Baker McKenzie bases its corporate and M&A practice in Canada out of Toronto, and advises on both domestic and cross-border transactions. The firm particaurly excels in multi-jurisdictional issues, leveraging its wide global network. The team supports clients throughout the whole processes of structuring, negotiating and executing deals ensuring that clients are aware of risks. David Palumbo and Nancy Hamzo both co-lead the practice. Palumbo represents securities dealers, institutional investors and companies in public M&A and public and private capital raising. Hamzo is the go-to for life sciences and technology clients, advising on multi-jurisdictional reorganizations and M&As. Haran Viswanathan is well-versed in public and private financings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The practice at Baker McKenzie Toronto provides our firm with nimble access to both deep, local expertise, while simultaneously providing the network and expertise of a global law firm. We are regularly working on Canadian, US-Canada cross-border and international opportunities, including in Europe and Australia. Being connected with local practice experts gives us the confidence to pursue the very best opportunities, wherever they might be.’
‘David Palumbo provides value add and service of distinction, being incredibly responsive and understanding of our needs and goals. David has incredible knowledge, experience and expertise across the whole of corporate and M&A and we know that we can make David our go-to on any situation.'
- 'Haran Viswanathan has provided immense support to our team as well and I would emphasize his timely response times and ability to find solutions when there are sticky situations. The number of transactions and transaction types also means that Haran has a command of the transaction processes and needs from the moment we bring him into a new opportunity.’
‘I have worked with Nancy Hamzo and her team for many years and continue to value the commitment to getting the deal done. Baker McKenzie is a good choice for M&A involving many countries but equally for Canada-only. Nancy is the best. The team stands out as diverse and friendly.’
‘Nancy Hamzo is a strong and savvy deal lead with a strategic mindset.’
‘Strong ability to support cross-jurisdictional and multi-jurisdictional work, providing a single point of contact.'
Key clients
- Safran
- Obrascon Huarte Lain
- Bloom Burton Securities
- Amethis
- Brookfield Asset Management
- Northern Super League
- Becton, Dickinson and Company
Work highlights
Advised Safran on its contemplated acquisition of Collins Aerospace’s high-technology actuation and flight control activities in a cash offer based on a $1.8bn enterprise value.
Advised Obrascon Huarte Lain on the C$81.7m sale of its 25% stake in the Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal public-private partnership project to John Laing Group.
Advised Bloom Burton Securities on Satellos's equity offering.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
David Palumbo; Nancy Hamzo
Other key lawyers
Haran Viswanathan; Charles Magerman
Comparative Guides
Hot Topics
Key Developments in Canadian Class Actions
Every year, dozens of proposed class actions are filed in Canada asserting various legal claims arising from all manner of industries.
05 June 2025
Key Developments in Canadian Class Actions
Class proceedings are common in Canada. Every year, dozens of class actions are commenced asserting different kinds of legal claims and involving all manner of industries.
27 June 2024