Doug is the National Managing Partner of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. He is also a partner in the firm’s Business Law group, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and securities law matters, and has acted on a number of Canada’s highest-profile public company M&A transactions.
His practice has included a broad range of transactions and advice encompassing private and public company acquisitions, hostile and supported takeover bids, going private transactions, private and public market financings, mining matters and disclosure, corporate governance issues and advising domestic and cross-border issuers with respect to their general public company obligations.
Doug returned to the Toronto office after practising in the firm’s New York office from 2008 to 2011. He is currently a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and a former chair of the firm’s Mining Group. Doug is a former member of the Securities Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Ontario Securities Commission.
Representative Work
- Kinross Gold Corporation
Kinross Gold Corporation in its US$1.4 billion acquisition of Great Bear Resources
- The Levy Family
The Levy Family in theScore’s US$2 billion acquisition by Penn National Gaming
- Richardson Financial Group
Richardson Financial Group in the sale of Richardson GMP to GMP Capital Inc.
- Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. in the proposed sale of specialty channels to Bell Media Inc. for approximately $200 million
- Halogen Software Inc.
Halogen in its sale to Vector Capital
- The Underwriters
The underwriters in a $173 million equity offering by Shawcor Ltd.
- Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. in connection with its $2.65 billion purchase of Shaw Media Inc. from Shaw Communications Inc.
- COM DEV International Ltd.
COM DEV in connection with its acquisition by a subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc. by way of a plan of arrangement and its spinoff of exactEarth Ltd.
- KingSett Capital
KingSett Capital-led consortium in its proposed take-over bid for Primaris REIT and acquisition of 17 Primaris properties as part of H&R REIT’s acquisition of Primaris
- Corus Entertainment Inc. in connection with its $2.65 billion purchase of Shaw Media Inc. from Shaw Communications Inc., including the successful defence of the activist campaign and proxy battle led by Catalyst Capital
- Special Committee of COM DEV International Ltd. and lead transaction counsel in connection with its $455 million acquisition by Honeywell International and related spin-off of exactEarth Ltd.
- Tim Hortons in connection with its $13 billion acquisition by an affiliate of Burger King Worldwide, Inc.
- Kinross Gold Corporation in connection with the sale of its Fruta del Norte project in Ecuador to Fortress Minerals (now Lundin Gold)
- Shoppers Drug Mart in connection with its $12.4 billion acquisition by Loblaw Companies Limited (Lexpert Deal of the Year for 2014)
- The underwriters in connection with Barrick Gold Corporation’s $3 billion common share offering in November 2013
- Valeant Pharmaceuticals International in connection with its $2.3 billion cross-border common share offering in June 2013, and as Canadian counsel in connection with its $8.7 billion acquisition of Bausch + Lomb and $50 billion proposed business combination transaction with Allergan
- Ontario Pension Board in its joint $4.5 billion unsolicited takeover bid with KingSett Capital for Primaris Retail REIT and subsequent negotiated plan of arrangement transaction with H&R REIT and Primaris
- Corus Entertainment in connection with its proposed acquisition of various specialty television stations (including Historia and Series + and a 50% interest in TELETOON) from Bell Media, and an associated asset swap with Shaw Communications involving interests in the Food Network and ABC Spark
- First Nickel Inc. in connection with its debt restructuring transactions involving Resource Capital Funds and West Face Capital in February and April of 2013
- Equinox Minerals in connection with both its $7.3 billion acquisition by Barrick Gold Corporation in June 2011 and its $4.8 billion unsolicited bid for Lundin Mining in March 2011 (Lexpert Deal of the Year for 2011)
- Kinross Gold in connection with its $7.7 billion acquisition of Red Back Mining Inc. in September 2010 (largest M&A transaction in Canada in 2010)
- Canadian counsel to Madison Dearborn Partners in its $100 million acquisition of a controlling interest in QuickPlay Media Inc.
- Belden Inc. in its $280 million unsolicited bid for RuggedCom Inc.
- Kinross Gold in connection with various other M&A transactions, including (i) the $1.2 billion acquisition of Aurelian Resources in September 2008; (ii) the $140 million acquisition of Underworld Resources, a TSX-listed company, in April 2010 (iii) its $150 million direct and indirect investment in Harry Winston Diamonds and the Diavik diamond mine in March 2009, and subsequent disposition of same in July 2010; and (iv) its asset swap with Goldcorp in December 2007 involving the Porcupine and Musselwhite mining joint ventures in Ontario, Canada and the La Coipa mine in Chile
- Goldman Sachs in its purchase in March 2010 of the La Francia mine and related infrastructure assets in Colombia from Coalcorp
- Vale in connection with its acquisition of various Canadian potash interests in Saskatchewan from Rio Tinto
- James Richardson International in its “white knight” bid for Agricore United, and subsequent negotiated transaction with Saskatchewan Wheat Pool
- Dana Gas of Dubai in its $1.1 billion acquisition of Centurion Energy International Inc.
- Inco Limited in its response to the unsolicited takeover bids from Teck Cominco and CVRD, and its proposed three-way combination with Phelps Dodge Corporation and Falconbridge Limited
- China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) in the US$4.3 billion acquisition by its wholly owned subsidiary, CNPC International, of PetroKazakhstan Inc.
- Placer Dome Inc. in its response to the unsolicited bid from Barrick Gold Corporation and subsequent negotiated $10.4 billion acquisition
Kinross Gold Corporation in its US$1.4 billion acquisition of Great Bear Resources
The Levy Family in theScore’s US$2 billion acquisition by Penn National Gaming
Richardson Financial Group in the sale of Richardson GMP to GMP Capital Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. in the proposed sale of specialty channels to Bell Media Inc. for approximately $200 million
Halogen in its sale to Vector Capital
- The Underwriters
The underwriters in a $173 million equity offering by Shawcor Ltd.
- Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. in connection with its $2.65 billion purchase of Shaw Media Inc. from Shaw Communications Inc.
- COM DEV International Ltd.
COM DEV in connection with its acquisition by a subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc. by way of a plan of arrangement and its spinoff of exactEarth Ltd.
- KingSett Capital
KingSett Capital-led consortium in its proposed take-over bid for Primaris REIT and acquisition of 17 Primaris properties as part of H&R REIT’s acquisition of Primaris
- Corus Entertainment Inc. in connection with its $2.65 billion purchase of Shaw Media Inc. from Shaw Communications Inc., including the successful defence of the activist campaign and proxy battle led by Catalyst Capital
- Special Committee of COM DEV International Ltd. and lead transaction counsel in connection with its $455 million acquisition by Honeywell International and related spin-off of exactEarth Ltd.
- Tim Hortons in connection with its $13 billion acquisition by an affiliate of Burger King Worldwide, Inc.
- Kinross Gold Corporation in connection with the sale of its Fruta del Norte project in Ecuador to Fortress Minerals (now Lundin Gold)
- Shoppers Drug Mart in connection with its $12.4 billion acquisition by Loblaw Companies Limited (Lexpert Deal of the Year for 2014)
- The underwriters in connection with Barrick Gold Corporation’s $3 billion common share offering in November 2013
- Valeant Pharmaceuticals International in connection with its $2.3 billion cross-border common share offering in June 2013, and as Canadian counsel in connection with its $8.7 billion acquisition of Bausch + Lomb and $50 billion proposed business combination transaction with Allergan
- Ontario Pension Board in its joint $4.5 billion unsolicited takeover bid with KingSett Capital for Primaris Retail REIT and subsequent negotiated plan of arrangement transaction with H&R REIT and Primaris
- Corus Entertainment in connection with its proposed acquisition of various specialty television stations (including Historia and Series + and a 50% interest in TELETOON) from Bell Media, and an associated asset swap with Shaw Communications involving interests in the Food Network and ABC Spark
- First Nickel Inc. in connection with its debt restructuring transactions involving Resource Capital Funds and West Face Capital in February and April of 2013
- Equinox Minerals in connection with both its $7.3 billion acquisition by Barrick Gold Corporation in June 2011 and its $4.8 billion unsolicited bid for Lundin Mining in March 2011 (Lexpert Deal of the Year for 2011)
- Kinross Gold in connection with its $7.7 billion acquisition of Red Back Mining Inc. in September 2010 (largest M&A transaction in Canada in 2010)
- Canadian counsel to Madison Dearborn Partners in its $100 million acquisition of a controlling interest in QuickPlay Media Inc.
- Belden Inc. in its $280 million unsolicited bid for RuggedCom Inc.
- Kinross Gold in connection with various other M&A transactions, including (i) the $1.2 billion acquisition of Aurelian Resources in September 2008; (ii) the $140 million acquisition of Underworld Resources, a TSX-listed company, in April 2010 (iii) its $150 million direct and indirect investment in Harry Winston Diamonds and the Diavik diamond mine in March 2009, and subsequent disposition of same in July 2010; and (iv) its asset swap with Goldcorp in December 2007 involving the Porcupine and Musselwhite mining joint ventures in Ontario, Canada and the La Coipa mine in Chile
- Goldman Sachs in its purchase in March 2010 of the La Francia mine and related infrastructure assets in Colombia from Coalcorp
- Vale in connection with its acquisition of various Canadian potash interests in Saskatchewan from Rio Tinto
- James Richardson International in its “white knight” bid for Agricore United, and subsequent negotiated transaction with Saskatchewan Wheat Pool
- Dana Gas of Dubai in its $1.1 billion acquisition of Centurion Energy International Inc.
- Inco Limited in its response to the unsolicited takeover bids from Teck Cominco and CVRD, and its proposed three-way combination with Phelps Dodge Corporation and Falconbridge Limited
- China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) in the US$4.3 billion acquisition by its wholly owned subsidiary, CNPC International, of PetroKazakhstan Inc.
- Placer Dome Inc. in its response to the unsolicited bid from Barrick Gold Corporation and subsequent negotiated $10.4 billion acquisition
Latest Insights
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Osler Update Mar 7, 2018
Federal Court of Appeal clarifies and reaffirms transactional common interest privilege: Iggillis Holdings Inc. v. M.N.R., 2018 FCA 51
In Iggillis Holdings Inc. v. M.N.R., the Federal Court of Appeal unanimously overturned a 2016 decision of the Federal Court of Canada and, in...
Read more
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Osler Update Apr 25, 2017
The Eco Oro decision – OSC draws the line on private placements during proxy contests
The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has overturned a decision by the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) conditionally approving a private placement of...
Read more -
Osler Update Dec 22, 2016
Deal privilege may no longer protect shared legal advice following Minister of National Revenue v. Iggillis Holdings Inc., 2016 FC 1352
A recent decision by the Federal Court of Canada will place restrictions on the ability of parties to share privileged materials in the context of an...
Read more -
Osler Update Nov 18, 2016
InterOil Decision – Implications for Fairness Opinions, Disclosure and Corporate Governance in Sale Transactions
The Yukon Court of Appeal blocked Exxon Mobil's proposed US$2.3 billion acquisition of InterOil, in a decision with potentially significant...
Read more
Awards and Recognition
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Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business: Recognized in Corporate/Commercial (Ontario)
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Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Business Lawyers: Recognized in Corporate/M&A as an Eminent Practitioner
- “…[Douglas] is widely regarded for his expertise in cross-border M&A and corporate finance matters involving the United States, as well as his client-friendly approach and ability to manage difficult situations.”
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The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Recognized in Corporate Commercial Law; Corporate Finance & Securities; Mergers & Acquisitions; Toronto corporate commercial lawyers
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The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada: Recognized in Mergers & Acquisitions
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Best Lawyers in Canada: Recognized in Mergers & Acquisitions; Natural Resources; Securities; Corporate Governance Practice; Corporate Law
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Legal 500: Recognized as a Leading Lawyer, Corporate and M&A
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IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms: Recognized in Mergers & Acquisitions (Highly Regarded)
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Who’s Who Legal: Recognized in Canada – M&A
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Lexpert Special Edition: Recognized in Energy
Media Mentions
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Osler News Feb 16, 2024
Osler recognized as a leading firm in Chambers Global 2024 Guide
Osler recognized as a leading firm in Chambers Global 2024 Guide
Read more -
Osler News Nov 15, 2023
Osler recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by the Globe and Mail
Osler named one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by the Globe and Mail for the third consecutive year.
Read more -
Osler News Oct 23, 2023
Nine Osler lawyers recognized in Lexpert Special Edition: Mining 2023
Congratulations to nine Osler lawyers recognized in the Lexpert Special Edition: Mining 2023, highlighting leading lawyers in the sector.
Read more -
Osler News Aug 8, 2023
Osler moves to new office in Vancouver to accommodate growth
To accommodate our growing team and service offering in British Columbia, Osler is moving to new offices in Vancouver!
Read more
Speaking and Writing
Published Work
- The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Mergers & Acquisitions 2014, Canada chapter (this article first appeared in the eighth edition of The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Mergers & Acquisitions; published by Global Legal Group Ltd, London, www.iclg.co.uk).
- Ontario Court Denies Advance on Former Directors’ Legal Costs – Makes Rare Interim Finding of Bad Faith, Osler Update (co-author), October 11, 2012.
- Preliminary Economic Assessments for Mining Projects – New Guidance from the Canadian Securities Administrators, Osler Mining Review (co-author), September 2012.
- British Columbia Securities Commission Issues Cease Trade Order Following Review of Barkerville Gold Mines Technical Report, Osler Mining Review (co-author), September 2012.
- Failed Public Financings in the Mining Sector – Use of Economic Analysis and Confusion Around Preliminary Economic Assessments, Osler Update (co-author), March 27, 2012.
- Canadian securities regulators consider whether to regulate proxy advisory firms, Osler Update (co-author), July 5, 2012.
- A Battle of Mining Giants Regarding Rights of First Refusal: Ontario Superior Court of Justice Upholds Goldcorp’s Acquisition of a 70% Interest in El Morro Mining Project, Osler Corporate Review (co-author), July 2012.
- 2011 in M&A: A Year of Break-Ups, Osler 2011 Capital Markets Review (co-author), January 2012.
- Buy-Side Shareholder Votes in Canada – The First Twelve Months, Osler Corporate Review (co-author), December 2010.
- New TSX Rule Mandating Buy-Side Shareholder Vote in Dilutive Public Company Acquisitions Takes Effect Today, Osler Update (co-author), November 24, 2009.
- TSX Adopts 25% Dilution Threshold for Buy-Side Shareholder Vote in Public Company Acquisitions, Osler Update (co-author), October 1, 2009.
- The OSC Decision in Neo Material Technologies Inc.: A Significant Change in the Treatment of Poison Pills in Canada?, Osler Update (co-author), September 21, 2009.
- Profound Energy Decision Highlights Use of Private Placements in M&A Transactions, Osler Update (co-author), August 17, 2009.
Credentials
Education
- University of Toronto, LL.B.
- McGill University, B.A.
Languages
- English
Professional Affiliations
- Canadian Bar Association
- Law Society of Ontario
