Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP leverages a broad national footprint, in addition to overseas office in London and New York, to support on a variety of public and private M&A matters, both domestic and multinational. Calgary lawyer Ross Bentley has transacted some of the largest capital market transactions and M&A deals over recent years, many of which are valued in the multi-billions, meanwhile, at the Toronto office, practice co-head David Kruse serves as a leading authority on all-manner of matters within the automotive sector. Based alongside him is Michael Gans, a go-to for both middle market and industry redefining deals, as well as Jeffrey Lloyd who supplements his dealmaking prowess with knowledge of corporate governance, shareholder activism and securities law. At the more junior end of the partnership spectrum, Linda Tu is a high-flyer, active on M&A, public and private offering transactions, disclosure requirements and corporate finance. The workload covers a far-reaching range of sectors including financial services, health and pharmaceuticals, insurance, food and beverage, gaming, power and automotive, among many others.
Corporate and M&A in Canada
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Ross Bentley; Michael Gans; Jeffrey Lloyd; Linda Tu; Chad Schneider; Christine Milliken; John-Paul Bogden; Paul Singh; Lindsay Balson
Key clients
BHP
Cenovus Energy Inc.
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
Dell Technologies Inc.
ecMarket Inc. (dba Conexiom)
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Penn National Gaming, Inc.
Starlight Group Property Holdings Inc.
The Riverside Company
WPT Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust
Work highlights
- Advised Dell Technologies Inc. on its US$4-billion sale of Boomi, a leading provider of cloud-based integration platform as a service, to Francisco Partners and TPG Capital.
- Advised WPT Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust (WPT) on its US$3.1-billion acquisition by Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. WPT required a final order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia to approve the transaction.
- Advised Penn National Gaming, Inc. on its US$2-billion acquisition of Score Media and Gaming, Inc. This transaction was a significant deal in the North American gaming sector.
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
Present in Toronto, Montreal and New York, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP handles a broad variety of national and international deals, operating at a market leading level in a considerable number of industries. Vincent Mercier is a go-to for private equity, financial services, technology, communications and media, energy and mining-related deals meanwhile Patricia Olasker has forged an enviable reputation for friendly and unsolicited M&A and shareholder activism, among other various other transactions; the pair head the practice alongside Melanie Shishler, who has transacted private equity, M&A and private asset deals throughout the US, UK, China, Africa and South America, as well as Franziska Ruf, an expert in corporation governance, capital markets and securities law matters. Brett Seifred is an up-and-coming partner who has overseen several high-value deals within the entertainment, mining, metals and life sciences sectors.
Practice head(s):
Vincent Mercier; Patricia Olasker; Melanie Shishler; Hillel Rosen; Franziska Ruf
Other key lawyers:
Brett Seifred; Richard Cherney; Aaron Atkinson; Justin Vineberg; Elliot Greenstone; Kevin Greenspoon
Key clients
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc
Kansas City Southern
Premium Brands Holding Corporation
TransAlta Corporation
CDW Corporation
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
PSP Investments
Alstom S.A.
Work highlights
- Acting for Shaw Communications Inc. in the acquisition by Rogers Communications Inc. of all of Shaw’s issued and outstanding Class A and Class B shares in a transaction valued at approximately $26 billion, including debt, representing a significant premium for Shaw’s shareholders. This is the largest M&A deal announced in 2021 for a Canadian target and the 12th largest in history.
- Acted for TPG Real Estate Partners (TREP), the dedicated real estate equity investment platform of alternative asset firm TPG, in its acquisition and related financing of Cinespace Film Studios.
- Acted as counsel to Cominar REIT, one of Canada’s largest diversified real estate investment trusts and the largest commercial property owner in Québec, in its $5.7-billion sale to Iris Acquisition II LP, an entity created by a consortium led by Canderel Real Estate Property Inc., one of Canada’s largest privately held real estate companies.
Goodmans LLP
Goodmans LLP operates from a single office in Toronto, routinely acting for acquirers, borrowers and issuers, targets, investors and underwriters on complex, ground-breaking M&A deals. Neill May is a specialist in friendly and hostile takeover bids, reorganizations and securities law meanwhile Stephen Pincus has forged a leading reputation within the SPAC transaction field; the pair co-lead the team alongside Robert Vaux whose fields of prowess include contested governance matters, such as proxy contests, as well as the representation of special committees in the context of M&A. Counsel Stephen Halperin, who served as a partner at the firm for over 30 years, is one of the market’s foremost names for mergers, acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance and shareholder activism meanwhile Jonathan Lampe is highly acclaimed among her client roster of targets and acquirers, financial advisors, public entities and family offices. Jamie van Diepen is emblematic of the firm’s considerable bench strength when it comes to younger partners while further standouts include Brad Ross, often a go-to for public and private equity sponsored entities seeking to actively expand, and Jonathan Feldman who draws particular recognition for his navigation of shareholder activism mandates.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Dale Lastman; Brenda Gosselin; Chris Sunstrum; Brad Ross; David Coll-Black; Tim Heeney; Stephen Halperin; Jonathan Lampe; Jon Feldman; Chris Sunstrum; Jamie van Diepen; Kari MacKay; Julian di Bartolomeo; Tara Hunt
Testimonials
‘They are very strong in all areas of practice.’
‘Kari Mackay. She is very good at understanding our business strategy and objectives which enables her to give practical advice alongside her legal advice. She also has very strong experience in all areas of mining law, in addition to her corporate finance and M&A background.’
‘Team strength is around being able to provide complete legal advice and not miss anything while at the same time not wasting my time/money’
Key clients
Rogers Inc.
Onex
Newmont Mining Corporation
Clairvest Group Inc.
OMERS Private Equity
Minto Apartment REIT
Berkshire Investments Group
Canaccord Genuity
Searchlight Capital Partners
Revera
Northern Private Capital
Coeur Mining, Inc.
Franco-Nevada Corporation
Subversive Capital
Bank of Montreal (BMO)
Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining Co. Ltd.
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Inc.
Work highlights
- Acting for Onex Corporation in its acquisition of Sunwing Vacations. The nature of the transaction will be one of ongoing partnership and collaboration, as the former owners of Sunwing Vacations will participate in the ownership and management of the combined entity going forward to ensure the ongoing success of Sunwing Vacations. The team participated in all aspects of the transaction negotiation, and had primary carriage of all legal documentation on behalf of Onex Corporation
- Acted for Brookfield Infrastructure in connection with the sale of 100% of its North American district energy business, Enwave. The business has been divested through two separate transactions totalling US$4.1 billion. The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Australian firm IFM Investors have agreed to buy Enwave’s Canadian business. Enwave’s U.S. business is being sold to Australian investment manager QIC and U.S. firm Ullico. Net proceeds to Brookfield Infrastructure are expected to be US$950 million.
- Advised Berkshire Partners in connection with its merger of VetStrategy, the leading Canadian veterinary care provider in connection with its merger with IVC Evidensia, Europe’s leading veterinary care provider. The combined businesses will be one of the largest veterinary care groups in the world, with almost 30,000 employees and 2,000 clinics and hospitals across 17 countries.
McCarthy Tétrault
A firm with offices throughout Canada, in addition to London and New York, McCarthy Tétrault is naturally a key port of call for both domestic and multinational deals. The practice is home to Cameron Belsher, a leading name within the private equity, pension fund, gaming and licensing industries, as well as infrastructure, power and real estate expert, Jonathan See; the pair co-lead the team alongside Shea Small, who splits his time between the London and Toronto offices, and, together with Belsher, is especially well-connected within the metals and mining sector. Other names integral to the offering include public and private M&A, public financing and private equity buyout authority, Clemens Mayr , in addition to Shevaun McGrath, co-lead of the national private equity group, a position which sees her instructed on M&A, capital raising and divestiture endeavours. Furthermore, David Woollcombe provides the practice with considerable corporate finance capabilities, often acting for both issues and investment dealers in public offerings and private placements. Other named lawyers are based in Toronto except for Mayr who works from Montreal.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Shevaun McGrath; Patrick Boucher; Clemens Mayr; Roger Taplin; Patrick Shea; Clemens Mayr; Sven Milleli; David Woollcombe; Chrystelle Chevalier-Gagnon
Key clients
ACON Investments
AEA Investors
AltaGas Ltd.
Altius Renewable Royalties
Antarctica Capital, LLC
Archer Daniels Midland Company
BDG – Appalaches Fund, LP and BDG – Appalaches Fund Intl, LP
Beiersdorf AG
Benettons
Blackstone Group
Brookfield Asset Management
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
Cascade Investment
Centrica plc
Cineworld Group plc
CM (Canada) Asset Management Co. Ltd.
Cofomo Inc.
Cogeco Communications Inc.
Communauto Inc.
Cortland Partners, LLC
CVC Capital Partners
Deloitte
Dialogue Health Technologies Inc.
Direct Energy
Discord Inc.
Eddyfi NDT Inc.
Electric Royalties Ltd.
Enbridge Inc.
Endeavour Mining
Evolution Mining
Exterran Corporation
Fairfax Financial
Farmers Edge.
Gestion Desjardins Capital Inc.
Glencore
Goldman Sachs Canada Inc.
Hg Pooled Management Limited
HPS Investment Partners, LLC
Instar Group / InstarAGF
Interfor Corporation
Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO)
Jim Pattison Conglomerate
IST3 Investment Foundation
KPS Capital Partners
L Catterton
Lithia Motors, Inc.
Loral Space & Communications
Magris Resources Canada Inc.
Marfrig Global Foods S.A.
mdf commerce inc.
Metso Corporation
Murray Sales
Mubadala Investment Company
National Bank
Nemaska Lithium
New Look Vision Group Inc.
Newcrest Mining Limited
Novacap
OMERS
Orocobre
Parkland Corporation
PlantPlus Foods Canada Inc., PlantPlus Foods, LLC
PrairieSky Rolaty Ltd.
Radial Capital Partners
Rayonier Advanced Materials
Rio Tinto
Score Media and Gaming Inc.
Shandong Gold Mining
Silvercorp Metals Inc.
Sundial Motors Inc.
Slate Asset Management / Slate Retail REIT / Slate Office REIT
SSR Mining
Sanimax Industries
Sia Partners
St. Marys Cement Inc. Canada
Syntax Systems
TD Bank
TD Greystone Asset Management
Teranga Gold
The Gores Group / VITAC Corp.
The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company
Thompson Street Capital Partners
Tryke Companies
Vena Solutions Inc.
Versaterm Public Safety
Vista Equity Partners
Votorantim Cimentos
Walter Capital Partners
Wells Fargo & Company
Work highlights
- Advised Brookfield Infrastructure in its unsolicited cash and securities exchange takeover bid for Inter Pipeline Ltd., in furtherance of a proposed going-private transaction valued at C$13.5 billion.
- Advised Newcrest Mining on its C$3.5 billion acquisition of all outstanding common shares of Pretium Resources for an aggregate 50% cash and 50% Newcrest shares.
- Advised Score Media and Gaming Inc. in its acquisition by Penn National Gaming, Inc. for approximately US$2.0 billion in cash and stock.
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is a leading name for both large-cap and mid-market transactions, routinely acting on an array of complex M&A, private equity buyouts, capital markets, securities, venture capital and capital market matters. The national practice is fronted from Toronto by Emmanuel Pressman , who supplements his transactional prowess with knowledge of corporate governance and special situations, alongside John Groenewegen, a private equity specialist who caters to domestic and multinational funds in addition to pension plans. Jeremy Fraiberg serves as a go-to for acquisitions and securities offerings in a number of industries, meanwhile Douglas Marshall operates across an array of high-end public takeover, share and asset transaction, restructuring and privatization mandates. A further standout is James Brown who is especially knowledgeable of the mining sector and thrives in transactions pertaining to inter-listed companies.
Practice head(s):
Emmanuel Pressman; John Groenewegen,
Other key lawyers:
James Brown; Douglas Bryce; Jeremy Fraiberg ; Douglas Marshall; Frank Turner
Work highlights
Stikeman Elliott LLP
A firm frequently involved in Canada’s most high-profile transactions, Stikeman Elliott LLP thrives in contested public company transactions, friendly acquisitions, cross-border deals, joint ventures, MBOs and LBOs, joint ventures and take-over bids, among others. The practice is able to call upon its colleagues throughout Canada, New York, Sydney and London, and is home to John Ciardullo, a specialist in acquisition and defence strategy. Simon Romano serves as one of the pioneers of Canada’s SPAC market, meanwhile John Leopold is relied upon by both corporate and financial sponsor clients involved in major company transactions, both public and private. Jeffrey Singer brings over 25 years’ worth of experience to the table, serving a roster of banks, pension funds, private capital firms and household corporates, whereas Sophie Lamond provides an extensive knowledge of the manufacturing, retail, aviation, technology and media fields. Sean Vanderpol is yet another standout name, honing his focus on public governance and compliance affairs, public M&A and public corporate finance deals. Named lawyers are based in Toronto except for Lamond who operates from the Montreal office alongside Warren Katz, a lawyer particularly experienced in navigating cross-border deals.
Practice head(s):
Jonah Mann; Robert Carelli; John Laffin; Jeff Hershenfield; Kevin Smyth; Kim Le; Warren Silversmith; David Massé; Keith Chatwin; Noordin Nanji
Other key lawyers:
Sean Vanderpol; John Ciardullo; Simon Romano; John Leopold; Jeffrey Singer; Sophie Lamond; Warren Katz; Maxime Turcotte; John Laffin
Work highlights
Torys
Torys fields offices in Toronto, Calagry, Montreal and New York, demonstrating a tenacity for blockbuster M&A and buyout deals within the financial services, mining, consumer product, technology, energy and infrastructure, oil and gas, life sciences and healthcare sectors. Market veteran John Emanoilidis demonstrates a long-standing track record in multi-billion dollar M&A, hostile takeover bids, proxy contests and going-private deals; he co-leads the team from Toronto alongside Karrin Powys-Lybbe, an expert in transactions, securities law, corporate governance and corporate finance, as well as Michael Amm, a lawyer with a first-rate reputation for M&A, strategic investment, securities offering, IPO and joint venture deals. Adrienne DiPaolo is an up-and-coming partner with experience in significant contested and negotiated deals while, over in Calgary, Janan Paskaran provides the group with considerable knowledge of energy, cannabis and agribusiness-related transactions.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Stephanie Stimpson; Adrienne DiPaolo; Janan Paskaran; Jennifer Baugh
Testimonials
‘Responsive – I find the Torys team’s responsiveness far more quick and consistent than any other firm.’
‘Breadth of Expertise – the firm has expansive expertise across their offices and lawyers work collaboratively with their colleagues in different locations to identify the appropriate SME and ensure the highest quality of advice for the client.’
‘Practical Advice – I find that the team at Torys is very practical and pragmatic. Our prior firm tended to provide advice that did not work for our commercial teams. Torys understand those other interests and provides advice accordingly.’
‘Janan Paskaran and the team recently went above and beyond on a large M&A matter for us on a very short timeline. They were always available, provided practical advice and coordinated advice across offices on a number of specialty areas.’
‘I find Torys (and John Emanoilidis specifically) to be second to none when it comes to corporate M&A. Super helpful already and very efficient.’
Key clients
Canadian National Railway Company
Brookfield Group of Companies
Link Administration Holdings Limited
Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan
Alberta Investment Management Corporation
Great-West Lifeco Inc.
George Weston Limited
Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd.
Telemos Capital
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited
The Bank of Nova Scotia
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Sun Life Financial Inc.
Parkland Corporation
Bank of Montreal
Vermilion Energy Inc.
Canaccord Genuity
AltaGas Ltd.
Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
Work highlights
- CN Rail in its proposed US$33.7 rival takeover bid to combine with Kansas City Southern (“KSC”) and create a premier railway connecting ports in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
- George Weston in its C$1.1 billion sale of Weston Foods fresh and frozen bakery businesses.
- Link Group in its proposed C$3.2 billion sale to Dye & Durham Limited.
Bennett Jones LLP
Bennett Jones LLP is a six-office firm with teams in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and New York; its team excels in both M&A and private equity deals, including contested transactions, and is bolstered by the firm’s wider proficiency in restructuring, insolvency, antitrust and competition. In Calgary, Patrick Maguire KC is a leading name for energy-related deals meanwhile Perry Spitznagel KC has forged an enviable reputation for mergers and financings throughout Canada and the wider North American region; the pair are also based alongside John Mercury who leads the private equity practice and is particularly active within the energy, financial services, consumer products and manufacturing sectors. At the more junior end of the partnership spectrum, Toronto-based Kristopher Hanc is acclaimed for his knowledge of proxy contests, public offering and private placements with Christian Gauthier, a Vancouver lawyer, is extensively well-versed in LBOs, MBOs and IPOs, in addition to corporate governance and securities law. Curtis Cusinato, a market veteran of over 25 years, serves as vice chair in Toronto and is well-versed in a number of deal types, including SPACs and PIPES.
Practice head(s):
Curtis Cusinato; Linda Misetich-Dann; Kris Hanc; John Mercury; Brent Kraus; John Piasta; Jonathan McCullough
Other key lawyers:
John Mercury; Patrick Maguire KC; Perry Spitznagel KC; Kristopher Hanc; Christian Gauthier; Harinder Basra; Matthew Hunt
Work highlights
Fasken
Fasken is a standout name for acquisitions, dispositions, private equity buy-outs, reorganizations and corporate governance matters. The firm fields offices across Canada, along with sites in London and Johannesburg, and possesses a masterful knowledge of the mining, life sciences and communications sectors, among others. Operating from Toronto, John Turner is an authority within the resource industry meanwhile Brad Freelan supplements his M&A prowess with knowledge of shareholder activism; the pair are based alongside Sean Stevens who co-leads the team jointly with Calgary-based Sarah Gingrich. In Montreal, standout names include Caitlin Rose, a private equity lawyer with a track record in investments, resulting tuck-ins and divestitures, as well as Jean Michael Lapierre who is routinely active in the field of public transactions, overseeing sales, mergers, acquisitions, takeover bids and going-private deals.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Caitlin Rose; Jean Michel Lapierre; Alexandra Lazar; John Turner; Brad Freelan; Grant McGlaughlin; Zach Austin
Testimonials
‘A lot of women on the team. Best M&A team in Montreal because they do so much volume. Very responsive. Full 360 expertise. Good business acumen.’
‘Caitlin Rose does a lot of deals in Montreal therefore has a lot of experience. Good business sense. Very responsive. Fun to work with. Rigourous.’
Key clients
Air Canada Group
Aphria Inc.
Arcelor Mittal Group
AT&T Canada Enterprises Inc.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Group
La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
CGI Group Inc.
Fiera Capital Corporation
Intertape Polymer Group Inc.
IBM Canada Ltd.
Novacap Group
Parker Hannifin (Canada) Inc.
Plains Midstream Canada ULC
Price Waterhouse Coopers Group
TD Bank Group
Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acted as the legal counsel to the Special Committee of independent directors of Kirkland Lake who were tasked with the negotiation of the merger between Kirkland Lake and Agnico Eagle and making a recommendation to Kirkland Lake’s shareholders. This was the largest ever M&A transaction in the gold industry (C$24 billion), created the industry’s highest-quality and lowest-risk senior gold producer, and changed the landscape of the gold mining industry.
- Advised TCI Fund, one of the world’s largest activist hedge funds, in connection with its proxy contest with CN Rail, one of Canada’s largest companies and an iconic brand in Canada. The proxy contest was a battle to replace several directors on CN Rail’s board and its Chief Executive Officer. We were involved in all aspects of the proxy contest, including strategic decisions. The matter is significant since it is one of the highest-profile proxy contests in Canadian history and was regularly on the front page of major newspapers
- Advised Gold Fields Ltd in the acquisition of Yamana Gold Inc. valued at C$8.7 billion, creating a top-4 global gold major.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright, a firm with a far-reaching international network, is routinely involved in colossal M&A and corporate transactions, including proxy battles and hostile situations. The practice is co-led by Troy Ungerman , a lawyer especially accomplished within the aviation, technology and consumer market sectors, alongside Mathieu Deschamps who, in addition to catering to start-ups, counts some of Quebec’s largest corporates among his client list. Canada chair Walied Soliman continues to make waves in this space, supporting on M&A, corporate finance, restructurings, structured products and governance matters, meanwhile Terence Dobbin serves as a go-to for multijurisdictional deals, including both acquisitions and financings. The practice is also famed for its capabilities in debt and equity financings, as well as securities law, owing to the dedicated expertise provided by Paul Raymond. Named lawyers are based in Toronto except for Deschamps and Raymond who work from Montreal.
Practice head(s):
Troy Ungerman; Mathieu Deschamps
Other key lawyers:
Terence Dobbin; Walied Soliman ; Paul Raymond ; Justin Ferrara; Stephen Kelly; Vanessa Grant; Heidi Reinhart; Charles St-Pierre; Eric Malysa
Testimonials
‘NRF is a firm that possesses all the different specialities to deserve a client with various needs; It seems they have an ability to attract the best or highly talented lawyers to the firm; our partner has proposed a billing approach inline with the startup phase we were at the beginning of the relationship and has respected his words – this was really appreciated; they have a capacity to put the good resources on the task and, when needed, can get support from people from other offices in the world – very helpful for a business like us who deal worldwide; they are professional, they are available and even if we were small client at the beginning we always felt important;’
‘Mathieu Deschamps, Partner: he stands out because he seems to be always available; he listens to what we have to say (issues, worries, questions); he builds on past experiences to his client profit; he is a team player – can takes shots for the group; has good negotiation skills; good sense of humour – needed when things get tense a bit; very patient and calm; takes care of his clients.’
‘Charles St-Pierre, associate: he stands out because he is the perfect complement to Mathieu; very bright and competent for a so young associate (I would have hired him on the spot); available; ability to stay calm when the client gets grumpy;’
Key clients
Benevity, Inc.
Flexiti Financial Inc.
Lithion Recycling Inc.
HEXO Corp.
SNC Lavalin Group
Enerflex Ltd.
Canadian National Railway Company
Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust
Black Swan Energy
Crescent Point Energy Corp.
Bombardier Inc.
Affirm, Inc.
Work highlights
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie’s Toronto offering is bolstered by the firm’s expansive international network, consisting of over 70 offices across the globe. David Palumbo leads the department, operating in both the private and public M&A fields, and demonstrating specific prowess within the healthcare, life sciences, gaming, mining, tech and natural resources industries; his team is engaged for takeover bids, M&A, reorganizations and restructuring mandates and is also knowledgeable of the construction, private education and logistics sectors.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Nancy Hamzo; Charles Magerman; Haran Viswanathan
Testimonials
‘I have worked with the Baker McKenzie M&A team on a number of M&A transactions in Canada over the past couple of years, as well as transactions with Canadian elements. We have a great relationship with Nancy Hamzo and she has become our go to person for everything Canadian. There is also a strong transactional tax practice to complement (Peter Clarke stood out).’
‘Nancy Hamzo is just great, really strong and hands on transactional lead who makes things happen. Good at managing client as well as sellers…’
‘BM Canada has a fantastic corporate practice, ranging from organization and governance to M&A to tax and IP matters. They provide wholesale services across a broad range of areas and are not met with a challenge or problem they cannot solve for.’
Key clients
Altimeter Growth Corporation
Bain Capital
Daimler AG
Dexterra Group Inc.
Embracer Group AB
Enad Global 7 AB (publ)
Epicor Software Corporation
NeuPath Health Inc.
NielsenIQ
Safe Life AB
Trillium Therapeutics Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Trillium Therapeutics, a clinical stage immuno-oncology company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer, as lead counsel on the USD 2.22 billion sale of the company to Pfizer, Inc.
- Advised Altimeter Growth Capital, a special purpose acquisition company, as international counsel (with a focus on Asia Pacific) on its merger with and plan to take Grab Holdings public in the US in a deal worth almost USD 40 billion.
- Advised Embracer Group AB on the Canadian aspects of the USD 300 million acquisition of three game development studios Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal and Square Enix Montréal, and a catalogue of IPs (including Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, Thief and Legacy of Kain) from Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP
Based in Calgary, Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP is a go-to for public international corporates, private entities and private equity investors in respect of their M&A, takeover bid and plans of arrangement activities. Edward Brown leads the practice alongside Lindsay Cox whose key fields of expertise include securities regulatory compliance, shareholder meetings, IPOs, spin-outs and acquisitions. The team is also home to senior partner William Maslechko, a capital markets, M&A and corporate governance specialist, and has recently been active in the food and beverage, agribusiness, energy, media, technology and life sciences sectors.
Practice head(s):
Edward Brown; Lindsay Cox
Other key lawyers:
Bruce Allford; William Maslechko; Grant Zawalsky; James Kidd; Lonny Tetley; Paul Mereau; Nigel Behrens
Testimonials
‘Have the ability to assist with any and all situations. Hard working, large amount of care and desire to provide a quality service that stands out.’
‘Lonny Tetley – Understands the business and strategy – Knows how to prioritize – Great at finding quality talent to assist with the work.’
Paul Mereau – Huge amount of care for quality and detail – Very well informed and knowledgeable – Extremely hard worker.’
Key clients
MagicMed Industries Inc.
Peloton Computer Enterprises Ltd
Kicking Horse Oil & Gas Ltd.
WestBlock Capital Inc.
Shaw Communications Inc.
Crestwynd Exploration Ltd.
AgJunction Inc.
PFB Corporation
Velvet Energy Ltd.
Inter Pipeline Ltd. (IPL)
FYi Eye Care Services and Products Inc.
ARC Resources Ltd.
Tourmaline Oil Corp.
Whitecap Resources Inc.
TransAlta Corporation
Astra Oil Corp.
Whitecap Resources Inc.
Saguaro Resources Ltd.
Work highlights
- Counsel to the Special committee of the board of directors of Shaw Communications in the $26 billion acquisition by Rogers Communications.
- Counsel to IPL in respect of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. and its institutional partners (collectively, Brookfield) acquisition of the common shares of IPL by way of take-over bid and subsequent acquisition transaction pursuant to a Court-approved plan of arrangement for $15 billion CAD (Enterprise value).
- Counsel to ARC Resources closed its $8.1 billion strategic Montney combination with Seven Generations Energy. ARC Resources, a client of BD&P since 1996, is now Canada’s largest condensate producer, third-largest natural gas producer and sixth-largest upstream energy company. ARC is the largest pure-play Montney producer and a leader in responsible energy development in Canada.
Dentons
One of the largest international firms, Dentons is naturally extremely active on the cross-border front, demonstrating particular accomplishment in matters intersecting Europe, Latin America, China and Australia; its team is geared to handle both corporate M&A and private equity transactions and is well-versed in a number of sectors including energy, technology, cannabis, mining, infrastructure, telecoms and entertainment. Alex Farcas serves as M&A lead, boasting distinct know-how in go-private transactions and public company governance, while simultaneously supporting on a wealth of share and asset, take-over bid and restructuring transactions; he is based in Toronto alongside Ora Wexler, a partner who is forging a prominent reputation for her work on multi-jurisdictional capital market deals.
Practice head(s):
Alex Farcas; David Little; Mike Hollinger; Andrea Johnson
Other key lawyers:
Kimberly Burns; Ora Wexler
Key clients
Verano Holdings Corp.
Dye & Durham
The Baupost Group, LLC
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
Gage Growth Corp
Millennial Lithium Corp.
Ely Gold Royalties Inc.
Tenet Fintech Group inc.
5N Plus Inc.
Dapasoft Inc.
Work highlights
- Acted for Dye & Durham as it agreed to acquire Link Group in a transformative CDN$3.2 billion transaction.
- Advising Verano in its acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc.
- Acted as Canadian counsel to The Baupost Group, LLC, in its involvement in the acquisition of Western Union Business Solutions (now known as Convera) from the Western Union Company.
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP
One of the largest M&A players globally, DLA Piper (Canada) LLP’s domestic offering is especially well-regarded for deals within the natural resources, real estate, emerging company and financial services fields. Ted Maduri, who serves as practice head, is an expert in steering newer companies through their start-up plans, though he and his team are also equally well-versed in high-end M&A, joint venture, day-to-day commercial arrangement, financing and IPO affairs.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Robert Fonn; Russel Drew
Key clients
Canaccord Genuity Corp.
Trulieve Cannabis Corp
Microsoft
Tier1 Financial Solutions
LEAP Group Holdings Inc.
Grenco Science
Webjet Limited
EchoStar Corporation
Hush Blankets Inc.
Delta Electronics
Complexity Gaming
Flosports, Inc.
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Aphria Inc.
Société Bic SA
StorageVault Canada Inc.
Canaccord Genuity Corp.
Trulieve Cannabis Corp
Microsoft
Tier1 Financial Solutions
Work highlights
- Acted for Trulieve Cannabis Corp. in connection with the acquisition, by plan of arrangement, of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $2.1 billion. The acquisition of Harvest by Trulieve resulted in the creation of the largest and most profitable U.S. cannabis operator.
- Acted for Société Bic SA, a world leader in stationary, lighters and shavers, announced the completion of its acquisition of inkbox ink incorporated, a top of the market brand of high quality semi-permanent tattoos.
- Advised Delta Electronics, a global leader in power and thermal management solutions, on the acquisition of global video surveillance provider, March Networks.
Gowling WLG
An international firm headquartered in Ottawa, Gowling WLG caters to publicly held and publicly traded companies, both domestic and multinational, in a broad spectrum of transactions. Ian Palm co-leads the team with Frank Sur, operating across corporate finance, M&A, venture capital and private equity deals, from industries as varied as technology, energy, finance services, life sciences and infrastructure. A key point of differentiation for the group is its proficiency in new technologies such as AI, cryptocurrencies, blockchain and cannabis.
Practice head(s):
Frank Sur; Ian Palm
Other key lawyers:
Nurhan Aycan; Lorraine Mastersmith; Peter Simeon; Derek Keay; Jason Saltzman; Cyndi Laval; Rafal Wrzesien
Key clients
The Bountiful Company
DECIEMBeautyGroupInc.
Bluma Wellness Inc.
Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.
IMCannabisCorp.
SOLGlobalInvestmentsCorp.
Coinsquare Ltd.
The Real Brokerage Inc.
ADCOREInc.
TickTrade Systems Inc.
Quantum Automotive Group
Sol Cuisine Inc.
YANGAROO Inc.
Newlook Capital Inc.
Edge Imaging Inc.
LeadingEdgeMaterialsCorp.
SourcedGroup
Novacap/FortNine
Miovision Technologies Inc.
HomeHardwareStoresLimited
Community Tax LLC
RugbyMiningLimited
Capella Minerals Ltd.
Sysco Canada Inc.
Feenics
PlantX Life Inc.
CPC Pumps
EMERGE Commerce Ltd.
JMB Crushing Systems Inc.
Providence Therapeutics Inc.
The Cadillac Fairview Corporation
NextEra Energy Marketing Services LLC
McRockCapital
Bridgit Inc.
Accenture Inc.
Greatario
DejeroLabsInc.
Snap One
Work highlights
- Acted for the Bonduelle Group announced that it had entered into exclusive negotiations with Fonds de solidarité FTQ and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, to sell 65% of Bonduelle Americas Long Life, with an enterprise value of C$850 million (approximately €625 million), to these investors.
- Represented Leucrotta Exploration Inc. as it completed its previously announced plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), pursuant to which Vermilion Energy Inc. acquired all of the issued and outstanding securities of Leucrotta for an aggregate consideration of approximately $500 million, excluding value assigned to the newly formed Montney company, Coelacanth Energy Inc.
- Acted for Aazhogan Limited Partnership, a partnership of Rainy River First Nations and BMI Group, as it completed the acquisition of the international toll bridge between Fort Frances, Ontario and International Falls, Minnesota.
Lawson Lundell LLP
Founded over 130 years ago, Lawson Lundell LLP boasts specialist knowledge in a plethora of different sectors such as mining, energy, forest, technology, financial services, manufacturing, transportation and real estate. The team excels on the full spectrum of relevant matters, from M&A, corporate finance and securities through to governance, private equity and fund formation matters and is co-led by a Vancouver-based quartet, consisting of Valerie Mann, Jagdeep Shergill, Greg Hollingsworth and David Allard.
Practice head(s):
Valerie Mann; Jagdeep Shergill; Greg Hollingsworth; David Allard