Corporate/Commercial: The Elite | Canada

Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg represents a premium clientele comprising local pension funds, investors, financial institutions and major multinational companies in high-end domestic and cross-border transactions. The team wins particular recognition for its representation of both entrepreneurial businesses and sophisticated companies based in Montréal in connection with international expansions. The law firm's recent deal sheet also includes a number of notable inbound deals. It is equally well placed to advise on M&A, private equity and capital markets transactions, as well as corporate governance. The lawyers' expertise cuts across sectors including pharmaceutical, manufacturing, tech and retail.

Fasken operates a highly respected corporate practice recognised for its penetration of the corporate mid-market in Québec, offering notable expertise in private and public M&A and securities transactions. The firm is distinguished by its representation of a plethora of clients ranging from Québec-based start-ups to large international corporations, as well as insurance companies, private equity funds and other financial services clients. The team is a visible feature on public sector work within the province. It is also adept at advising clients on cross-border work, including inbound US investments.

McCarthy Tétrault regularly advises on the Québec aspects of national and international M&A and capital markets deals. The team represents an enviable list of local clients across various industries, including energy and natural resources, technology, transportation and financial services. The law firm frequently advises clients on transactions with cross-border dimensions, with particular expertise in matters relating to the USA and EU. The group is also well placed to advise leading institutional investors on strategic transactions in Québec, and has been active on private equity-driven deals. The firm has a solid platform in both Montréal and Québec City.

Norton Rose Fulbright is a well-established law firm with longstanding relationships and an important institutional client base in Québec, featuring pension plans, manufacturers and major Montréal-headquartered banks. The group benefits from its worldwide network when advising foreign clients on Canadian transactions and commercial operations, and has experience representing clients from Europe and other jurisdictions. It advises on business establishments, financing, initial public offerings and acquisitions. The team's expertise cuts across sectors, including manufacturing, mining, transportation and technology. It is well known for its large securities and corporate finance practice, including asset finance.

Stikeman Elliott operates a large and well-respected corporate group in Montréal and occupies an important position within the business law community in Québec. The law firm plays a central role in large M&A deals in the province, acting for major Québec-based clients as well as international private equity funds and offering considerable cross-border capabilities. It has a strong corporate finance practice and is well placed to advise clients on private transactions through to debt and equity deals, including IPOs. The team represents firms across industries, with particular expertise in the technology space. Its other areas of notable activity include retail and transportation.

Blake, Cassels & Graydon operates a well-known national corporate practice with a foothold in Québec. The firm advises on M&A and private equity transactions and demonstrates expertise in cross-border work. It is well placed to advise multinational clients in respect of their Canadian investments and represent local companies in acquisitions and financing transactions. The team is well regarded for its work on behalf of Montréal-headquartered pension plans, insurance companies and financial institutions, as well as for its capabilities in the infrastructure space. Its industry expertise also spans retail, manufacturing, natural resources, healthcare and real estate.

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt is a dominant law firm nationally for M&A with a notable Montréal-based team. Highlighted for its venture capital and funds expertise, the group is well regarded for its involvement in large deals and also advises on domestic and multi-jurisdictional corporate finance and public and private M&A transactions. The team's clientele ranges from locally based emerging growth companies to large multinational businesses, pension funds and other public sector organisations. The law firm demonstrates notable expertise across industry sectors including financial services, logistics, technology and gaming, as well as mandates in the pharmaceutical space.

Borden Ladner Gervais advises on commercial transactions across various industries in Québec, including telecoms, technology, life sciences and manufacturing. The law firm frequently services Montréal-based clients and benefits from the firm's integrated national platform. The team's experience encompasses venture capital investment work and public and private M&A. It acts for international firms on the Canadian law aspects of cross-border M&A and capital markets transactions, as well as private equity and venture capital. The group also has a presence in infrastructure matters and projects.

Dentons is experienced across a range of mid-market transactions in Québec, particularly those within the manufacturing, technology and financial services spheres. The firm's broad skill set covers M&A, private equity and corporate financing. The Montréal group frequently advises clients on domestic matters and benefits from the firm's integrated international platform. Other areas of notable activity include infrastructure, mining and telecommunications.