Serge Lakatos

Serge has carved out a distinguished niche in the commercial real estate sector, expertly navigating the intricacies of property acquisitions, developments, and leasing across Alberta and British Columbia. His reputation is built on orchestrating some of Canada's landmark leasing deals, showcasing his unparalleled skill in sealing complex agreements.

In the realm of project financing, Serge is the go-to expert for negotiating terms that benefit his clients, ensuring their financial interests are safeguarded and maximized. He brings a meticulous eye to drafting and reviewing leases for commercial, industrial, office spaces, and shopping centres, making sure every clause serves his client's best interests. Serge's proficiency extends to municipal planning, where he adeptly handles subdivision approvals and zoning issues, smoothing the path for project development.

His legal acumen also includes crafting lender security documents such as mortgages, a critical aspect of concluding financial transactions tied to real estate. Serge's client roster is impressive, featuring work with leading multinational technology companies and national grocery chains, underscoring his trusted advisor status in high-stakes negotiations.

Noteworthy in his portfolio is his role in the Canada Pension Plan's monumental $1-billion acquisition of Oxford Property Group assets. This deal, which spanned across major Canadian cities, involved securing a 50% interest in prime office properties, demonstrating Serge's capacity to handle transactions of significant scale and complexity. Furthermore, Serge's expertise facilitated a group of corporations in acquiring assets from subsidiaries of General Electric, a transaction nearing the $1 billion mark and spanning across North America.

Serge is also at the forefront of legal thought leadership, offering insights into critical issues like the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) program, the implications of force majeure clauses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and updates on the Land Owner Transparency Act (LOTA). His contributions help clients navigate the evolving legal landscape, especially in challenging times.

Beyond his professional achievements, Serge is an active participant in the legal and real estate communities, holding memberships with the Canadian Bar Association, the Calgary Bar Association, the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, and the Urban Development Institute. His contributions to the field of property leasing have been recognized in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and The Best Lawyers in Canada®, marking him as a leading figure in commercial leasing law.

Admitted to the bar in Alberta and British Columbia, Serge's educational background includes an LLB from the University of Saskatchewan and a BBA from Simon Fraser University. His journey from business to law has equipped him with a unique perspective, enhancing his ability to craft solutions that are not only legally sound but also commercially viable.