Mark's approach to the law is to offer clients practical, pragmatic and innovative solutions to legal issues to achieve business objectives.
Mark was previously in-house counsel and strategic advisor to a synthetic GIC platform in the United States and an internal advisor to several projects in the structured debt market including regulatory capital and distressed assets.
Prior to returning to Canada, Mark practiced overseas in the offices of a major international law firm specializing in structured finance solutions for institutions and private firms. In 2008 he was seconded to New Delhi, India to assist with that firm’s development of the Indian market. Mark has maintained his interest in emerging markets by acting for parties that are actively engaged in exploring opportunities in emerging economies.
Education & Credentials
Education
University of Toronto
B.A., Political Science and Comparative Politics, 1995- Distinction
University of Western Ontario
LL.B., 1998London School of Economics and Political Science
LL.M., 2000- Merit
Acknowledgements
Chambers Canada Guide
- Corporate/Commercial: Highly Regarded - Ontario, 2024
Prominent Assignments
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Counsel to the Vendor in the sale of Toronto-based, national private label education provider to an international purchaser operating in the same field, as a part of a life-cycle transaction.
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Counsel to the Vendor in the sale of private business to TSX listed company as part of a life-cycle transaction.
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Counsel to the Purchaser of a major regional multi-service contracting firm by Toronto-based multi-trade prime contractor.
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Successful negotiation and execution of a derivative transaction and prime brokerage agreement on behalf of a Toronto-based fund with a US Bilge Bracket Bank.
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Successful negotiation and execution of a joint venture agreement between a UK-based fund and a Toronto-based investment manager.
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Successful negotiation and execution of a joint venture agreement between a fund and US-based subsidiaries of Japanese and French banks.
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Counsel to a Canadian-based manufacturer in their successful redeployment from the Indian market.
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Counsel to a Canadian Chartered Bank in the establishment of a revolving credit line for a North American car rental company.
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Canadian counsel to a US Trailer manufacturer in the establishment of their credit facility with a US Bulge Bracket Bank.
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Counsel to a US Investment Bank in the establishment of a warehouse line used to acquire CDO assets in the European market. Responsibilities included drafting, primary negotiation and structuring of the credit facility and other principal documentation.
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Counsel to originators, underwriters and arrangers in the Euro market in the creation and execution of structured finance transactions in the RMBS, CMBS and ABS markets.
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Counsel to a US Bulge Bracket Bank in the creation of a template restructuring transaction for SIV Finance PLC, successful execution of the template transaction which was awarded "Restructuring of the Year 2008."
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Development and execution of a trade receivables conduit for a private label investment firm targeting high net worth (HNW) individuals.
Professional Involvement
- Law Society of Upper Canada
- Law Society of England and Wales
- Canadian Bar Association
Publications/Presentations
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Moderator, “Alternative Lending Panel,” 21st Capital Connection, ACG Toronto, November 2023
- Co-author, “Practical Business Issues and COVID-19”, Dickinson Wright Client Alert, April 2020
- Co-Author and contributor, New Beginnings, 2009. Discussing the impact of revised rules concerning directorships of special purpose vehicles and advised on chapters regarding enhanced disclosure requirements in by the European Central Bank.
- Author, CDPCs: Handling the Legal Issues, 2008. Creditflux Inside Guide- Credit Derivative Product Companies Legal and structural issues in establishing a Credit Derivative Product Company.