We are very proud of our business law practice. The most satisfying part of this practice involves helping our clients with their day-to-day legal needs so that they can focus on what they do best.

Our client-centered approach ensures we get to know our clients on a personal level, understand their business and the industry.

It is our view that we only play a very minor role in helping our clients achieve success, but we take a lot of satisfaction and pride in that role. Also, our business law practice intersects with other important areas such as real estate, wills and estates, and other areas; being well-versed in these other areas allows us to ensure our clients can make informed decisions at every turn. 

Here are some of the areas that our business lawyers assist our clients:

Starting Your Business

As a firm we have a passion for business. We have assisted hundreds of start-ups get off the ground and we ensure our clients are well informed on the various business structures available to them. Our firm’s client-centered philosophy is reflected in the initial complementary meetings we have with them to learn everything about their business and to share insights we have on their industry and their options. In short, we go big on educating our clients and on becoming educated with respect to their business. Also, we understand the financial strains on start-up businesses and as a result we provide set fees on the various start-up documents and services required. Also, we use our business acumen to ensure you aren’t “over-prescribed” legal services. For instance, it may be great to have two family trusts for each of the founders along with holding companies on Day 1, but that expense may not be realistic. We will keep track of your business and when the time is right to invest in legal services, we will let you know. If you are looking to start a business venture we would be thrilled to be part of your team.

Sale / Purchase of Business

Whether it is the sale of your life’s work or a strategic acquisition, the sale or purchase of a business can be exhilarating… and exhausting. As a firm, we understand that our clients may be going through a transaction of this nature for the first time and so we begin by preparing them for the road ahead. We explain important considerations at the outset and guide them through each stage of the deal… from drafting the letter of intent to closing day logistics. We have considerable experience in this area and if you are thinking of buying or selling a business, our client-centred approach will ensure you are educated at every turn. 

Franchising

The franchise industry in Ontario is regulated under the terms of the Arthur Wishart Franchise Disclosure Act. It is critical for a franchisor to understand the breadth of this legislation and case law, how to ensure compliance and the remedies available to franchisees for breaching the provisions of this Act. Our first step in representing franchisors is to educate them with respect to the franchise laws in Ontario and across Canada. We then spend considerable time drafting a disclosure document that complies with the legislation and preparing a franchise agreement that makes sense for their business. Our franchise practice also involves closing franchise transactions, day-to-day guidance in dealing with franchisees and strategic guidance with respect to expansion. If you are thinking of franchising your concept we would be excited to bring our considerable experience in this area to the table.   

Financial Services

Our firm has considerable experience with the financial services industry and has acted as counsel to most of Canada’s leading financial institutions, along with foreign banks. We have provided advice on a wide array of financial transactions including senior secured lending, real estate lending, corporate and debt restructurings, asset-based lending and subordinate debt. In this fast moving financial services industry, we are well aware that above all our clients appreciate our commitment to getting the deal done. We also routinely act for borrowers and with our knowledge of the financial services industry provide them with advice regarding the best financing options available to them (which may include private lenders, etc.) and negotiate these deals on their behalf.