For Kristian Knibutat, the national leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers' international deals practice, there are what he called "classic reasons" for innovative Canadian companies to be eager to tap overseas growth before establishing themselves in their home country.
Canada's relative economic strength in the current world market
Mr. Knibutat described "a window of opportunity" for Canadian companies to build overseas because of relatively strong balance sheets, a dollar that provides purchasing power in other economies, a fairly stable home market, and a healthy and well-regarded banking sector.
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Familiar markets
The United States is reasonably well-understood, in terms of its rules and regulations, and a new Canadian company can follow a path that many others have followed before.
International credibility
Gaining a solid reputation and added credibility by succeeding in the U.S. market can help with growth on the global stage.
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Market size
The United States, Europe and emerging markets in China and India, are much bigger relative to our own.
Access to capital for new technologies
American and British venture capital remains important. While there is expected to be continued stagnation in the U.S. market affecting the level of venture capital available, products meeting unique and required needs should continue to find financial support. This is especially true with renewable and environmental technologies.