Mergers and Acquisitions
The Principals of Drysdale Forstner Hamilton have individually been at the centre of several of Canada’s largest and most complex takeover processes, including the Noranda/Falconbridge/Xstrata takeover, CVRD-Inco, and Dofasco/Arcelor/Mittal. As a firm, we have supported a number of companies through major acquisition and takeover processes.
Through their respective careers, each Principal has also been involved in other major mergers, acquisitions and IPOs , including the privatization of Alberta Government Telephones, the BC-Tel Telus merger, Home Oil takeover, the CN-Illinois Central merger, the Great-West Life-London Life merger, and the attempted acquisition of LionOre International Mining by Xstrata.
Investor and media communications are clearly a major focus through such processes. Drysdale Forstner Hamilton has extensive experience working with media and financial stakeholders on behalf of Boards and management teams engaged in major transactions. Our Principals are experienced in working closely with legal and financial advisors to maximize shareholder value.
Many companies also encounter significant issues related to governments, regulators, employees and customers, trade unions and other stakeholders during and after mergers and acquisitions. These are often critical to the transaction, or equally critical to the successful operation of the companies involved.
These processes are often fluid and deadline-driven. To manage key stakeholder relations during a major transaction requires proven experience, understanding of the governance and disclosure principles guiding Boards and management, and familiarity with the kinds of issues that will often arise. They also demand confidence that the engagement will be bound by unyielding standards of confidentiality and professionalism. Drysdale Forstner Hamilton have developed a specialized service offering in respect to mergers and acquisitions.