Ilia Danef

Ilia Danef's finance practice is notably rich, primarily honed in debt finance. He plays a pivotal role in corporate dealings, mergers, and acquisitions across sectors like projects, energy, infrastructure, and financial institutions.

Ilia serves as the principal advisor for both lenders and borrowers in various financing types, including project and acquisition financings especially tied to infrastructure and natural resources, as well as export credit, telecom, asset-based, and general corporate loans.

He is also involved in capital market activities, representing issuers, holders, and trustees concerning the debt aspects of bond offerings.

Besides, Ilia's legal expertise encompasses a broad corporate dimension where he represents both sellers and buyers across different industries.

His career trajectory includes a 12-year stint with a prominent Canadian law firm and a decade with two major international firms. This journey includes invaluable experience in London and Amsterdam, primarily in finance. Notably, he spent seven months in-house at ABN AMRO Bank N.V, significantly enriching his experience in acquisition finance and investment grade teams.

In recent ventures, Ilia advised Dye & Durham on its substantial debt facilities related to high-profile acquisitions, showcasing his ability to manage significant financial negotiations and transactions.

Fluent in English, Bulgarian, Dutch, and French, Ilia brings a global perspective to his practice. His academic foundation is solid, with an LL.B. from Osgoode Hall and a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Toronto.

Recognized by The Legal 500 Canada in Banking and Finance in 2020, Ilia's contributions to the field are well acknowledged.

His memberships in the Canadian Bar Association, Ontario Bar Association, Law Society of Ontario, and International Bar Association underscore his active engagement with the legal community and dedication to his areas of expertise.