Department profile
Fasken

Corporate/Commercial

Canada Guide 2026 : Ontario


Fasken

Rankings

About

Provided by Fasken

From major transactions to day-to-day operations, we have the breadth of experience to help with clients’ most complex business requirements. As trusted partners and advisors, we know our clients’ businesses and our relationships are long-term.

We tailor expertise to suit your business needs, whether it involves completing a major transaction, starting a new venture, negotiating an important contract or expanding operations in a new region.

Fasken advises clients on the wide array of legal issues arising from their pursuit of strategic and commercial success, from day-to-day operations through to strategic initiatives and complex transactions that transform the business. 

Having a legal team with the right expertise and experience on your side is essential for your business. Our corporate/commercial lawyers bring legal excellence, applied in a practical and business-oriented way, to the needs of our clients. 

We advise on all aspects of a business’s operations and strategy, including starting new ventures, ensuring corporate governance compliance, conducting strategic planning, raising debt or equity financing, buying or selling all or part of a business or carrying out corporate reorganizations.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/Commercial - Ontario


What the Team is Known For

Fasken advises on both public and private M&A across a diverse range of sectors including transportation and infrastructure, media, manufacturing, communications, mining and financial services. The law firm's Toronto office represents large multinational businesses as well as mid-sized companies and start-ups, and continues to be very well known for its transactional expertise. The legal team has notable experience in corporate reorganisations, joint ventures and corporate governance matters.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Fasken acted as counsel for Forum Real Estate Income and Impact Fund on its acquisition of Alignvest Student Housing Real Estate Investment Trust's portfolio for CAD1.7 billion.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The lawyers are very knowledgeable and experienced.

    Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • Fasken offers business savvy and practical deal-making, coupled with a good understanding of the law.

    Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • The team's expertise in legal matters, coupled with a client-friendly approach, makes them a standout.

    Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • We benefit from Fasken being a large firm that has detailed expertise in a number of areas.

    Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • The Fasken team combines technical expertise and practical negotiating experience to achieve favorable outcomes through a balanced approach to risk mitigation based on business circumstances.

    Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 5Bradley Freelan
    Band 5Bradley Freelan

    Bradley Freelan

    Bradley Freelan is held in particularly high esteem for his expertise in corporate mining matters, including in significant mergers and acquisitions.

    • Brad is practical, without sacrificing expert advice.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
    • He has a really terrific reputation.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
    • Brad is a superstar. I’m always very happy to send him a referral, knowing my client will be well taken care of and handled professionally.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
    • Bradley is a strong M&A lawyer.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • Band 5Gesta Abols
    Band 5Gesta Abols

    Gesta Abols

    Gesta Abols is a partner in Fasken's Toronto office, where he is particularly focused on significant M&A matters.

    • Gesta is amazing. His knowledge of Canadian M&A and his transactional expertise is extremely valued.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
    • Gesta Abols is fantastic.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
    • Gesta has great legal expertise and a strong commercial understanding.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
  • Band 5Grant McGlaughlin
    Band 5Grant McGlaughlin

    Grant McGlaughlin

    Toronto-based Grant McGlaughlin is well regarded for his expertise in corporate transactions in a variety of sectors, including cannabis, telecommunications and energy. He assists clients with mergers, acquisitions and securities transactions, as well as reorganisations of business.

  • Band 5Sean Stevens
    Band 5Sean Stevens

    Sean Stevens

    Sean Stevens is a corporate lawyer based in Fasken's Toronto office. He regularly assists clients with acquisitions in a variety of industry sectors, including mining and technology.
    • Sean provides the highest level of service and demonstrates exceptional levels of sophistication and commercial awareness when navigating complex issues.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
    • Sean has a collaborative and results-oriented nature.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada
    • Sean is very practical, easy to work with and smart. He has a very good business sense.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentCanada

Ranked Individuals at Fasken (4)

Ontario

Members

Provided by Fasken

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