Michael Elder, Toronto | Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

About Michael

Michael's practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, private equity investments, joint ventures and corporate reorganizations. He has substantial experience negotiating and advising in connection with acquisitions and divestitures for both public and private companies, with a particular focus in the financial services, insurance and wealth management industries. During his time at Blakes, Michael has been seconded to major Canadian and global banks, as well as a leading Canadian insurance company.

Michael also regularly acts for a variety of companies in connection with complex corporate structuring, private governance matters and corporate reorganizations, including advising foreign companies on the establishment and structuring of their Canadian operations.

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Recent representative matters include acting for:

Financial Services/Insurance/Wealth Management

The Canada Life Assurance Company on its acquisition of Value Partners Group Inc.
Royal Bank of Canada on its C$13.5-billion acquisition of HSBC Bank of Canada
Blue Cross Life Insurance Company of Canada in connection with its national alliance with Pacific Blue Cross, The Canassurance Hospital Service Association and the other members of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans
Intact Financial Corporation on its C$1-billion acquisition of The Guarantee Company of North America and MGA Frank Cowan Company Limited
RBC Ventures on its acquisition of Dr. Bill, a premium billing solution for Canada's medical community
CI Financial Corp. on various wealth management acquisitions, including its acquisition of WealthBar Financial Services Inc.
HUB International Limited on various insurance brokerage and benefits consulting acquisitions, including the acquisition of the property and casualty insurance business of Cypher Systems Group Inc. and the Canadian benefits consulting business of Morneau Shepell Ltd.
CIT Financial on the sale of substantially all of its Canadian operations to Laurentian Bank for over C$1-billion
The Bank of Nova Scotia on the sale of the business and assets of Roynat Lease Finance, a division of its subsidiary Roynat Inc., to Meridian Credit Union Limited

Other Recent M&A

SOL Limited on its C$1.57-billion sale of 75% of SOL Investments Limited to Parkland Fuel
Siemens Healthineers on its US$200-million purchase of Epocal from Alere Inc.
Lavazza S.p.A. on its acquisition of Kicking Horse Coffee Co. Ltd.
Just Eat PLC on its acquisition of SkipTheDishes Restaurant Services