Michael Laskey

Mike Laskey serves as a pivotal partner within the Competition & Foreign Investment Group, where he brings extensive expertise in navigating the intricacies of the Competition Act and the Investment Canada Act. His work primarily involves guiding clients through the complexities of high-stakes transactions, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements and manage competition law risks effectively. Mike is at the forefront of leading rigorous competition law reviews for some of Canada's most intricate transactions. He plays a crucial role in liaising with the Competition Bureau to tackle challenging competition issues and forge intricate remedial agreements.

Beyond transactional reviews, Mike's advisory scope spans compliance issues, offering training, conducting internal investigations, and addressing misleading advertising practices. His proficiency under the Investment Canada Act is equally notable, advising on landmark issues related to economic, cultural, and national security across diverse industries. Mike adeptly coordinates with government and public relations advisors to facilitate the approval of significant and complex transactions.

In the realm of professional contributions, Mike is deeply involved with the Canadian Bar Association's Competition Law Section and the American Bar Association's Antitrust Law Section. His academic ties include serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, where he also plays a leadership role in the Canadian Competition Law Moot.

Fluency in English and French enhances Mike's versatility and communication skills, making him an accessible and effective advisor.

His academic credentials are solid, with a J.D. and an M.A. in Economics from the University of Toronto, complemented by a B.A. from McGill University. Since his admission to the Ontario bar in 2012, Mike has been instrumental in several landmark transactions, including GSK plc's acquisition of BELLUS Health Inc. for US$2B, EQT Partners' acquisition of VetStrategy through its portfolio company IVC Evidensia, and Air Canada's proposed acquisition of Transat for C$190M.

Recognition of Mike's expertise and contributions to the field is widespread. Chambers Canada and Chambers Global in 2024 have lauded him as a leading lawyer in Competition/Antitrust. Additionally, the 2022 Expert Guides acknowledged him as a rising star in competition and antitrust law. His scholarly output includes co-authoring significant pieces like "Merger Control 2024" for the International Comparative Legal Guides, underscoring his deep engagement with and impact on the competition and foreign investment legal landscape. Through his work, publications, and teachings, Mike Laskey has significantly shaped the understanding and practice of competition and foreign investment law in Canada.