Corporate/M&A
Global Guide 2024 : Canada
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 403 298 3649Chambers Review
Bennett Jones houses a growing practice that is well known for its energy transactional practice, with a strong footprint in the mining and oil and gas industries. The team also offers advice in other sectors including senior care, technology and industrial products, acting on both high-end and mid-market matters. The firm's experience encompasses M&A, corporate finance and private equity. The core of the team is spread across Toronto and Calgary, with additional partners in Vancouver. Bennett Jones completed its merger with distinguished Vancouver firm McCullough O'Connor Irwin LLP in June 2018, boosting its presence in BC.
Work Highlights
- Bennett Jones acted for for Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corporation, a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by Riverstone Holdings, in its CAD1.39 billion combination with Hammerhead Resources.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The lawyers at Bennett Jones are very practical and very commercial in how they approach the issues we face."
"Our primary need is timeliness of service. To that end, Bennett Jones have been excellent."
"Any time a legal question comes up, or there is a form that needs review, the firm has been extremely responsive. They are open in their communications, helping us to understand the implications of any documents we sign. The work is also done very efficiently."
"The lawyers at Bennett Jones are very practical and very commercial in how they approach the issues we face."
"Our primary need is timeliness of service. To that end, Bennett Jones have been excellent."
"Any time a legal question comes up, or there is a form that needs review, the firm has been extremely responsive. They are open in their communications, helping us to understand the implications of any documents we sign. The work is also done very efficiently."
Notable Practitioners
Calgary-based James McClary is a well-regarded lawyer with a wealth of experience advising on leveraged buyouts. He is additionally noted for his past experience working at the New York and London offices of a US law firm.
"James is a creative problem solver who adds significant value to our transactions and is very much a trusted adviser to our firm."
"Given his prior experience in New York, he brings a level of cross-border experience that is difficult to find in Calgary, and leverages his relationships with other firms to bring in additional resources where required."
Calgary-based private equity practice head John Mercury is highly regarded for his experienced advice on buyout transactions with cross-border ties.
"He is an excellent lawyer who provides thorough advice."
"John has incredible knowledge of the Canadian market."
Toronto-based Curtis Cusinato has deep experience assisting clients in the technology, energy and private equity spaces with mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and financing transactions.
"Curtis Cusinato is commercially focused and brings a real commercial focus."
"Curtis goes above and beyond for his clients."
Regional co-head of the firm's corporate group, Jonathan McCullough commands an excellent reputation in the market, which is derived from his handling of both M&A transactions and securities work. Based in Vancouver, he displays additional strength in the investment funds space.
"He is motivated by the client's needs and always puts the client first. He is incredibly experienced and can bring that experience into any transaction."
"Jon is easily one of BC’s most talented negotiators. His super-strength is in defusing tense situations and helping people find a common way forward."
"He is an exceptionally good lawyer."
Patrick Maguire is held in high regard for his deep expertise in joint ventures and high-profile M&A transactions, often within the energy sector. He currently serves as the firm's vice-chair and Calgary managing partner.
"Patrick Maguire is a super lawyer who understands business practicalities and provides excellent advice in the context of the realities of our work."
"Patrick has a depth of knowledge of the industry and the players that is unparalleled."
"Patrick is very engaging. His practicality and business acumen sets him apart from almost all other energy counsel."
Christian Gauthier is a highly experienced corporate lawyer with capabilities in both domestic and international M&A transactions. He co-heads the M&A practice at Bennett Jones, splitting his time between Vancouver and Toronto.
"Christian is an empathetic leader who demonstrates strong emotional intelligence, which is helpful in negotiations, and in arriving at optimal solutions."
Ranked Lawyers at
Bennett Jones LLP
Canada
