Corporate/Commercial: The Elite | Canada

Blake, Cassels & Graydon is a top law firm in Vancouver for commercial and M&A matters, handling a wide range of both public and private transactions. The team is frequently involved in technology-based deals, as well as advising on healthcare, mining and financial services transactions. It also offers additional expertise to clients operating in the cannabis sector. The group has a strong track record of advising on private equity and venture financing work, as well as matters of corporate governance. It stands out for its experience of multiparty and multi-jurisdictional mandates.

McCarthy Tétrault is a national law firm with a deep-seated presence in Vancouver and significant bench strength. It offers experience of both M&A and capital markets transactions across various industries including tech, consumer retail, energy, financial services, life sciences, power and infrastructure. The group demonstrates strengths in the mid-market as well as in relation to private equity and venture capital work. Its expertise spans joint ventures, divestitures and partnerships. The team acts for major Vancouver-based and Western Canadian clients, as well as national and international clients with operations in BC.

Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) operates a national M&A practice and has a significant Vancouver presence. The team is noted for its involvement in both domestic and cross-border mining and securities transactions, and also handles M&A and commercial work in other sectors too, including in technology, oil and gas and real estate. It offers further expertise in transportation matters and infrastructure projects, leveraging a strong national practice in these areas. The group acts for both public and private companies on financings, joint ventures and matters of corporate governance.

Fasken is noted for its involvement in technology transactions in BC, as well as advising on matters across a variety of other industries including insurance, natural resources and life sciences. The corporate and commercial group handles a range of purchase and sale transactions, offering additional experience of joint venture agreements and group reorganisations.

Lawson Lundell is a well-known Western Canadian law firm that is widely viewed as a significant competitor on major transactions in BC. The Vancouver team represents a host of major players, ranging from provincial public sector organisations to private equity funds and international corporations. It frequently advises on acquisitions and disposals, as well as fund formation, debt financing and a variety of other commercial law matters. It is highly regarded for its resources-side practice, with expertise in both mining and forestry, as well as its additional experience acting for clients in industries such as manufacturing. In addition to its Vancouver hub, the firm has a growing office in Kelowna, which is noted for its principal focus on the technology sector.

Stikeman Elliott in Vancouver benefits from the firm-wide support of offices across Canada when advising on public and private M&A, capital markets and private equity transactions, including LBOs. It occupies a key place in the mid-market arena in British Columbia. The firm is also notable for advising on cross-border matters, including in relation to inbound Asian investment. The team has impressive corporate finance experience, and continues to enjoy a strong profile in mining and real estate. Beyond these areas the firm is increasingly active on transactions within Canada's burgeoning cannabis and technology sectors.

Bennett Jones has a commendable Vancouver team that demonstrates strong transactional capabilities and is active on both domestic and cross-border mandates. The firm is frequently sought after to advise on investment funds, private equity and venture capital transactions. It also maintains a strong focus on public company work, including M&A, as well as securities law matters. Its sector expertise covers healthcare, education, mining and technology.

Farris is a well-established regional law firm that is highlighted for its regular involvement in transactions of note in BC. The corporate and commercial group often advises on transactions involving First Nations; its other areas of expertise include capital markets, private equity and corporate finance work. The firm's industry expertise covers mining, energy and transportation. It also stands out for its representation of government entities and other major provincially headquartered clients. The group is well versed in handling cross-border transactions and has offices in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna.

International law firm Norton Rose Fulbright maintains a solid Vancouver office, where the corporate team is noted for its robust private company deal sheet. It also demonstrates considerable expertise in assisting public corporations. The BC group regularly advises on M&A mandates and offers notable experience in the technology space. Its expertise also cuts across sectors such as transportation, energy and infrastructure. The team offers additional experience in emerging industries such as fintech and cannabis. Through its global platform, it is well placed to advise international clients on their investments in British Columbia.

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's Vancouver-based corporate department was recently bolstered by the high-profile lateral hire of Brad Newby. The growing team is well regarded for its handling of provincial, national and international mandates. It assists with M&A transactions as well as financing instructions, representing companies from diverse industry sectors, including technology, government institutions and mining, as well as demonstrating significant activity on First Nations deals. The group also acts for investors and high-growth companies in investment rounds.