Michael A. Smith has joined Baker & McKenzie’s Corporate & Securities Practice as a partner, adding significant experience advising Canadian, US and global companies on cross-border listings, complex M&A and corporate governance matters.
Mr. Smith advises US, Canadian and other entities on US securities and corporate law in connection with international financings, as well as cross-border M&A and un-registered fund formation. He regularly advises issuers and underwriters in both public and private equity and debt offerings, including high-yield debt, sovereign debt, structured products, Rule144A and Regulation S offerings and offerings under the Canada-US Multijurisdictional Disclosure System. He also regularly advises boards of directors and senior management on US corporate governance matters, including Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance issues. Mr. Smith will split his time between the Firm’s Toronto and New York offices, advising clients in both jurisdictions.
“Few lawyers have Michael’s depth of experience in advising clients on matters involving the Toronto, New York and London stock exchanges,” said Amar Budaparu, Chair of the Firm’s North American Corporate & Securities Practice and its Global Capital Markets Practice. “He’s a great addition to our cross-border listings and transactional team.”
Throughout the course of his career, Mr. Smith has represented some of the largest Canadian and Wall Street investment banks and financial institutions. He also counsels clients in various industries and has significant experience in the oil and gas, mining, and financial services industries. He has advised on international transactions arising out of, or going into, Canada and Western Europe, as well as the emerging markets of the Caribbean and Latin America, Central Asia, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Eastern Europe. Mr. Smith is the only US attorney to be appointed to the Exempt Market Advisory Committee by the Ontario Securities Commission to advise on new Canadian private placement rules, similar to the JOBS Act.
“Michael is recognized for his unique experience in cross-border listings, including cross-border income trusts. Michael brings critical perspective for global companies from his work on Bay Street, in the City, and on Wall Street. He is an important component to our strategic growth in Canada,” said Kevin Coon, Managing Partner of the Firm’s Toronto Office. “He possesses the quintessential international outlook of a Baker & McKenzie Partner, and we are pleased that he will be part of our growing team in Toronto.”
Mr. Smith joins one of the most active transactional practices in the world. According to Bloomberg, Baker & McKenzie was ranked at number five among all law firms for handling global announced deals and number 10 for involvement in announced deals in Canada through the first half of 2013. In addition, lawyers in the practice recently spearheaded two high-profile studies examining trends in cross-border M&A and cross-border securities listings, and also released an innovative cross-border listings app.
“Canadian companies and other multinationals continue to look at global and emerging markets for growth,” said Mr. Smith. “Baker & McKenzie offers market leading cross-border capabilities and depth in key financial centers, and I’m excited to join the Firm.”
