Torys LLP
About
Chairman: Robert Prichard
Managing Partner: Matthew Cockburn
Number of Partners: 131
Number of Lawyers: 396
Firm Overview: Torys LLP is an international business law firm that works with clients who expect the best advice and exceptional service. Torys’ dedication to excellence across practice areas and industries has resulted in an enviable record of experience in Canada and globally. Teamwork is one of the firm’s distinguishing features, reflected in all aspects of how the firm partners with clients and collaborates internally. Long-standing clients continue to retain Torys not only for its excellent service and legal expertise, but also because of a shared value for lasting partnerships based on trust and respect.
Main Areas of Practice:
Capital Markets: Torys’ cross-border capital markets lawyers have expertise as lead transaction counsel and strategic advisers in both domestic and international capital markets in structuring and implementing sophisticated, innovative financing transactions and traditional financing deals.
Mergers & Acquisitions: Torys’ M&A practice is well known for its experience in sophisticated, complex and innovative M&A. M&A lawyers are involved in high-profile public and private M&A, for both small and mid-sized companies. The firm is known for delivering seamless cross-border M&A services across Canada, US & worldwide.
Banking & Debt Finance:
Torys has a distinguished history of involvement in Canada’s banking industry and in its finance markets. The group is renowned for providing regulatory counsel, as well as for its international financing expertise.
Tax: Torys’ tax practice provides sophisticated domestic, cross-border and international tax advice, planning and structuring in connection with M&A, divestitures, leveraged recapitalisations and buyouts, corporate finance transactions and restructuring matters.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution: The firm’s litigators act in a wide range of disputes across all arms of their clients’ businesses and across industries. Torys has a leading class actions defence practice, with its Montréal office as a hub for civil and common law class action matters.
Corporate Restructuring & Advisory: The firm’s corporate restructuring and advisory group has played a central role in most recent major Canadian corporate insolvencies, restructurings and workouts, and has extensive experience in US-Canada cross-border and international bankruptcies, creditor protection applications and reorganisations.
Competition & Foreign Investment Review: Torys is internationally recognised as having one of Canada’s leading competition law practices. The group advises clients on all aspects of competition law, and represents parties to some of the most high-profile Canadian and international merger transactions and leading cartel and abuse of dominance investigations and class actions.
Intellectual Property: Torys’ intellectual property lawyers, patent and trademark agents, and technical consultants serve clients in a range of sectors, from life sciences and consumer products to environment and government. The group is recognised for its broad technical expertise, legal experience and industry savvy in advising on the creation, selection, acquisition, registration, prosecution, management, exploitation, enforcement and protection of its clients’ IP rights.
Infrastructure & Energy: Torys’ cross-border infrastructure and energy practice represents international clients with transactions throughout the entire life cycle of infrastructure assets and services, from greenfield projects, through operations to secondary transactions. The group also handles transmission and distribution aspects of traditional and renewable power technologies. The group has advised on over 100 major infrastructure and PPP projects in Canada, the US and beyond.
Oil & Gas: The firm has a leading international practice advising explorers, producers, service providers, marketers and investors on major corporate and M&A transactions, and on a variety of oil and gas projects across Canada, the US and globally—from exploration and production to processing and transportation.
Mining & Metals: Torys is deeply involved in all aspects of mining and mineral resource development, including complex domestic and international regulatory environments related to mining projects. Torys assists clients with exploration and development agreements, royalty agreements, joint venture arrangements, engineering and service contracts, sales contracts and international concession arrangements.
Other Areas of Practice: The firm’s areas of practice cover an extensive breadth of expertise and include: Indigenous, board advisory and governance, environmental, life sciences, pensions and employment, private equity, real estate, and technology practices.
Clients:
Torys acts as counsel for all major Canadian banks; three of the largest insurance companies in the country; nine of the largest and most active pension funds in Canada, including CPP Investments, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, OMERS, PSPIB, Caisse and AIMCO; and Canadian global players, including Rogers, Loblaw, BlackBerry, Fairfax, Enbridge and Husky Energy. The firm also counts among its clients a variety of international giants, including Brookfield, Thomson Reuters, Pfizer, Aditya Birla Group, Starwood Group, AbbVie, ArcelorMittal, KKR, Engie, Mitsubishi, Franco-Nevada and Alamos Gold.
Ranked Offices
Provided by Torys LLP
- Toronto79 Wellington Street West, 30th Floor, PO Box 270, TD South Tower, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, ON M5K 1N2
- Web: www.torys.com
- Tel: +1 416 865 0040
- Fax: +1 416 865 7380
- View ranked office
- Calgary4600 Eighth Avenue Place East, 525 - 8th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2P 1G1View ranked office
- New York1114 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, New York, USA, NY 10036.7703View ranked office
Torys LLP rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
133 items provided by Torys LLP
Our third annual survey of Canadian private equity & pension fund leaders takes a pulse on the industry & what’s next for private equity in Canada. PE Pulse 2022 discusses the outlook for dealmaking, valuation trends & sectors of interest, plus how economic & geopolitical headwinds affect the sector
Employment litigation trends to watch in 2022
2021 was full of legal developments in employment law which will have important impacts on the workplace. As we kick off 2022, we discuss three significant employment litigation trends businesses will want to keep in mind.
What’s ahead for business disputes in 2022
In 2021, Canadian courts saw a variety of cases related to the pandemic and otherwise. Precedent-setting rulings from last year which will have implications for organizations in 2022 include significant developments in contract law, employment law and other areas of disputes.
The screen scraping risk landscape in North America: regulatory and litigation developments
As businesses continue to seek to leverage big data for growth & investment purposes, the legality of scraping data from websites is increasingly being examined by regulators. Several recent cases have highlighted the privacy, contract & copyright risks associated with this form of data collection.
The rise of voluntary carbon markets
Voluntary carbon markets are poised for explosive growth in 2022. Over 40% of these firms plan to use offsetting as a strategy to achieve their Net Zero commitments. The World Bank, says this growth in voluntary corporate commitments is the main driving force behind increased carbon credit demand.
Executive compensation: what is top of mind for boards in 2022?
This time last year, boards and compensation committees were primarily focused on how best to incentivize their management teams during the pandemic in the face of fluctuating share prices and uncertainty in financial performance. During 2021, we have seen evidence of recovery in many markets.
Key priorities for boards in 2022
The role of directors is more interesting and challenging than ever—the dynamic nature of the pandemic and shifting global markets mean continued uncertainty and persistent evolution in the way corporations do business. Below are six priorities for directors as they navigate this disruptive time.
Expect increased regulatory focus on “buy now, pay later” financing
“Seismic shift in financial services”, “fastest-growing payment option” & “explosive growth” are terms that have been used to describe the buy now, pay later financing market. This has prompted Canadian and international regulators to closely examine the impact of this popular financing product.
Developments in Canadian tax to watch for in 2022
Canada, like other countries, continues to introduce and adopt various measures to strengthen tax rules, including initiatives developed by the OECD as part of its base erosion and profit shifting plan. This article summarizes the key tax proposals that the government has announced will be adopted.
2022 Restructuring trends: the status quo of having no status quo
Conventional wisdom holds that the economy works in a 7-year cycle and that insolvencies experience 3½-year booms, followed by 3½-year busts. Yet unprecedented government intervention has thrown this notion of a predictable 7-year economic cycle into disarray. Here are five observations for 2022.
Emerging trends in Canada’s innovation economy
Canadian tech thrived in 2021. We saw record valuations, increased interest from U.S. investors and a healthy number of companies going public. The average valuation for venture-backed companies climbed by 215% from 2020. This immense capital supply added fuel to a maturing ecosystem.
On its face, record-breaking M&A levels in Canada in 2021 appear to be setting the stage for an eventful year in deal-making in 2022. However, deal activity is only part of the story of 2021 for dealmakers in Canada. M&A this year will be shaped by a diverse range of drivers.
A blockbuster year for private equity
In 2021, the volume of Canadian domestic M&A activity by financial investors reached a five-year high, as financial players put capital to work in a frothy deal environment. Here we examine such trends and make a few market predictions for the year ahead.
What should you know before setting up a private fund for the first time? Watch our panel series on first-time funds, where members of Torys’ Private Equity team discuss the process of launching a first-time fund stage by stage, with key considerations and practical takeaways highlighted throughout.
Real estate and open-ended funds: latest trends
In the current climate, real estate, infrastructure & other longer-term investments are gaining popularity among private equity investors. As a result, new trends are emerging with respect to fund types—one example is the open-ended real estate fund. Here we examine this growing phenomenon.
Life sciences and real estate: new opportunities
From R&D spaces to manufacturing sites, the exponential growth of Canada’s life sciences industry is revealing new opportunities for investors to diversify their portfolios. Here we explore the current environment, costs, risks & other considerations for developers, investors, landlords & tenants.
Life Sciences: Vavilov and the new regulatory environment
Life sciences is a highly regulated industry which has seen exponential growth over the last several years. There is a host of approvals, regulations & compliance that must be contended with. And with more eyes than ever focused on the sector, regulatory oversight remains a top business priority.
Accelerated growth in Canada’s life sciences industry
From drug discovery to diagnostics and biotech, the Canadian life sciences industry is becoming increasingly versatile and dynamic. Investor and consumer interest in the industry continues to rise, and all indications are that the positive momentum in the industry is likely to continue.
Technology: Alberta’s tech sector momentum
The growth of Canada’s tech sector has been on a path of acceleration. The tech sector’s presence is now being felt nationwide. Alberta in particular is experiencing rapid growth; attracting tech startups, leaders & emerging companies. Here we explore the drivers of Alberta’s tech sector momentum.
Retail: Selling consumer products online to Canadians
Even as the pandemic wanes, consumers continue to shop online more than ever & companies have responded with a heightened focus on & further investment in their digital offerings. Here we outline some considerations for companies looking to make direct sales to Canadians through online means.
Media and communications: Risks of liability emerging for online platforms in Canada
With remote business gaining significant traction in the last few years, many companies have transformed & advanced their digital strategies, such as online commerce. While new opportunities for industry participants have emerged with the expanding digital reach, new areas of risk are also emerging.
The calm before the insolvency storm?
Retail trade, accommodation & food services were sectors anticipated by many to face the most short-term hardship due to the pandemic. But that hasn’t translated to increased insolvency filings in these sectors. Here we examine the challenging and volatile times ahead for such industries in 2022.
Key forces driving change in the North American transportation sector
Supply chain snarls, increased focus on climate change & broad new regulatory initiatives: these forces are transforming the North American transportation sector post-pandemic. Here we examine the challenges and opportunities likely to affect business & transaction activity across the industry.
Mining: Mining sector unleashed
The mining sector is emerging from the pandemic from a position of strength driven by strong commodity prices & new drivers of investment & transaction activity. Here we examine the developments underscoring the transformation that is underway in Canada’s vibrant mining sector.
Oil and gas: Green shoots take hold in the Canadian oil patch
Canada’s oil & gas industry is witnessing positive momentum. Energy companies are pursuing M&A and capital markets opportunities while reducing their carbon footprint. These developments signal great optimism within the sector; part of an ongoing commitment to high environmental & social standards.
Virtual power purchase agreements: A net zero strategy
Against the backdrop of worldwide ambitions to reach net zero emissions by 2050, Canada’s renewable energy industry is undergoing significant change. Renewed interest in private power purchase agreements is emerging. Here we explore the mechanics of PPAs and the latest market trends in Canada.
Open-ended funds: Pros and cons for GPs
Sharing insights from our experience with open-ended private market funds while representing general partners/sponsors and limited partners/investors in North America, the final chapter of our series on private market funds sets out pros and cons of leveraging this increasingly popular fund type.
Trends in financial services: M&A and capital markets
Across financial services, deal activity has remained strong as financial institutions explore emerging opportunities to invest capital & refine their digital platform strategies. The capital markets landscape is also evolving, with market participants exploring innovative ways to raise capital.
Financial Services: Regulatory developments in the financial services sector
Businesses dealing with banks will soon benefit from consumer protection provisions which previously served to protect individual bank customers. These issues raise several regulatory, governance and operational considerations for participants in the sector. Here we examine such developments.
The Next Wave of Innovation in Canada
The accelerated pace of innovation is transforming companies across sectors & generating new opportunities for Canadian business. In this report we explore how innovation is transforming sectors & raising new transactional & risk considerations for market participants looking at such growth areas.
Our third annual survey of Canadian private equity & pension fund leaders takes a pulse on the industry & what’s next for private equity in Canada. PE Pulse 2022 discusses the outlook for dealmaking, valuation trends & sectors of interest, plus how economic & geopolitical headwinds affect the sector
Employment litigation trends to watch in 2022
2021 was full of legal developments in employment law which will have important impacts on the workplace. As we kick off 2022, we discuss three significant employment litigation trends businesses will want to keep in mind.
What’s ahead for business disputes in 2022
In 2021, Canadian courts saw a variety of cases related to the pandemic and otherwise. Precedent-setting rulings from last year which will have implications for organizations in 2022 include significant developments in contract law, employment law and other areas of disputes.
The screen scraping risk landscape in North America: regulatory and litigation developments
As businesses continue to seek to leverage big data for growth & investment purposes, the legality of scraping data from websites is increasingly being examined by regulators. Several recent cases have highlighted the privacy, contract & copyright risks associated with this form of data collection.
The rise of voluntary carbon markets
Voluntary carbon markets are poised for explosive growth in 2022. Over 40% of these firms plan to use offsetting as a strategy to achieve their Net Zero commitments. The World Bank, says this growth in voluntary corporate commitments is the main driving force behind increased carbon credit demand.
Executive compensation: what is top of mind for boards in 2022?
This time last year, boards and compensation committees were primarily focused on how best to incentivize their management teams during the pandemic in the face of fluctuating share prices and uncertainty in financial performance. During 2021, we have seen evidence of recovery in many markets.
Key priorities for boards in 2022
The role of directors is more interesting and challenging than ever—the dynamic nature of the pandemic and shifting global markets mean continued uncertainty and persistent evolution in the way corporations do business. Below are six priorities for directors as they navigate this disruptive time.
Expect increased regulatory focus on “buy now, pay later” financing
“Seismic shift in financial services”, “fastest-growing payment option” & “explosive growth” are terms that have been used to describe the buy now, pay later financing market. This has prompted Canadian and international regulators to closely examine the impact of this popular financing product.
Developments in Canadian tax to watch for in 2022
Canada, like other countries, continues to introduce and adopt various measures to strengthen tax rules, including initiatives developed by the OECD as part of its base erosion and profit shifting plan. This article summarizes the key tax proposals that the government has announced will be adopted.
2022 Restructuring trends: the status quo of having no status quo
Conventional wisdom holds that the economy works in a 7-year cycle and that insolvencies experience 3½-year booms, followed by 3½-year busts. Yet unprecedented government intervention has thrown this notion of a predictable 7-year economic cycle into disarray. Here are five observations for 2022.
Emerging trends in Canada’s innovation economy
Canadian tech thrived in 2021. We saw record valuations, increased interest from U.S. investors and a healthy number of companies going public. The average valuation for venture-backed companies climbed by 215% from 2020. This immense capital supply added fuel to a maturing ecosystem.
On its face, record-breaking M&A levels in Canada in 2021 appear to be setting the stage for an eventful year in deal-making in 2022. However, deal activity is only part of the story of 2021 for dealmakers in Canada. M&A this year will be shaped by a diverse range of drivers.
A blockbuster year for private equity
In 2021, the volume of Canadian domestic M&A activity by financial investors reached a five-year high, as financial players put capital to work in a frothy deal environment. Here we examine such trends and make a few market predictions for the year ahead.
What should you know before setting up a private fund for the first time? Watch our panel series on first-time funds, where members of Torys’ Private Equity team discuss the process of launching a first-time fund stage by stage, with key considerations and practical takeaways highlighted throughout.
Real estate and open-ended funds: latest trends
In the current climate, real estate, infrastructure & other longer-term investments are gaining popularity among private equity investors. As a result, new trends are emerging with respect to fund types—one example is the open-ended real estate fund. Here we examine this growing phenomenon.
Life sciences and real estate: new opportunities
From R&D spaces to manufacturing sites, the exponential growth of Canada’s life sciences industry is revealing new opportunities for investors to diversify their portfolios. Here we explore the current environment, costs, risks & other considerations for developers, investors, landlords & tenants.
Life Sciences: Vavilov and the new regulatory environment
Life sciences is a highly regulated industry which has seen exponential growth over the last several years. There is a host of approvals, regulations & compliance that must be contended with. And with more eyes than ever focused on the sector, regulatory oversight remains a top business priority.
Accelerated growth in Canada’s life sciences industry
From drug discovery to diagnostics and biotech, the Canadian life sciences industry is becoming increasingly versatile and dynamic. Investor and consumer interest in the industry continues to rise, and all indications are that the positive momentum in the industry is likely to continue.
Technology: Alberta’s tech sector momentum
The growth of Canada’s tech sector has been on a path of acceleration. The tech sector’s presence is now being felt nationwide. Alberta in particular is experiencing rapid growth; attracting tech startups, leaders & emerging companies. Here we explore the drivers of Alberta’s tech sector momentum.
Retail: Selling consumer products online to Canadians
Even as the pandemic wanes, consumers continue to shop online more than ever & companies have responded with a heightened focus on & further investment in their digital offerings. Here we outline some considerations for companies looking to make direct sales to Canadians through online means.
Media and communications: Risks of liability emerging for online platforms in Canada
With remote business gaining significant traction in the last few years, many companies have transformed & advanced their digital strategies, such as online commerce. While new opportunities for industry participants have emerged with the expanding digital reach, new areas of risk are also emerging.
The calm before the insolvency storm?
Retail trade, accommodation & food services were sectors anticipated by many to face the most short-term hardship due to the pandemic. But that hasn’t translated to increased insolvency filings in these sectors. Here we examine the challenging and volatile times ahead for such industries in 2022.
Key forces driving change in the North American transportation sector
Supply chain snarls, increased focus on climate change & broad new regulatory initiatives: these forces are transforming the North American transportation sector post-pandemic. Here we examine the challenges and opportunities likely to affect business & transaction activity across the industry.
Mining: Mining sector unleashed
The mining sector is emerging from the pandemic from a position of strength driven by strong commodity prices & new drivers of investment & transaction activity. Here we examine the developments underscoring the transformation that is underway in Canada’s vibrant mining sector.
Oil and gas: Green shoots take hold in the Canadian oil patch
Canada’s oil & gas industry is witnessing positive momentum. Energy companies are pursuing M&A and capital markets opportunities while reducing their carbon footprint. These developments signal great optimism within the sector; part of an ongoing commitment to high environmental & social standards.
Virtual power purchase agreements: A net zero strategy
Against the backdrop of worldwide ambitions to reach net zero emissions by 2050, Canada’s renewable energy industry is undergoing significant change. Renewed interest in private power purchase agreements is emerging. Here we explore the mechanics of PPAs and the latest market trends in Canada.
Open-ended funds: Pros and cons for GPs
Sharing insights from our experience with open-ended private market funds while representing general partners/sponsors and limited partners/investors in North America, the final chapter of our series on private market funds sets out pros and cons of leveraging this increasingly popular fund type.
Trends in financial services: M&A and capital markets
Across financial services, deal activity has remained strong as financial institutions explore emerging opportunities to invest capital & refine their digital platform strategies. The capital markets landscape is also evolving, with market participants exploring innovative ways to raise capital.
Financial Services: Regulatory developments in the financial services sector
Businesses dealing with banks will soon benefit from consumer protection provisions which previously served to protect individual bank customers. These issues raise several regulatory, governance and operational considerations for participants in the sector. Here we examine such developments.
The Next Wave of Innovation in Canada
The accelerated pace of innovation is transforming companies across sectors & generating new opportunities for Canadian business. In this report we explore how innovation is transforming sectors & raising new transactional & risk considerations for market participants looking at such growth areas.