Peter Viitre

Peter Viitre stands at the helm of our Corporate and Commercial Group, expertly guiding our Home Services and Retail practice areas. His journey through more than two decades in law has seen him become a beacon for franchises within these sectors, as well as in the restaurant and automotive industries. Peter's mastery in orchestrating merger and acquisition transactions, particularly those entailing the complex dance of buying and selling franchise systems with international ties, is unparalleled.

His advisory scope spans the entire franchising spectrum, from crafting pivotal legal documents to ensuring regulatory adherence, and from nurturing franchisor-franchisee relations to the nuanced arenas of dispute resolution and termination. Peter's counsel extends beyond franchising; he's a trusted advisor to business magnates and investors, including those in private equity, navigating the intricacies of non-franchise transactions with acumen.

Fluency in German further enhances Peter's ability to serve a diverse clientele, ensuring no detail is lost in translation. Since his admission to the Ontario bar in 1995, Peter has lent his expertise to clients across a variety of fields, including food and beverage and financial advisory services, to name a few.

His leadership extends beyond the office; Peter has chaired the Ontario Bar Association’s Franchise Law Section and contributed to the province’s commercial legislation as a member of the Ontario government’s Business Law Advisory Council.

Peter's recognition as a franchise law luminary is evidenced by his consistent ranking in Chambers Canada and Best Lawyers in Canada, among other accolades. His involvement in professional associations underlines his commitment to both the legal and franchising communities.

Peter has shared his insights through numerous speaking engagements and publications, addressing topics from franchisee disputes to the challenges of international franchising, reflecting his deep understanding and proactive approach to the evolving business landscape.

In his personal ethos, Peter emphasizes the importance of diligence, curiosity, and thorough preparation in laying the groundwork for business success. His approach is not just about legal advice; it's about building a strong, informed foundation from which businesses can thrive.