REITs | Canada

Blake, Cassels & Graydon is a well-respected law firm that is highlighted for its representation of underwriters in capital markets transactions. Its strong tax practice also offers support to the REIT/REOC lawyers and its clients in the sector. The team acts for a wide range of issuer clients on a broad spectrum of REITs matters, including structuring, finance and corporate governance. Additionally, the firm is active on both public and private real estate financing deals and is well placed to act on REIT reorganisations.

Goodmans is a leading Toronto law firm with an extremely strong reputation and track record advising REITs and underwriters on M&A, capital markets and tax structuring matters. The team often advises clients on precedent-setting domestic and cross-border transactions, offering additional complementary expertise in income funds and income securities. The firm represents a range of REITs in their acquisition of various properties, including in the residential, senior living and hospital asset classes.

Stikeman Elliott is noted for its representation of individuals and syndicates of underwriters in capital markets transactions. The firm also provides support to REITs on M&A, securities and governance issues, often in connection with multi-jurisdictional matters. Its REITs lawyers are highlighted for their regulatory expertise, including advising on public disclosure matters. The group is bolstered by a robust tax practice, regularly advising on innovative REIT structures and demonstrating significant experience in public Canadian REIT offerings. It is active across the retail, industrial and multi-residential asset classes.

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.

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt represents REITs, investors and underwriters across a full range of matters. This includes capital markets and M&A transactions relating to a number of asset classes, ranging from senior housing to retail and office properties. The firm has a strong track record of advising on cross-border mandates, as well as offering complementary tax and litigation expertise. Additional expertise also includes advising on regulatory and compliance issues. The group is well placed to assist with large-scale real estate transactions undertaken by major REITs.

McCarthy Tétrault earns praise for its expertise in financing transactions and frequently represents REITs and underwriters in capital markets deals. The firm draws upon the strength of its leading real estate department to provide additional expertise in REIT M&A and real estate acquisition transactions. The team is also adept at advising REIT clients on tax structuring matters.