John Connon

John Connon, a distinguished partner at Goodmans, leads both the business law group and the Private Equity and Venture Capital Group with exceptional acumen. His broad practice covers the spectrum of corporate and securities law, shining particularly bright in private equity, as well as public and private mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance transactions.

John's advisory role spans assisting public companies, closely-held companies, and private equity funds along with their portfolio companies, guiding them through complex transactions like acquisitions, divestitures, and governance matters. His influence and expertise have not gone unnoticed, earning him the title of 2023 Toronto Mergers & Acquisitions "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in Canada, alongside recognition for his proficiency in leveraged buyouts, private equity law, and securities law. Chambers Canada, Chambers Global, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, and IFLR1000 also laud him as a leading lawyer in his field.

Before his tenure at Goodmans, John honed his skills in New York, Hong Kong, and London with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, enriching his international perspective and approach to law. His involvement in education, teaching at both the University of Toronto and the Schulich School of Business, further demonstrates his dedication to the legal profession.

John's remarkable work includes facilitating significant transactions like Pon Holdings' acquisition of Dorel Sports and Tricon Residential's groundbreaking NYSE IPO, among others. These highlight his strategic vision and ability to navigate high-stakes negotiations.

His accolades are a testament to his prowess, with acknowledgments from Chambers Global, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, and Best Lawyers in Canada, all noting his exceptional skill in private equity buyouts and corporate finance.

Educated at the University of Toronto and McGill University, John is deeply involved in professional circles, evidenced by his affiliations with the Law Society of Ontario among others. His insights into capital markets and the evolving landscape of private equity and venture capital continue to influence the industry and guide clients through unprecedented challenges.

For businesses navigating the complexities of mergers, acquisitions, or seeking strategic investment advice, John Connon stands as a pillar of knowledge, experience, and innovation in the legal landscape.