Joshua Whitford

Joshua's expertise spans across a multitude of sectors, emphasizing international and domestic transactions like mergers, acquisitions, and ventures involving structured equity and private equity. With his remarkable skill set, Joshua has become a key legal advisor to global equity firms, pension funds, and private equity investors, facilitating major buyouts, corporate financings, governance, and investment strategies.

Before joining the Blakes team in 2021, Joshua honed his skills at renowned law firms in New York, where he spent five years mastering the intricacies of international law, particularly in the realm of high-value transactions.

A highlight of Joshua's career includes guiding Audax Private Equity through the significant C$845-million transaction involving the sale of Lifemark Health Group to George Weston Limited's affiliates. His contributions were crucial in the acquisition of Thermogenics Inc. by Audax, and he played a pivotal role as Canadian counsel during Partners Group AG's monumental US$2.2-billion purchase of Diversitech from Permira Private Equity.

Joshua's proficiency was also instrumental in OMERS Private Equity's strategic investment in Premise Health Holding Corp., and in Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division's acquisition of Restaurant Technologies, Inc., showcasing his versatility across various sectors.

Notably, Joshua assisted ABC Technologies Holdings with its strategic purchase of Windsor Mold Group Technologies and supported Cornerstone Building Brands in its acquisition of MAC Metal Architectural. His involvement in Penn National Gaming, Inc.'s acquisition of Score Media and Gaming, Inc. for US$2-billion underscored his capacity to navigate complex digital sports content, gaming, and technology mergers.

His contributions to major transactions, like Element Financial Corporation's acquisition of GE Capital's fleet management operations and the cross-border acquisition of PHH Corporation's vehicle fleet management services business, further demonstrate his capability to lead significant, industry-shaping deals.

Joshua's academic credentials include being admitted to the Bar in New York State in 2018 and Ontario in 2014, after completing his JD/MGA with a focus on Capital Markets at the University of Toronto in 2013. His practice areas enrich the Capital Markets, Corporate Governance, and Mergers & Acquisitions sectors, making him a vital asset to the Private Equity space.