Thomas Yeo

Thomas H. Yeo, a partner renowned for his deep expertise in corporate, securities, and mergers and acquisitions law, serves as a linchpin for organizations grappling with intricate legal challenges. With a wealth of experience in both the private and public sectors, Thomas guides clients through the complexities of high-stakes transactions, leveraging his significant experience to deliver tailored solutions.

His legal acumen spans a broad spectrum, encompassing corporate governance, procurement, and a host of securities law matters. Thomas's role in facilitating both the acquisition and sale sides of public and private M&A transactions underscores his versatility and strategic insight. His involvement in numerous significant cross-border transactions, alongside representing issuers and investment banks in extensive domestic and international public offerings, highlights his capacity to navigate the global corporate landscape.

Thomas's contributions extend to advising federal and provincial Crown corporations and agencies on governance, corporate/commercial, and procurement issues. As co-head of Torys’ Procurement group, he offers comprehensive advice on the procurement process, benefiting both entities issuing tenders and those responding to them. His ability to simplify complex issues into digestible advice is particularly valued, with clients and peers lauding his exceptional drafting skills and approachable demeanor.

Among his notable achievements is advising Fairfax Financial during the sale of Torstar Corporation to NordStar Capital LP, a testament to his prowess in guiding clients through pivotal transactions. Thomas also played a crucial role in the development of the Large Employer Emergency Funding Facility (LEEFF) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating his ability to respond to unprecedented challenges with innovative legal solutions.

His work with the Government of Canada on the National Shipbuilding Strategy, a monumental project to renew the federal fleet, showcases his capacity to handle large-scale procurement initiatives. Furthermore, Thomas's counsel to Fairfax Financial in several high-profile transactions, including acquisitions and corporate restructuring, exemplifies his strategic approach to corporate finance.

Thomas’s insights into the procurement landscape and corporate governance have made him a sought-after speaker and advisor. His strategies for navigating government procurements and working on public projects offer invaluable guidance for businesses looking to collaborate with government entities.

With recognition from Best Lawyers in Canada and The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Thomas's reputation as a leading lawyer in corporate governance, finance, and securities is well established. His professional involvement, including serving on the Ontario Securities Commission's Securities Advisory Committee and contributing to the Canadian Institute’s Crown Corporate Governance Conference, underscores his commitment to the legal profession and his areas of expertise.

Educated at Osgoode Hall Law School and the University of Ottawa, where he graduated as a Gold Medalist, Thomas was admitted to the Ontario bar in 2001. His distinguished career is marked by a dedication to excellence, a commitment to client success, and a profound understanding of the legal landscape that affects businesses across sectors.