Department profile
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Private Equity: Buyouts

Canada Guide 2027 : Nationwide - Canada

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Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

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About

Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Blakes has one of the strongest and most experienced private equity practices in Canada.

As a national team, we drive innovative investment structures and strategic thinking, with a depth of industry knowledge and perspectives from across the country.

Our private equity team spans various legal specialty areas, including M&A, capital markets, competition, foreign investment review, tax, financial services, real estate, intellectual property, pensions, benefits and executive compensation

We provide strategic advice and legal counsel at each stage of the investment lifecycle: fund formation, fund management and governance, financing, management of portfolio companies and exit strategies, as well as Canadian and international investment-related acquisitions and dispositions.

Working closely with our clients as both buyers and sellers, our team provides advice when formulating a strategy and structuring and executing an investment-related transaction, from sourcing investment opportunities and financing through to buyouts, going-private transactions, M&A, initial public offerings and other restructuring and exit strategies.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Private Equity: Buyouts - Nationwide - Canada

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Blake, Cassels & Graydon operates an active deal practice in private equity, with a significant national scope. The group demonstrates equal strength acting for buyers and sellers on domestic and cross-border buyout, investment and exit transactions. It also stands out for its representation of US funds in connection with their Canadian investments, supported by the firm's office in New York. With impressive Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal-based lawyers, the team has experience handling private equity buyouts in an array of active sectors, including technology.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon advised Apollo Global Management on the USD6.3 billion acquisition of IGT’s gaming and digital business and Everi Holdings.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Blakes has a deep team which is well equipped for complexity. They have an excellent depth of resource and breadth across specialist areas.

    Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada

  • Blakes has a reputation for handling complexity and they deliver on this. The depth of the team and their ability to tackle M&A mandates of any size, with experience across a variety of industries and situations, add value to my business.

    Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada

  • Blakes is simply the best, with a very strong team.

    Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada

  • It's an elite corporate department with world-class partners. They're a very experienced and thoughtful team.

    Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • John-Paul Bogden
    John-Paul Bogden

    John-Paul Bogden

    Vancouver-based John-Paul Bogden has a wealth of experience in the private equity space, assisting various clients from tech players to pension scheme providers.

    • JP is as good as anyone I've seen.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada

    • JP is an excellent lawyer technically. He does a wonderful job at threading the needle in difficult transactions.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada

    • The best and most experienced M&A lawyer in BC.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada
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  • Kurt Sarno
    Kurt Sarno

    Kurt Sarno

    Kurt Sarno is an experienced transactional attorney who frequently advises private equity firms on deals work. He is based in the firm's Toronto office.

    • He's absolute top tier.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada

    • Kurt gives all-around excellent service level and commercial vision.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada
    • If you want to get a deal done, go to Kurt!
      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada

    • Kurt is a trusted adviser who consistently goes the extra mile as legal counsel.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada
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  • Patrick Menda
    Patrick Menda

    Patrick Menda

    Montréal-based Patrick Menda is a highly experienced attorney who is frequently called upon by private equity firms to handle significant transactional work.

    • Patrick is great to work with.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada

    • Patrick is resourceful, responsive and demonstrates tremendous professionalism.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada
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  • Michael I Gans
    Michael I Gans

    Michael I Gans

    Michael Gans is a respected lawyer in the private equity and M&A space with extensive experience supporting clients in acquisitions, dispositions and minority investments.

    • I love Mike, he is really smart and commercial and always happy to help.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada
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  • Rory ffrench
    Rory ffrench

    Rory ffrench

    Rory ffrench is based in the Toronto office, where he is frequently active on buyout transactions alongside a complementary practice advising on corporate structuring, joint ventures and commercial contracts.

    • Rory is really strong, smart and technical.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada

    • He balances the legal issues with business practicalities.

      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada
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  • Susan Tomaine
    Susan Tomaine

    Susan Tomaine

    Working from Blakes' Vancouver office, Susan Tomaine advises private equity and venture firms, portfolio companies and other parties on a broad range of transactional matters.

    • Susan is very approachable and has a great ability to get clients comfortable with complex issues.
      Private Equity: Buyouts respondentCanada
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Ranked Individuals at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (6)

Nationwide - Canada

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