Blakes Invitation

Distressed M&A in Canada

No segment of the North American economy has been immune from the global economic downturn. Please join us for a keynote address by Andrew Busch, Global FX Market Strategist for BMO Capital Markets' Investment Banking Division in Chicago, as he addresses the US stimulus plan, the US Financial Stabilization and Recovery Plan, and their impact on the US economy.

Following Mr. Busch's presentation, partners from Blakes will discuss the state of the Canadian marketplace and provide a legal perspective on northbound investment strategies available to U.S. investors.

Key Topics Include:

•	Deal structuring and value protection mechanisms
•	Overview of Canadian restructuring and insolvency regimes and distressed acquisition strategies
•	Antitrust: failing firm, efficiencies and getting to a speedy, certain closing under Canada's Competition Act
•	Cross-border tax structuring, tax consequenses of debt restructuring and the use of loss companies

Keynote Speaker:

Andrew Busch - Global FX Market Strategist for BMO Capital Markets' Investment Banking Division in Chicago

Blakes Team:

John Kolada - M&A Partner, Chicago Office Managing Partner

Steven Weisz - Restructuring & Insolvency Partner, Toronto

Bruce Sinclair - Tax Consultant, Vancouver

Julie Soloway - Competition, Antitrust & Foreign Investment Partner, Toronto

When

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Lunch: 12 - 12:30 p.m.

Program: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Where

The Metropolitan Club
Michigan Room - 66th Floor
Sears Tower
Chicago, IL

R.S.V.P.

Please send your response by Thursday, March 5, 2009.

To register or for further information, please contact Renee Carrier at renee.carrier@blakes.com or 312-739-3618.