Program Overview

M&A Law Essentials: What Businesses Need to Know

Course Overview

M&A Law Essentials: What Businesses Need to Know is a comprehensive program designed to provide business professionals with invaluable insights into the legal aspects of mergers and acquisitions. The course is led by a team of expert instructors, including top M&A lawyers, academics, and regulators in Canada.

Course Details

• Duration: 2 days
• Date: February 5-6, 2026
• Delivery Method: Online via Zoom
• Cost: $2300.00

Course Objectives

The program aims to equip participants with a deep understanding of crucial M&A legal issues, enabling them to mitigate risks and provide value to their businesses or clients.

Topics Covered

• Introduction to M&A Law
• M&A Steps and Legal Agreements
• Public M&A
• The Role of the Board of Directors in M&A
• Securities Regulation and M&A
• AI M&A: Intellectual Property and Privacy Law Issues
• Employment Law Issues in M&A
• Competition and Foreign Investment Law Issues in M&A
• Cross-border M&A
• Case Studies and Group Presentations

Instructors

Robert Yalden

• Sigurdson Professor in Corporate Law and Finance
• Former senior M&A partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
• Faculty member at Queen's Law

Nancy Hamzo

• Partner at Baker McKenzie
• Principal in the North American Transactions Group
• Expertise in M&A, Canadian antitrust, and foreign investment matters

Alex Gorka

• Partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt
• Co-Head of the M&A group
• Leading M&A lawyer in Canada with experience in private equity deals and regulatory reforms

Don Bell

• Partner at Torys
• Practice focuses on commercial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures
• Expertise in natural resource projects, energy projects, and private utility projects

Sam Ip

• Partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt
• Expertise in artificial intelligence, technology procurement, and commercial matters
• Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT)

Kelly O'Ferrall

• Partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
• Expertise in employment and labour law, executive compensation, and corporate transactions

Jason Koskela

• Vice President, Department of Mergers & Acquisitions, Ontario Securities Commission
• Extensive experience in securities regulation, including policy and rule-making initiatives

Benjamin Fickling

• Associate at Osler
• Practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and general corporate matters

Trevor Fairlie

• Counsel, Corporate & Securities at Thomson Reuters Corporation
• Former Counsel in the OSC's Corporate Finance Division, on the M&A team

Who Should Attend

The program is designed for business professionals of any background who want to understand the legal risks associated with M&A deals and how to avoid or take advantage of them. No prior legal experience is required.

Fees and Discounts

• The fee for the program is $2300.00, payable upon acceptance of an offer of admission.
• Discounts are available for larger organizations, non-profits, NGOs, and educational institutions.

Schedule

The program will take place on February 5-6, 2026, with sessions starting at 8:30 AM EST. The detailed schedule includes:

• Day 1: Introduction to M&A Law, M&A Steps and Legal Agreements, Public M&A, and The Role of the Board of Directors in M&A
• Day 2: Securities Regulation and M&A, AI M&A, Employment Law Issues in M&A, Competition and Foreign Investment Law Issues in M&A, Cross-border M&A, and Case Studies

Conclusion

M&A Law Essentials: What Businesses Need to Know is a unique opportunity for business professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal aspects of mergers and acquisitions. With a team of expert instructors and a detailed curriculum, this program is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex world of M&A.