Banking and finance

Fasken

Fasken’s banking and finance offering is well distributed across its national offices, which is reflected in a broad practice that shines in mining finance, corporate finance and regulatory matters, among other spheres. Key names for transactional work in Toronto include department co-head David Johnson who recently advised a syndicate of banks, agented by Bank of Montreal, on the $1.3m financing of the acquisition and take private of Lookers Group. The Toronto team also includes Thomas Meagher, who is highly regarded for mine finance; national department co-head Dev Singh, who is highlighted as a ‘rising star on Bay Street’; and Daniel Conrad, who is ’one of the hardest-working lawyers in Canada’. The group additionally draws on fellow national co-heads Angela Onesi (Montreal) and Andrew Jackson (Vancouver) as well as Scott Sangster, who leads the area in Calgary. On the regulatory front, Toronto-based Koker Christensen is widely recognized as a market leader; he co-heads the financial services practice together with Montreal-based Nicolas Faucher.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The banking and finance team at Fasken's Montreal office is fantastic to work with. Each associate/partner brings their own talents and strengths, but also works incredibly well together to provide real value to their clients. The level of service and the caliber of expertise provided by the team is unmatched.’
‘Angela Onesi has proven to be a valuable strategic partner and leads a fantastic team at Fasken's Montreal office. Angela knows our business and is able to advise from a practical perspective.’
‘The team is highly knowledgeable on mining lending transactions and staffed with sufficient depth and expertise to ensure work is done quickly and of high quality. In particular their pragmatic approach and ability to propose resolutions to outstanding issues is helpful in moving transactions forward.’
‘The team demonstrates a very commercial and pragmatic approach. Deepest bench on the street. Very responsive and provides candid advice Very diverse team at both the partner and associate level. Overall, a very good and trusted advisor.’
‘Dev Singh is a strong leader of the Fasken financial services team. He runs a very good shop and always makes us (a major bank) look good with our clients. He is very responsive, communicates well, collaborates effectively with borrower counsel, is very pragmatic and provides strategic advice.’
‘The group brings a highly collaborative and transaction-oriented approach, emphasizing practicality and reasonableness. It works cooperatively with opposing counsel to facilitate transactions on behalf of clients. Fasken has a strong reputation for being sensible and efficient, providing practical guidance.’
‘Dev Singh is a rising star on Bay Street, working tirelessly in support of clients in support of their businesses. Dev is a solution-minded partner who can cut through the minutia and provide practical solutions and tailored advice to simplify and expedite complex legal matters.’
‘Daniel Conrad is one of the hardest-working lawyers in Canada, and is relentless in support of clients. Dan is particularly skilled at simplifying complex matters such as fund finance, while ensuring his clients' interests are well-protected.’

Key clients

The Toronto-Dominion Bank
The Bank of Nova Scotia
Royal Bank of Canada
Bank of Montreal
National Bank of Canada
MortEq Lending Corp
Federation des Caisses Desjardins du Quebec
Canadian Western Bank
HSBC Bank of Canada
ATB Financial

Work highlights

Acted for a syndicate of banks, agented by Bank of Montreal, on the $1.3m financing of the acquisition and take private of Lookers Group.
Advised a syndicate of banks, agented by Bank of Montreal, on a $800m credit agreement in favour of Lundin Mining Corporation and Lundin AB.
Advised Société Générale on Canadian regulatory issues concerning the international joint venture between Société Générale and AllianceBernstein.