Department profile
Torys LLP

REITs

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada

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Torys LLP

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About

Provided by Torys LLP

Our interdisciplinary team helps REITs and real estate operating companies across all aspects of their business, providing sophisticated, integrated counsel on complex domestic and cross-border matters.

We bring decades of experience guiding clients through transformational deals in the REITs industry—starting with the development of the original REIT structure in 1993. Since then our work has included establishing one of the earliest REITs, launching the largest Canadian REIT IPO, and advising on the business combination creating Canada’s biggest REIT. 

Clients benefit from our market knowledge as well as our cross-practice strengths, including in securities, real estate, tax and environmental law. We uniquely offer integrated tax and structuring cross-border counsel through our Canadian and New York offices.

We work with REITs on all aspects of their work. We act as both underwriter’s and issuer’s counsel on numerous REIT and REOC secondary public and private equity and debt financings, REIT and REOC combinations, and more.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

REITs - Nationwide - Canada

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Torys is greatly respected for its representation of REITs throughout their life cycle, including structuring, bond offerings, real estate transactions and M&A. The Toronto and Calgary lawyers benefit from the firm's office in New York, providing comprehensive cross-border advice and support on a range of matters. Clients regularly refer to the group's particular strength in securities law. The team is adept at representing issuers and underwriters in public REITs and REOCs matters, and continues to be recognised for its role in transformational M&A in the sector.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Torys acted for TD Securities and the syndicated agents to RioCan REIT in five debt private placements, with a total value of CAD2 billion.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The Torys group is fantastic. Its lawyers are very responsive and very knowledgeable.

    REITs respondentCanada

  • Torys has a lot of bench strength beyond the point person.

    REITs respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Michael Zackheim
    Michael Zackheim

    Michael Zackheim

    Toronto-based Michael Zackheim has experience acting for underwriters and REIT-side clients on public offerings, private placements and a range of other transactions.

    • He provides market guidance, not just the technical knowledge.

      REITs respondentCanada

    • Michael is careful, efficient and considerate of all stakeholders.

      REITs respondentCanada

    • Michael looks at issues and opportunities holistically.

      REITs respondentCanada

    • He is very knowledgeable and experienced.

      REITs respondentCanada

    • He has a really good ability to communicate the right deal to his clients.

      REITs respondentCanada
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  • Simon Knowling
    Simon Knowling

    Simon Knowling

    Simon Knowling is based in Toronto and has substantial experience across a range of real estate-related transactions, including private equity, debt financings and acquisitions.

    • He is extremely practical, business-minded and easy to work with.

      REITs respondentCanada

    • Simon is a guy you want in the boardroom in any complex situation.

      REITs respondentCanada
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Ranked Individuals at Torys LLP (2)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

Provided by Torys LLP

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