Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Bennett Jones LLP
The Bennett Jones private equity group is a leader in Canada. Our clients include sophisticated financial sponsors who are looking to balance risk with expected return and who require tailored advice from the initiation of the investment phase through to exit. Bennett Jones represents all sides in private equity transactions, with particular depth on behalf of US and domestic financial sponsors. We understand our clients live with the consequences of their acquisitions the moment the deal closes and we align ourselves with that mindset.
Our private equity team works closely with our industry experts in those industries where our firm excels—particularly in energy/renewables, infrastructure, real estate, agribusiness, mining, technology, consumer and hospitality—to ensure that we are delivering the most informed advice. With a growing focus for private equity investments on ESG issues our expertise is vital from the initial diligence stage through to post-investment monitoring. We also have a leading Public Policy Group that adds significant value, particular with respect to cross-border situations that can stand to benefit from that type of perspective.
Provided by Chambers
Bennett Jones is consistently viewed as a leading law firm in the Canadian private equity market, with deep expertise relating to transactions in the energy and natural resources sector. It is well versed in the representation of Canadian and US asset managers, along with funds and portfolio companies. The firm's buyouts strength is bolstered by complementary financial services and regulatory expertise.
Provided by Chambers
Bennett Jones acted as Canadian counsel to KKR in relation to its CAD1.19 billion acquisition of a minority interest in the Labrador-Island Link.
Provided by Chambers
Bennett Jones has strong local knowledge and a commercial approach to addressing issues and collaborating with other counsel.
Bennett Jones has a highly sophisticated practice, a deep team and the ability to handle significant complexity.
The team at Bennett Jones is a pleasure to work with. They are thoughtful, commercial and work extremely well with other counsel on complicated cross-border transactions.
Provided by Chambers
James is a very commercial lawyer who understands what is important to us, which allows him to be efficient.
James McClary is a sophisticated player with both Canadian and US commercial experience.
James McClary is very professional, hardworking and talented.
John Mercury is highly regarded for his experienced advice relating to buyout transactions with cross-border ties. He is based in Calgary and serves as executive chair of Bennett Jones.
John is a wonderful partner to us.
John Mercury is widely respected for his immense legal and deal expertise, is a multi-dimensional deal practitioner and has deep experience running transactions.
Toronto-based Curtis Cusinato is a highly capable lawyer who is well versed in acting for asset managers and investors on acquisitions occurring in sectors such as manufacturing and mining.
Curtis is commercial, he sees the big picture and provides strong legal guidance.
Curtis Cusinato gives a balanced approach, has deep subject matter expertise and is quick to respond. He's excellent to work with.
Curtis is a mover and a shaker and a really smart, commercial lawyer.
Private Equity: Buyouts
Private Equity: Buyouts
Private Equity: Buyouts
Provided by Bennett Jones LLP
James McClary
View profile of James McClaryJohn Mercury
View profile of John MercuryCurtis A Cusinato
View profile of Curtis A CusinatoGlobal 2026
Practice area: Private Equity: Buyouts
Location: Canada
View department profile for Global 2026
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