This section keeps you up-to-date on the latest news and upcoming public appearances of Lavery professionals.
News
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Émilie Heymans and Jennifer Abel win the bronze medal at the 3-metre synchro
On Day 2 of the Summer Games, on Sunday, July 29, two of Alexandre Despatie’s teammates, the divers Émilie Heymans and Jennifer Abel, gave Canada its first medal in London. On his Twitter account, Alexandre quickly congratulated his teammates for this well deserved third place. At 20, Jennifer grabs her first Olympic medal. For Émilie, this fourth medal in four consecutive Olympic Games makes her the only female diver in Olympic history to achieve such a feat and the first Canadian athlete (male or female) to have set this record during the Summer Games.This wonderful achievement is a good omen for the Canadian diving team and it will represent an additional source of motivation for Alexandre and his partner Reuben Ross who will take part in the 3-metre synchro competition on Wednesday, August 1st. A proud sponsor of Alexandre Despatie since 2009, Lavery wishes Alexandre the best of luck in the upcoming 3-metre synchro and the 3-metre individual.
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Lavery represents the syndicate of underwriters in the $201.2 million bought deal financing of units of Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust
On February 28, 2012, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust closed a public offering of 9,168,950 units for gross proceeds of $201.2 million. The units were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., TD Securities Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. The syndicate of underwriters was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the third largest diversified real estate investment trust in Canada and the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Québec.
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Olga Farman co-signs an article on Quebec’s strategies in the life sciences industry in Premières en Affaires
Olga Farman, a Lavery partner, is the co-author of an article about the government of Quebec’s strategies in the life sciences area, published in the April-May 2012 issue of Premières en Affaires. The article lists the strategies – which it presents as catalysts for innovation – that have been implemented to ensure the stability and more particularly the prosperity of the biopharmaceutical industry in Quebec. It also specifies the main pillars of the strategy for research and innovation in Quebec: more competitive and internationally recognized research; more creativity and entrepreneurship in the general population; increased productivity and competitiveness through innovation; major projects that bring people together. Read the article (in French only).
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Major Psychological Victory for Alexandre Despatie
Lavery wishes to congratulate Alexandre Despatie for his exemplary courage and tenacity. Last Friday, the triple world champion and double Olympic medalist performed an inward triple flip – the very dive during which he hurt himself and suffered a mild concussion hardly a month ago in Madrid.Even if he didn’t do the dive in a competition, it is a major victory for Alex. All agree that he is a great source of inspiration.A proud sponsor of Alexandre Despatie since 2009, Lavery anticipates the pleasure of seeing him perform at the 2012 London Olympics next month.
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Lavery: In synch with Alexandre Despatie since 2009
The Lavery law firm is pleased to have been a sponsor of the diver Alexandre Despatie for more than three years and to help him achieve his Olympic dream. Alexandre Despatie’s strength of character is one of the qualities that sets him apart. In 2011, an injury kept him out of competition but he came back strongly in 2012. Recently, he suffered an injury during training in Spain that could have ruined his chances to take part in the London Olympics, which will be his last Olympic Games. Once again, Alexandre Despatie has shown his strength of character and he will participate in the Summer Games. Managing Partner at Lavery, Élise Poisson points out that the partnership between the firm and a remarkable athlete like Alexandre Despatie is a great privilege. "At Lavery, we feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to support this tremendous athlete. For the past 15 years, Alexandre Despatie has made Quebec and Canada proud, just as much for his exceptional competition results as for his endearing personality", says Élise Poisson.
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In Synch with Alexandre Despatie since 2009
Three-time world champion and twice Olympic medalist, Alexandre Despatie is a Canadian diver from Laval, Quebec. He is the first, and so far the only, diver to have won the title in all three individual events (1m, 3m, and 10m springboards) at the FINA World Championships. He also holds numerous senior national titles. Lavery has been proudly sponsoring Alexandre Despatie since 2009 and is looking forward to supporting him throughout the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England.Exclusive interview with Alexandre DespatieLavery is pleased to offer its clients an exclusive interview with Alexandre Despatie. Considering that we’re only a few weeks away from the official opening of the London Olympic Games, this interview comes at a perfect time. Alexandre shares with readers some highlights of his career. He points out the importance of being adequately prepared before major competitions and what it takes to succeed in such a demanding discipline. He also mentions his objectives for the London Olympic Games. In short, the interview helps us to better comprehend why Alexandre Despatie has remained, for the last 15 years, one of his sport’s greatest champions.Follow Alexandre Despatie on Twitter!Please click on the suggested link to follow Alexandre Despatie on Twitter before and during the London Olympic Games: https://twitter.com/#!/ADespatieNewsAugust 8, 2012The Olympic farewell of an exceptional athleteAugust 7, 2012Alexandre Despatie qualified for the 3-metre springboard individual eventAugust 1, 2012A worthy performance from Alexandre Despatie and Reuben Ross at the 3-metre springboard synchroJuly 18, 2012Major Psychological Victory for Alexandre DespatieJuly 11, 2012Lavery: In synch with Alexandre Despatie since 2009June 14, 2012Lavery salutes the courage and determination of Alexandre DespatieMay 11, 2012Canada Cup diving Grand Prix: Despatie wins the silver medalFebruary 22, 2012Alexandre Despatie Makes a Dramatic Comeback on his Road to the OlympicsFebruary 8, 2011Alexandre Despatie two-time gold medal winner at Canadian Winter NationalsDecember 3, 2010Alexandre Despatie wins gold at the CAMO Invitation diving competitionNovember 18, 2010Alexandre Despatie - Male Athlete of the YearOctober 12, 2010Three’s the charm for Alexandre Despatie, gold medal winner at the XIX Commonwealth GamesJune 29, 2010Alexandre Despatie wins gold at the Summer NationalsJune 8, 2010Alexandre Despatie Competed in ChinaMay 3, 2010Lavery Congratulates Alexandre Despatie for his Success at the Canada CupApril 22, 2010Lavery highlights Alexandre Despatie’s victories in MexicoApril 8, 2010Lavery highlights Alexandre Despatie’s return to competitionJuly 29, 2009Lavery congratulates Alexandre DespatieJune 1, 2009Lavery partners with Alexandre Despatie
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Economic Mission in the Plan Nord territory: Mission accomplished!
Lavery’s Plan Nord group and its partners PricewaterhouseCoopers, Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec and AGC Communications jointly organized an economic mission in the Plan Nord territory from June 17-19.A total of 43 people took part in this mission, including a majority of Quebec business leaders. The participants visited the towns of Matagami, Chibougamau, Fermont, Sept-Îles, Labrador City and Wabush. They also met with the mayors of these municipalities, local business people and the Cri community of Oujé-Bougoumou, and visited the facilities of the mining companies Xstrata Zinc, Arcelor Mittal and Rio Tinto/IOC.For the participants, this mission was very successful. It enabled them to become better acquainted with the Plan Nord territory, its residents and the companies that do business in this part of Quebec. In addition, the tour has helped develop a business network and encourage a greater understanding of the wide range of business opportunities offered in this vast territory.
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Great Success for Lavery’s Annual Summer Cocktail
On June 13, 2012, about 130 people took part in the firm’s summer cocktail. This annual event, which was held at the chic hotel Le Saint-Sulpice in the heart of Old Montreal, has enabled Lavery lawyers and partners to meet with present or prospective clients in a relaxed and festive setting. Once again, the cocktail was a genuine success.
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University Certification Presentation Ceremony with Regards to a Continuing Education Program in Business
Lavery is pleased to have welcomed at our office, on June 12, the partners involved in a continuing education program in business for a university certification presentation ceremony to employees of Distinction Group Inc. (GDI), a Canadian leader in the areas of industrial and commercial maintenance. This program, entitled "Gérer et superviser efficacement" (Managing and supervising efficiently), is managed by the Faculté de l’éducation permanente de l’Université de Montréal and tailored for first-level managers within a company.A Lavery partner, Marie-Claude Perreault has been actively involved in the program’s implementation, ever since its launch in 2008, as a trainer for the module entitled Fulfilling the role of a first-level manager. "This module gave me the opportunity to deal with various subjects of interest for Distinction Group employees who enrolled in this training course, including human resources management, the development of harmonious labour-management relations, the laws on labour standards, the respect of health and safety standards as well as the rules associated with the protection of personal information", she pointed out.GDI’s president and CEO, Claude Bigras, is happy that the company chose to invest in the training of its first-level managers. "This program has endowed GDI with the undeniable advantages of team management skills, knowledge of labour relations laws and conflict resolution as well as the human relations techniques, methods and skills required for a more efficient, healthy and lasting project and operations management", he said.The Assistant Dean of the Faculté de l’éducation permanente de l’Université de Montréal, Monique Kirouac, welcomed the second certification presentation ceremony. "On April 6, 2010, during an official ceremony, GDI managers were the first recipients of this new official university certification awarded by our Faculty. On June 12, 2012, many GDI managers were awarded a certification for having successfully completed this continuing education program. In short, the program represents an excellent initiative that draws academia and business closer together".In addition, the president and CEO of the firm Relais Expert-Conseil, Luc Chabot, is pleased by the partnership with the Université de Montréal. "Our firm has worked in close cooperation with the Faculté de l’éducation permanente to develop a new management training program perfectly suited to the actual and complex needs of today’s businesses. Each module of the program has been thoroughly analysed and I’m very happy to note the remarkable success this continuing education program in business has had with GDI employees".Lavery would like to join the Université de Montréal and Relais Expert-Conseil in congratulating the recipients of the 2012 certifications and in thanking GDI’s senior management team for its continued support that contributes to the long-term success of the program.From left to right: Denise Pellerin, psychologist, coach and trainer; Marie-Claude Perreault, Partner at Lavery and trainer; Luc Chabot, President and CEO of Relais Expert-Conseil; Monique Kirouac, Assistant Dean, Academic Studies, Faculté de l’éducation permanente de l’Université de Montréal; Yves André Godon, Executive Vice-President, GDI; Valérie Korozs, Associate at Lavery and trainer; and Éric Robillard, trainer.
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Lavery represents the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec with respect to an investment of $98.5 M in GENIVAR
The law firm Lavery is pleased to announce that it has represented the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (hereinafter the « Caisse ») in connection with a $98.5 M investment in the company GENIVAR. This investment is part of the proposed acquisition by GENIVAR of UK-based WSP Group plc, a consulting firm with operations in more than 30 countries. The Lavery team was headed by Jean-Sébastien Desroches (mergers and acquisitions) and included namely Josianne Beaudry (securities law), Sive Burns (mergers and acquisitions) and Jean Tessier (securities law). With regards to this transaction, the Caisse subscribed for 4,105,305 subscription receipts in GENIVAR inc. [TSX: GNV]. The subscription was made through private placement and the closing date of this subscription is scheduled close to June 27, 2012. Under the terms of the Subscription Agreement, each subscription receipt will be issued at a unit price of $24 for a total purchase price of $98,527,320. Each subscription receipt gives the right to receive, following the closing of the acquisition of WSP Group plc, one common share of GENIVAR’s share capital, without additional consideration or formality.
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Lavery salutes the courage and determination of Alexandre Despatie
Just like all Quebecers and Canadians who cheer for Alexandre Despatie, Lavery was shocked to learn that Alexandre suffered an injury during training before the Madrid Diving Grand Prix in Spain. We wish him a speedy recovery and acknowledge his remarkable ability to bounce back from setbacks at certain moments in his career.Proud sponsor of Alexandre Despatie since 2009, Lavery is convinced that Alexandre will confidently be back on the diving board for the Olympic Games in London.
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Olga Farman wins the Women of Distinction Award of the YMCA Québec
Lavery is pleased to mention that Olga Farman, a Lavery partner, is the recipient of the 2012 edition of the Women of Distinction Award of the YMCA Québec in the category Affaires et professions. This prestigious award, which recognizes the contribution of exceptional women to the development of Quebec, is based on rigorous and demanding criteria. Olga Farman has met all the requirements of these awards. Through the varied nature of her commitment that touches upon the areas of law and culture, her leadership among her peers as well as in connection with various professional and social projects, her creativity in the complex and fast-evolving life sciences sector, and her ability to consider each potential obstacle as a new challenge to undertake, Olga Farman represents a model of professional achievement and community involvement. To know more about the Women of Distinction Awards, please click here. (in French)