Department profile
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP

Corporate/M&A

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada

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Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP

About

Provided by Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP

Business leaders running transformational deals – or smaller strategic ones – want a winning path to the finish line. When faced with hostile situations, they expect no less. Our focus is always on getting the deal done as we tackle issues and create strategies that simply work.

Public or private, buy or sell, we excel at the most business-critical transactions with a precise combination of creativity and practicality – meaning that our clients get the best possible business terms on the tightest closing schedules. Whether large, small or multijurisdictional, complex transactions require a firm grasp of a wide range of sophisticated issues. All demand the same level of rigour and depth of experience. Which is why we take a lean, cross-practice team approach, helping you achieve the best results, whether you’re a publicly traded company, a private equity firm or an ambitious entrepreneur.

We use our deal fluency and track record for trailblazing to get the deal done. Clients such as The Blackstone Group Inc., in its $6.2-billion acquisition of Dream Global Real Estate Investment Trust, and Alstom S.A., in its €4.4-billion strategic acquisition of Bombardier Transportation, rely on us to achieve their strategic goals. That’s why we’ve played a significant role in five of the 10 largest-ever announced M&A deals with a Canadian target, based on deal value.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - Nationwide - Canada

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg is a Toronto and Montréal-based law firm with significant international M&A capabilities. The team wins widespread recognition for its involvement in complex and high-value matters, with industry-specific expertise in the life sciences, telecommunications, mining, retail and real estate sectors, among others. The team advises sophisticated clients on strategic transactions and often counsels investment banks on deals in the energy space, as well as representing various other multinational companies. The team stands out for its experience of hostile M&A and shareholder activism, and is well supported by the experience of complementary departments including tax and antitrust.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg acted for Rogers Communications in its CAD4.7 billion acquisition of BCE's ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team's service levels are never in doubt. Davies will always be there at the most challenging time.

    Corporate/M&A respondentCanada

  • The team at Davies is pragmatic, solutions-oriented and has an excellent feel for the intangibles of a deal.

    Corporate/M&A respondentCanada

  • We regard Davies as the best corporate/M&A firm in Canada. A consistently high quality bench strength is a key attribute.

    Corporate/M&A respondentCanada

  • Davies has a highly commercial approach, as well as deep knowledge of their clients.

    Corporate/M&A respondentCanada

  • The Davies team is excellent and has become our go-to firm in Canada. They are particularly strong at understanding our business objectives and crafting thoughtful, pragmatic solutions.

    Corporate/M&A respondentCanada

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