We are pleased to release the fourth edition of our Canadian Private Equity Deal Study, an exclusive and proprietary analysis of hundreds of Canadian private equity acquisitions and investments in which Blakes was involved. The Blakes study is the most in-depth view into Canadian private equity buyout and investment transactions in the legal industry, identifying recent trends and providing an understanding of “what is market” in Canadian private equity.

This new edition captures the frenetic dealmaking pace of 2020 and 2021, as well as the more recent deceleration of deal activity to pre-pandemic levels, due in part to increased leverage costs. What was a robust sellers’ market at the outset of the study period shifted to a more neutral one by the end. Other noticeable trends include the rise of earnout popularity through the pandemic with a tail-off since, an increased use of private plans of arrangement to acquire widely held targets (principally healthcare and technology), and R&W insurance premiums peaking at record highs before descending to historical values as dealmaking slowed.

For a sample of the study, please click here. If you would like to learn more about the study or request a copy, please contact us by email.

Blakes has one of the strongest and most experienced private equity practices in Canada, providing strategic advice and legal counsel at each stage of the investment lifecycle. The Blakes team drives innovative transaction structures and strategic implementation with a depth of industry knowledge and perspectives from across Canada. Visit our Private Equity group’s page for more information.