Guiding you through complexity
BLG can help you navigate the complex mergers and acquisitions landscape in Canada and beyond. Backed by a team with cross-sector legal expertise in negotiating and executing private and public M&A transactions, we help our clients mitigate risk and seize opportunity.
Specialized industry expertise
We know how critical it is to work with a legal partner who knows the nuances and specifics of your industry. From both a negotiation and due diligence perspective, it can be what makes or breaks a deal. Our depth of expertise is matched only by the breadth of topics and industries where we have a proven track record of success.
Financial Services
Anticipating challenges to growth
Digital transformation is a key theme in the financial services sector, with M&A activity being driven by the widening array of choices for consumers and an unprecedented number of innovative market entrants. From payment companies to digital assets and everything in between, we have the specialized knowledge and experience to ensure successful transactions.
Private Equity & Venture Capital
Access to inexpensive acquisition capital creates opportunities for new investment opportunities in Canada
Inexpensive acquisition capital, low interest rates and increased market participation has led to a competitive environment for acquisition opportunities in Canada. Large PE firms in Canada and internationally are continuing to show strong interest in mid-market Canadian businesses, particularly those that are resilient or represent a business opportunity in the context of current COVID risks.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Collaborating to deliver strong outcomes
M&A in the healthcare and life sciences space is being driven by technology-based solutions, which is now expected in all areas. Well-financed aggregators continue to enter the Canadian market and implement roll-up strategies across healthcare, including sub sectors such as dentistry, veterinary, and independent health facilities. Changes in the regulatory environment have also created new opportunities for collaborations, integrations and M&A activity across the sector – specifically in the area of long-term care.
Technology
Simplifying the complex
Recent global shifts have re-aligned businesses’ operating priorities, with a greater demand for technology to conduct business faster, at greater scale, and with a remote workforce. M&A deal making in the technology sector has surged as solution providers acquire talent and technology to meet those demands, and users of technology acquire, divest and rationalize their assets to gain or maintain a competitive edge in rapidly changing landscapes.
Agribusiness & Cannabis
Applying innovation to adapt to evolving requirements
M&A activity remains strong among cannabis companies that have access to cash or capital due to strong valuations, allowing certain players to rapidly gain ground in new markets or get ahead of their competition in profitability or productivity. In the similarly fragmented agribusiness industry, many companies are focusing on portfolio diversification, technology and growth via acquisition after a strong year.
Energy and Resources
Fueling the future with deep expertise
Despite ongoing challenges, consolidation and strategic acquisitions was a theme across the energy sector in 2021. We expect this trend to continue into 2022 as companies look to achieve economies of scale, reduce operating costs and integrate the value chain. Other trends include energy transition with a focus on clean energy and renewables, as well as increased importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies.
Insights
-
OCMT chokes on Bitfarms 15 per cent poison pill ARTICLE
-
OSC short-selling prosecution dismissed ARTICLE
-
Private real estate investment trusts A smart plan for business growth ARTICLE
-
Freeland to taxpayers: Talk to the hand ARTICLE
-
The increasing capital gains inclusion rate: Think first, (maybe) act later ARTICLE
-
Paw patrol: A focus on private equity roll-ups in the veterinary and pet industry ARTICLE
-
Top 10 commercial decisions of 2023: What Canadian businesses need to know VIDEO
-
Technology M&A trends: Reflecting on 2023 and predictions for 2024 ARTICLE
-
Words of caution for executing mergers ARTICLE
-
M&A trends for Canadian asset managers: BLG’s observations and insights looking ahead to 2024 ARTICLE
-
Why now is the time to get M&A-ready ARTICLE
-
8 strategies for bridging the value gap between M&A buyers and sellers ARTICLE
-
Cross border M&A: 8 (more) tips for international buyers doing deals in Canada ARTICLE
-
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Trends: Why it’s important and what you need to know PERSPECTIVE
-
Planning a business exit: 8 ways to set your business up for success ARTICLE
-
Investment Canada Act aims to protect national security: How to enhance foreign M&A success ARTICLE
-
Top commercial decisions of 2022 ARTICLE
-
Managing privacy and cyber risks in M&A transactions ARTICLE
-
M&A in 2023: the final stage of grief for boards… acceptance! ARTICLE
-
Privacy, cybersecurity and M&A transactions – A cautionary tale ARTICLE
-
Technology M&A trends: What to expect in 2023 ARTICLE
-
Privacy Commissioner decision provides guidance for parties to M&A transactions ARTICLE
-
Private companies in Ontario should prepare for new ownership transparency obligations ARTICLE
-
Crypto winter 2022: the season for M&A opportunities ARTICLE
-
10 tips for U.S. entities seeking to incorporate a Canadian subsidiary ARTICLE
-
New liability management framework for oil and gas in Alberta ARTICLE
-
2022 Privacy risk management – Top tips for organizations ARTICLE
-
Top energy issues of 2021, with implications for 2022 and beyond ARTICLE
-
Top 10 commercial decisions of 2021 ARTICLE
-
Recent Canadian M&A Developments and Outlook for 2022 – Will the Party Continue? ARTICLE
-
10 tips for U.S. professionals doing private M&A deals in Canada ARTICLE
-
Shorter offering timelines and reduced deal risk: CSA introduce new blanket orders ARTICLE
-
TSXV Security Based Compensation policies: New flexibility and potential M&A risk ARTICLE
-
Cineplex awarded $1.24 billion judgment in takeover fight ARTICLE
-
Mergers and Acquisitions in Canada 2021 PERSPECTIVE
-
CSA raises the bar for non-GAAP disclosure ARTICLE
-
Managing cyber risks in M&A transactions ARTICLE
-
Key legal and business issues facing the automotive industry PERSPECTIVE
-
ESG and Investment Opportunities in the Energy Sector ARTICLE
-
Should Canadian private companies merge with a special purpose acquisition company? ARTICLE
-
Canadian energy oil and gas: Top 20 of 2020 - Transactions and trends ARTICLE
-
Revised Competition Act and Investment Canada Act thresholds for 2021 ARTICLE
-
Transaction considerations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic ARTICLE
-
M&A Building Blocks PERSPECTIVE
-
Navigating the changing business and foreign investment landscape in 2021 ARTICLE
-
Valuation issues and nil Premium transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic ARTICLE
-
M&A considerations for companies in financial distress ARTICLE
-
Mergers & acquisitions considerations for target boards ARTICLE
-
M&A board considerations for acquirors ARTICLE
-
Ontario capital markets modernization taskforce releases initial consultation report ARTICLE
-
Your 2020 guide to Canadian mergers and acquisitions PERSPECTIVE
-
U.S. releases anti-hybrid regulations ARTICLE
-
Failing firm is not enough: Competition Bureau outlines approach to acquisitions of failing businesses ARTICLE
-
The impact of COVID-19 on M&A transactions ARTICLE
-
OSC decision a reminder to engage a special committee early ARTICLE
-
InterOil – Latest decision upholds importance of market prices in valuation ARTICLE
-
Private Equity Rollups: Strategic Considerations ARTICLE
-
Growth by acquisition: Strategies for improving transaction success ARTICLE
-
Mergers and Acquisitions in Canada ARTICLE
-
Redwater Decision ARTICLE
-
Oil and Gas: Top Trends and Transactions of 2018 ARTICLE
-
2018 Year-End M&A Review and 2019 Trends to Watch For ARTICLE
-
M&A Trends to Watch For in 2019 ARTICLE
-
Mergers & Acquisitions: How U.S. and International Companies can Enter the Canadian Market VIDEO
-
New Filing Fee for Competition Bureau Merger Reviews ARTICLE
-
Securities Commissions Provide Guidance on New Take–Over Bid Regime ARTICLE
-
2017 Year-End MA Review and 2018 Trends to Watch For ARTICLE
-
M&A Trends to Watch For in 2018 ARTICLE
-
2017 Year in Review: Top 10 Judicial Decisions and Trends of Importance to the Canadian Energy Industry ARTICLE
-
Co-author, "Do I hear an Eco? OSC Approach to Share Issuances in Proxy Fight Echoes the Approach in Take-overs," BLG Securities and Capital Markets Bulletin, August 2017 ARTICLE
-
Canadian Securities Administrators Provide Guidance on M&A Transactions Involving Material Conflicts of Interest ARTICLE
-
The Bulk Sales Act (Ontario) — Repealed ARTICLE
-
Fairness Opinions — Is There A New Interoil Standard? ARTICLE
-
BLG Poised for Mergers and Acquisitions in 2017 ARTICLE
-
Good Tactics or Bad Faith: The Divisive Issue of Sandbagging in M&A ARTICLE
-
Future Uncertainty In Plans Of Arrangement ARTICLE
-
ACMPR: Same as it Ever Was — With More Options for Patients and Licensed Producers ARTICLE
-
New Medical Marihuana Regulations Send the MMPR Up in Smoke ARTICLE
-
David Defeats Goliath ARTICLE
-
105-Day Take-over Bids — What Impact On Take-Over Defenses? ARTICLE