Lexpert Roundup on the Business of Law
Lexpert identifies and reports on emerging business issues and practice areas in the business of law. Whether online, in our magazine or in the DealsWire e-newsletter, we chronicle deals and lawsuits of interest, and cover issues of broad concern to the legal profession and those who purchase legal services. We hope you enjoy this sampling of our latest content.
From the DealsWire: M&A outlook, Couche-Tard buys Holiday, Cogeco's MetroCast deal
The Lexpert DealsWire (subscribe here) documents facts, figures and key legal players behind recent deals. This week's announced deal spotlight features the key players and figures in Paramount Resources' acquisition of Apache Canada Ltd. and its merger with Trilogy Energy.
In our closed deals section, we look at the Boyd Group Income Fund in its acquisition of Assured Automotive Inc., as well as private-equity firm Vista Equity Partners buying DH Corp.
We also look at the players behind Trican Well Service's acquisition of Canyon Services Group, Real Matters in its $157-million IPO, and the spinoff of International Petroleum Corp. by Lundin Petroleum.
Canada's M&A outlook is healthy, says new report
Global uncertainty, it turns out, works well for a resilient Canadian M&A market. EY's most recent Global Capital Confidence Barometer concludes that today's record M&A market "has shown resilience, which looks set to continue through 2017" and beyond despite the "turbulent" global political climate.
Graphic: Investment M&A, Bulwark Against Decline
A 10-year survey of Canadian M&A deals (over US $50-million) reveals that, while the number of transactions has fallen, investment plays – where acquirers in the financial sector pick up non-financial assets – have remained stable. In 2016, as a result, investor acquisitions made up 30 per cent of all M&A in the country, a 10-year high.
A Siren Call Among Shrill Notes Foreign businesses have long used Canada as a beachhead for entering the US market. That role has never been more important as the US moves toward protectionism. With multinational treaties such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and CETA effectively dead from the US perspective, Canada is well positioned to fill an international diplomacy vacuum.
Law firms working with outsourcers have pursued various strategies in their hunt for efficiency. Some have merged, while others prefer alliances or loose relationships. Dating, going steady, marriage – or staying single and using the same tools to build from the ground up? Which strategy will win out in the end?
2017 Lexpert Zenith Awards: Celebrating Women in Law
In this issue we present the winners of our Lexpert Zenith Awards: Celebrating Women in Law. This year's Zenith winners are lawyers who have advanced the position of women in the profession and society by leading firms, starting firms, and making ground-breaking contributions to pro bono and charitable organizations.
Law of Reasonable Expectations
Protecting reasonable expectations is a central organizing principle in common law systems. The doctrine has been used to achieve objectives that are remarkably consistent: to require powerful public and private actors to treat others fairly, and to uphold the integrity of legal regimes and, through them, social institutions.
Why Innovation Remains Elusive
At its core, innovation is a desire to be new and different. That desire leads to breakthrough thinking and pioneering action. Risk is involved, which means failure is probable. True innovation is difficult to achieve; but whether it happens inside or outside a law firm, it must be tangible, meaningful and effective in serving clients every day.
The Perils of Software Licensing
Negotiating software licences can be fraught with risk. Achieving certainty around software licence terms can take some upfront investment of time, but the effort will pay dividends down the road by helping you avoid expensive disputes with your software suppliers.
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