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Bennett Jones LLP

Private Equity: Buyouts

Global Guide 2026 : Canada

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Bennett Jones LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Private Equity: Buyouts - Canada

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

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.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bennett Jones acted as Canadian counsel to Canadian Natural Resource Limited in connection with an acquisition from Chevron Canada of a 20% interest in the Athabasca Oil Sands Project and a 70% interest in Duvernay shale properties. The transaction had an aggregate purchase price of USD6.5 billion.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Bennett Jones is experienced, nimble and practically-minded. They are always focused on representing the best interests of the organisation.

    Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

  • The team at Bennett Jones demonstrates an exceptional depth and breadth of legal knowledge. What sets them apart is their ability to keep pace with our unique and demanding requirements.

    Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

  • The Bennett Jones team is very creative. It has such a broad practice across Canada and there is a lot of depth to the team.

    Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

  • We find the team to be very knowledgeable and practical in terms of examining a matter or query and distilling it to its essence that makes it easy for us to make an actionable decision.

    Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

  • The team's commitment to assisting us in meeting deadlines is exceptional.

    Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Curtis A Cusinato
    Curtis A Cusinato

    Curtis A Cusinato

    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 Cusinato gives a balanced approach, has deep subject matter expertise and is quick to respond. He's excellent to work with.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

    • Curtis is a mover and a shaker and a really smart, commercial lawyer.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

    • Curtis is commercial, he sees the big picture and provides strong legal guidance.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal
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  • James McClary
    James McClary

    James McClary

    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 very commercial lawyer who understands what is important to us, which allows him to be efficient.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

    • James McClary is very professional, hardworking and talented.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

    • James McClary is a sophisticated player with both Canadian and US commercial experience.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal
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  • John Mercury
    John Mercury

    John Mercury

    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.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

    • John Mercury is widely respected for his immense legal and deal expertise, is a multi-dimensional deal practitioner and has deep experience running transactions.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal
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  • Patrick Maguire
    Patrick Maguire

    Patrick Maguire

    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.

    • Pat is amazing and a tremendous lawyer.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

    • He is a top international and joint venture lawyer in Calgary.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal
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  • Brent Kraus
    Brent Kraus

    Brent Kraus

    Brent Kraus is well-versed in advising clients on both domestic and cross-border capital markets and M&A transactions. He co-heads the firms M&A practice and is based in Calgary.

    • Brent is an outstanding lawyer.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

    • Brent is very knowledgeable and pragmatic.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

    • He has a wealth of experience and understands business.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal

    • Brent is highly responsive and really understands his area of expertise to provide strong advice.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentGlobal
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  • Christian Gauthier
    Christian Gauthier

    Christian Gauthier

    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.
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Ranked Individuals at Bennett Jones LLP (7)

Canada

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