REITs
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 865 0040About
Provided by Torys LLP
Our interdisciplinary team helps REITs and real estate operating companies across all aspects of their business, providing sophisticated, integrated counsel on complex domestic and cross-border matters.
We bring decades of experience guiding clients through transformational deals in the REITs industry—starting with the development of the original REIT structure in 1993. Since then our work has included establishing one of the earliest REITs, launching the largest Canadian REIT IPO, and advising on the business combination creating Canada’s biggest REIT.
Clients benefit from our market knowledge as well as our cross-practice strengths, including in securities, real estate, tax and environmental law. We uniquely offer integrated tax and structuring cross-border counsel through our Canadian and New York offices.
Chambers Review
Torys is greatly respected for its representation of REITs throughout their life cycle, including structuring, bond offerings, real estate transactions and M&A. The Toronto and Calgary lawyers benefit from the firm's office in New York, providing comprehensive cross-border advice and support on a range of matters. Clients regularly refer to the group's particular strength in securities law. The team is adept at representing issuers and underwriters in public REITs and REOCs matters, and continues to be recognised for its role in transformational M&A in the sector.
Work Highlights
- Torys advised Automotive Properties REITon the financing of its acquisition of six automotive dealership properties in Québec.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Torys demonstrates a breadth and depth in terms of technical knowledge and experience in complex and sophisticated matters."
"The firm offers top-notch legal counsel: insightful, commercial and able to share helpful perspectives based on its very active practice."
"Torys demonstrates a breadth and depth in terms of technical knowledge and experience in complex and sophisticated matters."
"The firm offers top-notch legal counsel: insightful, commercial and able to share helpful perspectives based on its very active practice."
Notable Practitioners
Toronto-based Michael Zackheim has experience acting for underwriters and REIT-side clients on public offerings, private placements and a range of other transactions.
"He is always able to come up with efficient solutions that work for both parties."
"Michael Zackheim is very approachable and applies a practical approach when dealing with complex and sophisticated matters."
Simon Knowling is based in Toronto and has substantial experience across a range of real estate-related transactions, including private equity, debt financings and acquisitions.
"Simon provides timely and comprehensive advice to his clients; having him involved in transactions is always beneficial."
"Simon Knowling is a very strong, detailed and client-focused lawyer."