Expertise Detail

Public M&A

  Canadian M&A Perspectives Blog

Whether you are a bidder, a target or a financial advisor involved in an M&A transaction, expert advice and innovative strategies are essential. These are precisely the skills we have acquired — and continuously upgrade — by handling hundreds of M&A deals year after year.

McCarthy Tétrault is home to some of the most talented M&A lawyers in Canada, according to Euromoney's Guide to the World's Leading Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyers . Thomson Reuters' 2009 year-end league tables ranked McCarthy Tétrault as the No. 1 law firm by deal volume for both announced and completed deals with any Canadian involvement. McCarthy Tétrault was also ranked No.1 by Thomson for deal number for completed Canadian deals. Thomson Financial credited the firm with 79 completed Canadian M&A deals worth over $51.8 US billion. In 2007 and 2008, the same service ranked us first for the highest dollar value of completed deals and for the most completed and announced Canadian deals, respectively. Chambers Global consistently ranks us among the top M&A firms in the country.

Major recent transactions on which we have acted include:

• Avaya Inc. in its $915 million USD acquisition of Nortel Enterprise Solutions, further solidifying its position as a leader in business communications; 
• Royal Gold in its cross-border purchase of International Royalty Corporation for $700 million, growing its portfolio to include royalty interests on 197 properties on six continents;
• MDS Inc. in the worldwide divestiture of its Analytical Technologies business to affiliates of Danaher Corporation for $650 million USD as part of MDS' overall business realignment, which was integrated with a simultaneous sale of certain interests by MDS' joint venture partner; and
• PetroBakken Energy Ltd. in its $343 million acquisition of Berens Energy Ltd., strengthening PetroBakken as a premier, Bakken-focused, light oil exploration and production company.

When you choose us, you benefit from our:

• Significant expertise in all aspects of M&A transactions — In addition to a wealth of M&A experience, we have one of the largest tax departments in Canada, as well as regulatory experts in all industries who facilitate structuring, due diligence, and regulatory review and compliance. We also advise on developing and implementing defensive strategies in hostile bid or proxy battle situations, assisted by our nationally and internationally recognized litigation group.
• Strong national profile — We operate across Canada with truly integrated national teams, with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montréal and Québec City.
• International experience — We play a principal role in cross-border transactions through our offices across Canada and in London, UK. We also act for foreign bidders who wish to acquire Canadian targets.
• Industry Expertise — Our lawyers are recognized leaders in several industries, notably financial services, power, technology, mining, and oil & gas. Our knowledge becomes your advantage when deciding whether to buy or sell a business in these industries.
• Full-service teams — Clients respect our depth and service-oriented approach. We draw upon seasoned professionals at the top of their game within our firm in all areas essential to putting business structures together, including competition, tax, securities and litigation.

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