In a challenging economic environment where attracting new capital can be difficult, private equity firms are becoming creative in their deal structuring to help mitigate risk and to find new ways to create value. Market volatility has slowed deal activity, with less competition having an impact on asset valuations. Patient capital and selectivity have become a key focus for buyers. The private credit market has continued to expand with the decline in public financing. Despite current headwinds, long-term fundamentals for private equity remain strong.
Navigating the current economic and regulatory climate requires experienced legal counsel with knowledge of the evolving landscape and regulatory environment. Competition and Antitrust enforcement authorities around the world, including Canada, have taken an increased interest in private equity deals. As well, there is heightened focus in Canada on foreign investments in Canadian businesses, including national security screening and assessment.
How we can help
Whatever the sector or size of your private equity deal, you need legal advice with the right expertise to get your deal across the finish line. Our team of private equity legal advisors includes leading legal professionals with extensive sector knowledge and experience advising both domestic and international clients. Consistently ranked as the top M&A firm in Canada, Osler has the resources to execute on complex domestic and cross-border transactions, and have done so for some of the largest private equity firms and pension funds in the world. Our lawyers advise on all elements of investment, including fund formation and fund investment, co-investments, structuring, lending, leveraged buyouts, distressed investing and acquisitions through restructuring, carve-out transactions, cross-border support for global transactions, PIPEs (Private Investments in Public Companies) and IPO exits.
Our Private Equity team leverages Osler’s strengths across the Firm, including mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, corporate governance, taxation, competition/antitrust, financing, litigation, ESG, employment and labour, and privacy. Osler is at the forefront of all aspects of private equity investment and has extensive experience handling litigation related to tax disputes, trusts and other issues that private equity firms may encounter and need to prepare. We work closely with our private equity clients when putting together a sound strategy. Our team understands that managing the potential risk and maximizing your returns are top priorities.