Lexpert identifies and reports on emerging business issues and practice areas in the business of law. Whether online, in our magazine or in the DealsWire e-newsletter, we chronicle deals and lawsuits of interest, and cover issues of broad concern to the legal profession and those who purchase legal services. We hope you enjoy this sample of our latest content.
From the DealsWire: Chinese miner buys in, Sandstorm picks up Diavik
The Lexpert DealsWire (subscribe here) documents facts, figures and key legal players behind recent deals. This week's announced deal spotlight features the key players and figures in the $105-million acquisition by China's Zijin Mining Group of an 11-per-cent stake in Ivanhoe Mines Ltd.
Mining deals abound in our closed deals section, where we look at the legal players behind Goldcorp's acquisition of Probe Mines and Sandstorm Gold's entry into the diamond business, in acquiring a 1-per-cent gross proceeds royalty on land, including the Diavik diamond mine, from Iamgold. We also look at the lawyers behind the recent going-private transaction of Brookfield Residential Properties.
Takeovers not so hostile: report
A study by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP suggests that the perception that Canada is an extremely bidder-friendly environment may be exaggerated. A sweeping 10-year examination of 143 unsolicited bids for publicly traded companies found that 28 per cent of target boards remained independent after a hostile bid and even after a competing offer was in place.
Canadians eye cross-border REITs as US dollar climbs
With the energy sector still suffering and the loonie weakening as a result, Canadian investors are pouring money into real estate. Will the demand for U.S. market exposure drive another wave of cross-border REIT offerings?
Pool of unsettled class actions grows
A recent report from NERA Economic Consulting indicating that the number of Canadian securities class actions grew in 2014 has caused some consternation in the business community. There were 60 outstanding actions at the end of 2014 compared to 55 at the end of 2014.
Proposed Chinese foreign investment law changes
China's proposed new foreign investment law is the most significant change to the country's foreign investment regime in the past 15 years. If implemented, a foreign investment lawyer explains to Lexpert, it could fundamentally change the way Canadians and other foreigners access opportunities in China.
"Bring Your Own Device" policies can mitigate risk
Employment lawyers warn that companies permitting employees to use their own devices without a policy may be flirting with real problems when it comes to risk management. Lexpert spoke to in-house counsel at large companies like Sierra Systems, Royal Bank of Canada and Xerox about how they have implemented BYOD policies for their employees.
Living in the age of Fearon
In a very interesting 4-3 decision, the Supreme Court of Canada has now decided, in Fearon, that warrantless searches of cellphones during an arrest are permitted, provided the police take notes of what they searched. Technology columnist George Takach says he's still not happy with the majority decision, but offers some tips on protecting your privacy.
Day-to-day discrimination
Things haven't moved that far forward for gay professionals working on Bay Street. Despite positive and encouraging messages from high-profile CEOs, it's still the subtle stuff that matters most. Disclosing what you did with your significant other on the weekend, or having a picture of him/her on your desk, isn't for most a career-limiting move. Nor should it be, writes Paul Paton in this month's Last Word column.