Canadian-law governed $2bn revolving term credit facility established for Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright’s team is distinguished by its extensive national and international network, which includes six offices in Canada as well as on-the-ground platforms in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and the US. The firm’s international outlook notably marks it as a popular choice for cross-border — particularly US-related — financings. The Calgary office is a strong performer in energy-related matters, with Rick Borden recently advising Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent, on a senior secured $150m term facility and a $700m revolving facility to Enerflex. Marlow Gereluk is also recommended in Calgary. Key names in Montreal include asset-based lending co-chair Arnold Cohen; corporate finance and restructuring partner David Lemieux; and dual Quebec- and New York-qualified national practice co-ordinator Peter Wiazowski. In Toronto, asset-based lending co-chair David Amato and regulatory head Tim Stewart are noted.
Practice head(s):
Peter Wiazowski; Tim Stewart; David Amato; Marlow Gereluk
Other key lawyers:
Rick Borden; Arnold Cohen; David Lemieux
Key clients
JPMorgan Chase Bank (Toronto branch)
Bombardier
Bausch Health Companies
SNC-Lavalin
Bank of America
BMO Capital Markets Corp
JPMorgan Chase Bank
Tidewater Renewables
Royal Bank of Canada
Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure
Bank of America
Work highlights
- Acted as Canadian counsel to JPMorgan Chase Bank, as administrative agent and collateral agent, on a new $250m asset-based revolving credit facility.
- Advised Bausch Health Companies, and its subsidiary Bausch + Lomb Corporation, on a multibillion-dollar debt financing, including advising on the refinancing of Bausch Health’s $3.4bn syndicated secured credit agreement.
- Advised SNC-Lavalin on its 2022 initiative to replace and extend its existing syndicated credit facilities, which will result in reduced overall borrowing costs, contingent upon SNC-Lavalin’s achievement of certain environmental, social and governance targets.
Stikeman Elliott LLP
Stikeman Elliott LLP’s premier corporate practice lends itself well to borrower-side mandates and the group consistently represents major domestic and multinational companies on complex financings, including syndicated lending, acquisition finance and project finance, among other matters. The team, which also acts for lenders, additionally houses a significant regulatory practice. Jennifer Legge heads the team in Toronto and recently advised GFL Environmental on financing facilities valued at C$1.3bn provided for the spin-off of GFL Infrastructure Group to create Green Infrastructure Partners. The Toronto bench also draws on banking, project finance and restructuring specialist Daphne MacKenzie; banking, restructuring and private equity partner Craig Mitchell; regulatory expert Peter Hamilton; and Meaghan Obee Tower, whose practice spans regulatory and transactional work. In Montreal, Howard Rosenoff and Serge Levy are key contacts. Toronto-based associate Victoria Zaric provides support.
Practice head(s):
Jennifer Legge; Howard Rosenoff; Peter Hamilton
Other key lawyers:
Daphne MacKenzie; Craig Mitchell; Meaghan Obee Tower; Marie Garneau; Serge Levy; Victoria Zaric
Key clients
Cogeco Communications
Hudson’s Bay Company
InnVest Hotels
National Bank of Canada
Osisko Gold Royalties
GFL Environmental
Air Canada
Cargojet
Vale
Centerra Gold
Torys
Widely admired for its formidable regulatory offering, Torys stands out for its record in complex banking M&A as well as day-to-day compliance matters. It additionally handles lending work, where it primarily advises borrowers on corporate financings; less frequently, the group also represents financial services clients on lending transactions. Adam Delean co-leads the banking and debt finance practice and advised Ontario Power Generation on a financing with with Canada Infrastructure Bank to support early works expenditures. Other transactional contacts include banking and debt finance co-head Amanda Balasubramanian; Calgary-based Kevin Fougere, who is highly regarded for energy-related issues; and Tom Zverina. Go-to financial institutions expert Blair Keefe jointly leads the regulatory department alongside Jill McCutcheon. Recently promoted regulatory partner Eli Monas and Calgary-based associate Tyrel Henderson are also recommended. Named lawyers are based in Toronto unless otherwise stated.
Other key lawyers:
Kevin Fougere; Tom Zverina; Eli Monas; Tyrel Henderson; Nina Mansoori
Testimonials
‘For us, the key distinction is Blair Keefe and Eli Monas’ intimate knowledge of the inner workings of banking regulation and regulators. They are strategic, as well as substantive.’
‘We value the team’s unparalleled knowledge of the inner workings of the regulator – who to speak to, when, how etc. It makes our lives much much easier.’
Key clients
Royal Bank of Canada
Bank of Montreal
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
National Bank of Canada
The Bank of Nova Scotia
Intact Financial Corporation
Franco-Nevada Corporation
Deutsche Bank Securities
Brookfield Business Partners
Sagard Credit Partners
Enbridge
Ontario Power Generation
Digital Commerce Bank
Orion Mine Finance
CPP Credit Investments
123Dentist
Home Capital Group
Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan
Innovation Credit Union
Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union
BNP Paribas
Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union
Capital One Shopping Canada
Odyssey Trust Company
Government of Canada
Work highlights
- Advised Ontario Power Generation on a financing with with Canada Infrastructure Bank to finance early works expenditures in connection with the Darlington small modular reactor project.
- Advised Toronto-Dominion Bank, as Canadian counsel, on its proposed $13.4bn acquisition of First Horizon Corporation.
- Advised Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan on the regulatory aspects of its proposed sale of Concentra Bank and Concentra Trust to Equitable Bank.
Bennett Jones LLP
Predominantly active on behalf of corporate borrowers, Bennett Jones LLP also advises lenders on finance transactions, including alternative lenders such as private equity clients and hedge fund debt investors. In Toronto, Mark Rasile is recognized for his experience in advising borrowers and lenders on a mix of syndicated loans, acquisition finance and restructuring transactions, among other matters. The Toronto team also includes regulatory specialist John Teolis; up-and-coming transactional partner David Rotchtin; and banking and secured transactions co-head Simon Grant. In Calgary, department co-head Karen Dawson and high-profile aviation finance expert Patrick Brennan are recommended. Former group co-head Steve Lutz left the firm in September 2022.
Practice head(s):
Karen Dawson; Simon Grant
Other key lawyers:
Mark Rasile; John Teolis; David Rotchtin; Patrick Brennan
Key clients
RBC Capital Markets
Barclays Bank
Canso Investment Counsel
TriWest Capital Partners
Morgan Stanley Bank
Canadian Natural Resources
Third Eye Capital
Stantec
North West Redwater Partnership
Waste Connections
Ali Group
Canadian Utilities
The PNC Financial Services Group
Obsidian Energy
Cresco Labs
Equitable Bank
Mountain Province Diamonds
ATB Corporate Financial Services
Tenaska/TMV Corp
ATCO Energy Solutions
CSV Midstream Solutions Corp
Certify
TELUS International
Work highlights
- Advised Stantec on substantial amendments to its C$1.1bn syndicated credit facility, including negotiating and documenting new sustainability link loan terms.
- Advised the lead arrangers, RBC Capital Markets, and lending syndicate on the amendment and restatement of Cameco Corp’s C$1bn syndicated revolving credit facility.
- Advised TriWest Capital Partners on a sponsor-backed, asset-based lending credit agreement provided as acquisition financing for TriWest Capital Partners’ purchase of a majority interest in the Monarch group.
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP maintains a broad banking and finance practice, which acts for both corporate borrowers and lenders on financings; it also contributes significant regulatory expertise. The national group enjoys a prominent platform in Montreal, which is the seat of national financial services lead Claudine Millette; she specializes in advising lenders on financing matters. Other key names in Montreal include Vincent Frenette, who focuses on corporate finance and acquisition finance; and Montreal group head Olivier Tardif, who handles transactional and regulatory work. In Toronto, Gus Karantzoulis and Howard Silverman are noted for finance transactions, while Stephen Redican heads the national regulatory practice.
Practice head(s):
Claudine Millette; Stephen Redican
Other key lawyers:
Vincent Frenette; Olivier Tardif; Gus Karantzoulis; Howard Silverman; Ira Cooper; Shane Pearlman; Edward Wang
Key clients
Madryn Asset Management
Arxnovum Investments
Work highlights
- Acted for Madryn Asset Management, as administrative agent to the lenders, on a credit agreement in favour of Greenbrook TMS.
- Advised Arxnovum on its registration as the first crypto-specific exempt market dealer and portfolio manager in Canada.
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
In a strong statement of intent, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP bulked up its banking and finance practice with a string of new arrivals during 2022/23. Most notably, in June 2022 the group established a lending team in Calgary through the hire of five new partners: Bria Fallen, Mike Hrabok, Sunil Joneja and Scott McLeman joined from Gowling WLG, while David Kolesar arrived from Torys. The national group acts for corporate borrowers, as well as traditional and alternative lenders, and is particularly sought after for its reputation in mining and cannabis-related transactions. Charles Rich, Charles Newman and Jennifer Wasylyk co-head the banking and specialty finance department from Toronto. Marc Mercier, Alison Manzer and Jason Arbuck are also recommended in Toronto, while David Budd splits his time between Toronto and Vancouver.
Practice head(s):
Charles Rich; Charles Newman; Jennifer Wasylyk
Other key lawyers:
Marc Mercier; Alison Manzer; Jason Arbuck; David Budd; Bria Fallen; Mike Hrabok; Sunil Joneja; Scott McLeman; David Kolesar
Key clients
Bank of Montreal
The Bank of Nova Scotia
BNP Paribas
Business Development Bank of Canada
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
CIBC Bank USA
HSBC Bank Canada
Stonebriar Commercial Finance
Huntington Commercial Finance Canada
Work highlights
- Advised Wheaton Precious Metals Corp on its $2bn sustainability-linked revolving credit facility.
- Advised Lundin Mining Corporation on a $1.7bn credit facility.
- Advised Sabina Gold & Silver Corp on a $520m construction financing package with Orion Mine Finance and Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.
Goodmans LLP
The banking and finance group at Goodmans LLP ‘goes above and beyond the client’s expectations’. From Toronto, the team maintains broad geographical and practice coverage, with its borrower-side work and involvement in complex restructuring-related matters particularly impressing. David Nadler spearheads the department and recently acted as Canadian counsel to an ad hoc group of term-loan lenders in the chapter 11 restructuring of Revlon. The department also draws on the experience of Jeffrey Citron, Celia Rhea and Michael Bertrand; all of whom bring to bear strong corporate lending credentials. Among the group’s up-and-coming partners Dan Dedic, Karen Vadasz and the recently promoted Kyle Gerow stand out. Jean Anderson recently retired.
Practice head(s):
David Nadler
Other key lawyers:
Jeffrey Citron; Celia Rhea; Michael Bertrand; Dan Dedic; Karen Vadasz; Kyle Gerow
Testimonials
‘Goodmans has the benefit of advising on many transactions in the Canadian marketplace which is evident in the experience of the team. You can count on sound advice and a strong understanding of precedents (i.e., what are considered market terms).’
‘David Nadler is an incredibly experienced banking and finance lawyer — his understanding of capital markets is strong and he is very responsive to the needs of his client.’
‘A very responsive team, which works well under tight timelines, provides quality work with minimal back and forth, and demonstrates attention to detail.’
Key clients
Algoma Steel Group
Bank of America
Berkshire Partners
Brookfield Asset Management
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Centre Lane Partners
Citizens Bank
Colbeck Capital Management
Fiera Private Debt
HUB International
IAMGOLD Corporation
King Street Capital
KKR Debt Fund
Klirmark Capital
Macquarie Bank
New York Life (Apogem Capital)
OMERS
Onex Corporation
Penfund Partners
PNC Bank
Sherritt International Corporation
Source Energy Corporation
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
The Bank of Montreal
The Bank of Nova Scotia
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
US Bank
West Jet
Work highlights
- Advised IAMGOLD on alternatives and options to raise capital and improve its capital structure and funding.
- Advised an ad hoc group of lenders to Revlon in connection with the chapter 11 restructuring of Revlon, and certain of its subsidiaries.
- Advised Four Seasons Hotels on a new $850m term loan facility, led by Citibank, to be used for general corporate purposes and to repay existing debt.
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
In a significant coup, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP boosted its Calgary banking and financial services offering in April 2023 with the hire of a four-partner group from Borden Ladner Gervais LLP; Edward Wooldridge, Paul S. Taylor, Patrick Mah and Sameena Sarangi are all noted for their transactional finance expertise. Other key names on the transactional front include practice head Chris Bennett, who is highly regarded for projects-related matters; Joyce Bernasek; Lisa Mantello; and Montreal-based Etienne Massicotte. The firm also fields an increasingly prominent regulatory department, which is co-led by sector specialists Victoria Graham and Elizabeth Sale. Named lawyers are based in Toronto unless otherwise stated.
Practice head(s):
Chris Bennett; Victoria Graham; Elizabeth Sale
Other key lawyers:
Joyce Bernasek; Lisa Mantello; Etienne Massicotte; Edward Wooldridge; Paul S. Taylor; Patrick Mah; Sameena Sarangi
Key clients
DRI Capital
Canada Infrastructure Bank
AIMCo
KKR
Koch
First Nations Finance Authority
TD Securities
Bank of Montreal
Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan
Barclays Bank
Royal Bank of Canada
Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP
Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP leverages its signature strength in the oil and gas sphere to specialize in advising energy and infrastructure clients on finance transactions. Less frequently, the Calgary-based group represents lenders, including major banks. Group head Kathy Pybus has strong experience in representing borrowers and lenders on corporate loans, with a focus on the oil and gas industry. The group also draws on finance specialist Nancy Smith as well as next-generation partners Simina Ionescu-Mocanu and Nicole Chorley.
Practice head(s):
Kathy Pybus
Other key lawyers:
Nancy Smith; Simina Ionescu-Mocanu; Nicole Chorley
Key clients
Whitecap Resources
ARC Resources
Ag Growth International
NuVista Energy
Hammerhead Resources
TARA Energy Services
Work highlights
- Advised Whitecap Resources on finance matters connected to its acquisition of XTO Energy Canada.
- Advised ARC Resources on a covenant-based credit facility with a syndicate of Canadian, US, and international banks.
- Advised Ag Growth International on its senior secured syndicated credit facilities.
Dentons
Dentons’ global network is reflected in a client list that encompasses a range of non-Canadian banks and alternative lenders. The group also routinely advises Canadian borrowers and domestic financial institutions, with a focus on the energy, infrastructure, TMT and financial services industries. Ryan Middleton and Robert de Guzman co-head the transactions-focused team from Toronto and Edmonton respectively. Other key names in Toronto include Dennis Wiebe, Michael Henriques and Heidi Clark. Joel Cabelli and Marie-Josée Couture are noted in Montreal.
Practice head(s):
Ryan Middleton; Robert de Guzman
Other key lawyers:
Dennis Wiebe; Michael Henriques; Heidi Clark; Joel Cabelli; Marie-Josée Couture
Key clients
Royal Bank of Canada
Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec
Canada Infrastructure Bank
TD Greystone Mortgage Fund
BDC Capital
Fiera FP Business
Certus Oil and Gas
Capital Power Corporation
Meridiam Infrastructure North America Corporation
Energera
Work highlights
- Advised Bank of Nova Scotia, as agent, on a syndicated C$360m non-revolving senior secured credit facility.
- Advised Energera on the refinancing of its term and operating credit facilities with HSBC Bank Canada.
- Advised Canadian Infrastructure Bank on its financing of clean energy infrastructure projects in the City of Markham, through Markham District Energy.
Aird & Berlis LLP
‘Extremely knowledgeable, accommodating and responsive’, Aird & Berlis LLP’s financial services team acts for a broad mix of corporate borrowers as well as Canadian and international banks and alternative lenders. Banking and finance partner Aaron Collins co-heads the department together with insolvency and restructuring specialist Steven Graff. The Toronto-based group also benefits from the senior experience of Jill Fraser and Robb English, who focus on banking and restructuring work respectively.
Practice head(s):
Aaron Collins; Steven Graff
Other key lawyers:
Jill Fraser; Robb English; Kyle Plunkett
Testimonials
‘Aird & Berlis has been our preferred legal counsel for over a decade. It is extremely knowledgeable, accommodating and responsive at all times. Despite this, their billing is always competitive or lower than the competition.’
‘Robb English leads the group that we deal with and he has always provided exemplary guidance.’
‘The team is very responsive, reasonably priced and works well under tight timelines.’
Key clients
Linamar Corporation
Greenfirst Forest Products
San Cristobal Mining
KeyBanc Capital Markets
Work highlights
- Advised Linamar Corporation on its senior unsecured credit facility financed by a syndicate of 16 lenders.
- Acted for GreenFirst Forest Products on its C$140m financing with Bank of Montreal.
- Acted as co-Canadian counsel to San Cristobal Mining on the acquisition of Minera San Cristóbal and three associated financing transactions.
Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG fields a comprehensive banking and finance practice, which brings to bear niche expertise in specialist areas such as fintech, blockchain and Canada payments rules. Toronto-based Christopher Alam leads the national lending team, and, additionally, leads the Toronto real estate and financial services groups. Calgary lead Elizabeth Burton is also noted for her robust transactional finance practice. Other key contacts include Dom Glavota, who splits his time between Toronto and Hamilton, and Toronto-based Kelby Carter.
Practice head(s):
Christopher Alam
Other key lawyers:
Elizabeth Burton; Dom Glavota; Kelby Carter.
Testimonials
‘We value the team for its collaboration, availability and billing.’
‘Elizabeth Burton has a deep and comprehensive understanding of the law as it relates to the syndicated loans we work on (diversified, energy and real estate). Excellent communication skills ultimately reducing billing hours. She and her team will get things done in a timely manner.’
‘The team is characterized by its ethical integrity, adaptability and a client-centric approach.’
Key clients
Pipestone Energy Corp
Canada Infrastructure Bank
Detail K2
Bank of Montreal
Bank of Ireland
Work highlights
- Advised Pipestone Energy Corp on the amendment and renewal of its C$280m syndicated borrowing base credit facilities with a syndicate of banks.
- Acted for Canada Infrastructure Bank on a C$277m financing in support of a C$1.2bn bioenergy project located in Varennes, Quebec.
- Advised Detail K2, and the sellers, on the sale of Detail K2 to Ronin Equity Partners.