Michael Elder

Michael specializes in guiding transactions in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and private equity investments, with a keen focus on the financial services, insurance, and wealth management sectors. His expertise extends to advising both public and private companies through complex negotiations, showcasing a depth of experience that has made him a valued advisor in these industries. Michael's tenure at Blakes has been marked by significant secondments, where he lent his skills to leading Canadian and international banks as well as a top insurance company.

His role often involves assisting companies with intricate corporate structuring, governance, and reorganizations. This includes helping foreign entities navigate the Canadian business landscape, establishing and structuring their operations within the country.

Michael's recent work highlights his pivotal role in major transactions. He played a key role in The Canada Life Assurance Company's acquisition of Value Partners Group Inc., and the Royal Bank of Canada's significant C$13.5-billion acquisition of HSBC Bank of Canada. His involvement with Blue Cross Life Insurance Company of Canada established a national alliance that spanned several key players in the health insurance sector.

For Intact Financial Corporation, Michael was instrumental in their C$1-billion purchase of The Guarantee Company of North America and Frank Cowan Company Limited. RBC Ventures' acquisition of Dr. Bill, CI Financial Corp's series of wealth management acquisitions, and HUB International Limited's strategic insurance brokerage buys, including transactions with Cypher Systems Group Inc. and Morneau Shepell Ltd., all benefited from his guidance.

Moreover, Michael's expertise facilitated significant deals outside the financial sector, such as SOL Limited's C$1.57-billion sale, Siemens Healthineers' acquisition of Epocal, Lavazza S.p.A.'s purchase of Kicking Horse Coffee Co. Ltd., and Just Eat PLC's acquisition of SkipTheDishes Restaurant Services.

His contributions to the field of M&A are not only through direct advisory roles but also through thought leadership, as seen in his co-authored Blakes Bulletin on entering M&A shareholders' agreements. Michael's educational background, with a JD from the University of Toronto and an HBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, provides a solid foundation for his legal practice, which spans corporate and commercial law, financial services M&A, and private equity sectors.