Robert Farmer

Robert’s practice builds upon his 20 year career in finance and investment banking.  Robert leverages his business background to provide practical and experience-based legal advice to his clients.

Previously Robert was a senior officer with Royal Bank of Canada and president of Mackenzie FSG International Limited and Berkshire Axis Capital Inc.

Banking & Financial Services / Real Estate

Robert represents Canada’s largest bank in major real estate development financings, including financing of land acquisitions, servicing and construction.

Robert also represents clients in the capacity of both landlord and tenant, with respect to commercial lease agreements.

Robert is part of the DW legal team representing a prominent foreign based group engaged in a significant move into a targeted real estate sector in Ontario.

Robert represents a privately held lending company engaged in operations across Canada.

Corporate / Corporate Finance / Securities / Private Equity

Robert represents both listed / publicly traded and privately held clients on compliance with securities laws and regulations.

Robert is part of the DW legal team representing an issuer of more than $500 million in prospectus-exempt debenture private placements.  Legal services include: incorporation of issuer companies; drafting of offering memorandums, subscription agreements, trust indentures and operational agreements; and regulatory filings. 

Robert is part of the DW legal team representing a publicly traded company engaged as a target in a friendly reverse take-over.

Robert has negotiated and drafted a wide variety of corporate documents, including complex shareholder agreements, shareholder loan & investment agreements, operating / management agreements, employment agreements and regulatory registrations.

Robert was part of the DW legal team representing a privately held corporation on an investment in the company by the Province of Ontario.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Robert advises Canadian based companies and foreign companies on acquisitions of Canadian companies, involving both asset purchases and share purchases (including compliance with Ontario’s Bulk Sales Act and Canada’s Investment Canada Act).  The representations include: drafting of the purchase and sale agreements; negotiating and drafting complex buy-out agreements, on-going management agreements, third party supply agreements, lease agreements & IP license agreements; and CRA filings.

Robert represented clients on both vertical and horizontal merger arrangements as part of strategic re-alignments.  Client companies involved in the mergers were located in both Canada and the U.S.

Administrative & Regulatory / E-Commerce

Robert represents a variety of clients on compliance with Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation, privacy laws, and consumer laws. 

Robert has significant experience in advising clients in the area of E-commerce, including website documents (terms of use, account agreements, privacy policies), Internet agreements (conducting sales through the Internet, including compliance with Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act), and internal compliance guidelines / protocols.