<![CDATA[The M&A Podcast: Deal or No Deal?]]>3c0b9ba9-bbce-5293-8434-18ae3b590e2cMon, 15 Dec 2025 20:38:41 +0000Captivate.fmDentonshttps://artwork.captivate.fm/c6379a2d-c3d3-473e-aa32-90479031d7b0/_zzaLxvkV3FCnSp4HfgqwiGN.jpgThe M&A Podcast: Deal or No Deal?DentonsDentonsAs the world’s largest law firm, Dentons has established a national and international reputation as a leading advisor of M&A transactions. The Dentons M&A Podcast: Deal or No Deal, brings together lawyers with decades of experience closing mergers, acquisitions, and buyout transactions. Our team routinely represents strategic and financial buyers and sellers on a wide range of corporate transactions, including takeover bids (hostile and friendly), amalgamations, arrangements, and share and asset purchases. Recognizing that corporate transactions often involve cross-practice collaboration, this series features lawyers from litigation, tax and employment to explore the latest trends, challenges and strategies. Tune in for insights, case studies, and the latest developments.https://m-and-a-dentons-podcast.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastSeason finale: Wrapping up a year in M&ASeason finale: Wrapping up a year in M&AIn the Season 1 finale, hosts and National M&A co-leads Jason Saltzman and Danny Wakeling look back on a year of insightful conversations across the evolving M&A landscape and thank our guests and listeners for joining us. We wish you a happy, healthy, and successful holiday season — and look forward to welcoming you back for Season 2 in early 2026. Tune in, subscribe, and stay connected with us at Dentons.

]]>In the Season 1 finale, hosts and National M&A co-leads Jason Saltzman and Danny Wakeling look back on a year of insightful conversations across the evolving M&A landscape and thank our guests and listeners for joining us. We wish you a happy, healthy, and successful holiday season — and look forward to welcoming you back for Season 2 in early 2026. Tune in, subscribe, and stay connected with us at Dentons.

]]>814346b1-4d32-4ed0-814c-23fcb0bf2e97Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -050001:42falsefull1414NDA and LOI: Part 2: The role of Letters of Intent in M&A – From confidentiality to commitmentNDA and LOI: Part 2: The role of Letters of Intent in M&A – From confidentiality to commitmentBuilding on our discussion of NDAs, this episode takes the next step in the transaction timeline — the Letter of Intent (LOI). Host Jason Saltzman is joined once again by Michael Beeforth and Riley Dearden to examine how LOIs capture key business terms, manage expectations, and set the framework for definitive agreements.

Together, they discuss how LOIs vary across private and public transactions, what they signal about deal readiness, and how parties can use them strategically to move negotiations forward.

]]>Building on our discussion of NDAs, this episode takes the next step in the transaction timeline — the Letter of Intent (LOI). Host Jason Saltzman is joined once again by Michael Beeforth and Riley Dearden to examine how LOIs capture key business terms, manage expectations, and set the framework for definitive agreements.

Together, they discuss how LOIs vary across private and public transactions, what they signal about deal readiness, and how parties can use them strategically to move negotiations forward.

]]>5f4569dd-9ca7-4ec2-a5c7-e8725c751b01Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -050015:43falsefull1313NDA and LOI’s: Part 1: The role of Non-Disclosure Agreements in M&A - Setting the foundation for a successful dealNDA and LOI’s: Part 1: The role of Non-Disclosure Agreements in M&A - Setting the foundation for a successful dealNon-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) may appear routine, yet in the M&A process they serve as a strategic cornerstone. In this episode, Jason Saltzman, Partner and National Lead of Dentons’ M&A Group has an insightful discussion with Michael Beeforth, Partner, Toronto Litigation & Dispute Resolution, and Riley Dearden, Partner, Calgary Corporate, as they explore how NDAs:

  • establish the framework of trust between parties,
  • protect sensitive deal-information at the outset, and
  • influence negotiation dynamics before the definitive agreement is signed.

Whether you’re advising buyers or sellers, this conversation offers practical insight into why the NDA matters — and what you need to watch for to set your deal up for success.

]]>Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) may appear routine, yet in the M&A process they serve as a strategic cornerstone. In this episode, Jason Saltzman, Partner and National Lead of Dentons’ M&A Group has an insightful discussion with Michael Beeforth, Partner, Toronto Litigation & Dispute Resolution, and Riley Dearden, Partner, Calgary Corporate, as they explore how NDAs:

  • establish the framework of trust between parties,
  • protect sensitive deal-information at the outset, and
  • influence negotiation dynamics before the definitive agreement is signed.

Whether you’re advising buyers or sellers, this conversation offers practical insight into why the NDA matters — and what you need to watch for to set your deal up for success.

]]>95674e65-b787-457b-816a-6a7c0b74c5a1Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:30:00 -050020:35falsefull1212Private deal structure – Negotiating agreements and market trendsPrivate deal structure – Negotiating agreements and market trendsThe definitive agreement is where the rubber hits the road. In this closing chapter of our private deal structure series, host Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-lead of Dentons’ M&A practice, is joined once again by Sarat Maharaj, Partner in Dentons’ Edmonton Corporate and Commercial Group, Simon Gauthier, Partner and Co-Lead in Dentons’ Montreal Corporate and Commercial Group, and Mike Harris, Partner in Dentons’ Edmonton Tax Group, to unpack the most highly negotiated terms in a definitive agreement and the emerging trends shaping today’s M&A deal landscape. Together, they explore:

  • Purchase price mechanics, escrows, adjustments and earn-outs,
  • Representations, warranties, indemnities and insurance solutions,
  • Pre- and post-closing covenants, conditions and emerging M&A trends

Tune in for an insightful discussion on strategies that protect value and propel your transactions forward.

]]>The definitive agreement is where the rubber hits the road. In this closing chapter of our private deal structure series, host Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-lead of Dentons’ M&A practice, is joined once again by Sarat Maharaj, Partner in Dentons’ Edmonton Corporate and Commercial Group, Simon Gauthier, Partner and Co-Lead in Dentons’ Montreal Corporate and Commercial Group, and Mike Harris, Partner in Dentons’ Edmonton Tax Group, to unpack the most highly negotiated terms in a definitive agreement and the emerging trends shaping today’s M&A deal landscape. Together, they explore:

  • Purchase price mechanics, escrows, adjustments and earn-outs,
  • Representations, warranties, indemnities and insurance solutions,
  • Pre- and post-closing covenants, conditions and emerging M&A trends

Tune in for an insightful discussion on strategies that protect value and propel your transactions forward.

]]>29d0a274-8fe1-4846-9e61-dfe9ad1703c9Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -050025:46falsefull1111Private deal structure – Mastering due diligence and processesPrivate deal structure – Mastering due diligence and processesIn the second episode of our Private deal structure series, host Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-Lead of the M&A group continues the conversation with Sarat Maharaj, Partner in Dentons’ Edmonton Corporate and Commercial Group, Simon Gauthier, Partner and Co-Lead in Dentons’ Montreal Corporate and Commercial Group, and Mike Harris, Partner in Dentons’ Edmonton Tax Group. Together, they explore why preparation is critical to ensuring a smooth transaction process. Tune in as the group unpacks:

  • tax considerations when evaluating deal structures,
  • how structure impacts due diligence,
  • navigating competitive vs. non-competitive processes, and
  • why NDAs and LOIs are essential to deal success.

CPD/CLE Accreditation

This program is eligible for 15 substantive minutes with the Law Society of Ontario.

This program is eligible for 15 substantive minutes with the Law Society of British Columbia.

]]>In the second episode of our Private deal structure series, host Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-Lead of the M&A group continues the conversation with Sarat Maharaj, Partner in Dentons’ Edmonton Corporate and Commercial Group, Simon Gauthier, Partner and Co-Lead in Dentons’ Montreal Corporate and Commercial Group, and Mike Harris, Partner in Dentons’ Edmonton Tax Group. Together, they explore why preparation is critical to ensuring a smooth transaction process. Tune in as the group unpacks:

  • tax considerations when evaluating deal structures,
  • how structure impacts due diligence,
  • navigating competitive vs. non-competitive processes, and
  • why NDAs and LOIs are essential to deal success.

CPD/CLE Accreditation

This program is eligible for 15 substantive minutes with the Law Society of Ontario.

This program is eligible for 15 substantive minutes with the Law Society of British Columbia.

]]>a675dd52-577a-4f8f-9473-d71d7ce22c55Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -050016:51falsefull1010Private deal structure – Navigating transaction structuresPrivate deal structure – Navigating transaction structuresIn part one of our Private deal structure series, discover how to choose the right vehicle for your private M&A deal. Join host Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-Lead of the M&A Group for an insightful discussion with Sarat Maharaj, Partner in Dentons’ Edmonton Corporate and Commercial Group, Simon Gauthier, Partner and Co-Lead in Dentons’ Montreal Corporate and Commercial Group, and lead of the office’s M&A Group, and Mike Harris, Partner in Dentons’ Edmonton Tax Group, as together they unpack the pros and cons of asset vs. share sales, hybrid structures, amalgamations and reverse takeovers, and key tax considerations for buyers and sellers. Tune in to gain clarity on transaction design and set your deal up for success.

 

CPD/CLE Accreditation

This program is eligible for 15 substantive minutes with the Law Society of Ontario.

This program is eligible for 15 substantive minutes with the Law Society of British Columbia.

]]>In part one of our Private deal structure series, discover how to choose the right vehicle for your private M&A deal. Join host Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-Lead of the M&A Group for an insightful discussion with Sarat Maharaj, Partner in Dentons’ Edmonton Corporate and Commercial Group, Simon Gauthier, Partner and Co-Lead in Dentons’ Montreal Corporate and Commercial Group, and lead of the office’s M&A Group, and Mike Harris, Partner in Dentons’ Edmonton Tax Group, as together they unpack the pros and cons of asset vs. share sales, hybrid structures, amalgamations and reverse takeovers, and key tax considerations for buyers and sellers. Tune in to gain clarity on transaction design and set your deal up for success.

 

CPD/CLE Accreditation

This program is eligible for 15 substantive minutes with the Law Society of Ontario.

This program is eligible for 15 substantive minutes with the Law Society of British Columbia.

]]>227d932e-f359-4716-90f3-5fbad6a2a3d8Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:30:00 -050017:16falsefull99Franchising M&A – Navigating M&A in franchising and what makes it uniqueFranchising M&A – Navigating M&A in franchising and what makes it uniqueIn part two of our Franchising M&A series, host Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-Lead of the M&A Group is joined by Helen Fotinos, a Partner in Dentons’ Toronto Corporate Group; Global Head, Franchising and Distribution; and National Lead of our Retail Group to explore the challenges and opportunities of buying or selling a franchise system. They explore due diligence, integration, and the unique dynamics that set franchise deals apart—and uncover the latest trends driving investor appetite.

]]>In part two of our Franchising M&A series, host Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-Lead of the M&A Group is joined by Helen Fotinos, a Partner in Dentons’ Toronto Corporate Group; Global Head, Franchising and Distribution; and National Lead of our Retail Group to explore the challenges and opportunities of buying or selling a franchise system. They explore due diligence, integration, and the unique dynamics that set franchise deals apart—and uncover the latest trends driving investor appetite.

]]>04119dde-2f89-4916-98b6-55f471c55ce9Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -050043:03falsefull88Franchising M&A – Franchising fundamentals and why it’s a hot M&A commodityFranchising M&A – Franchising fundamentals and why it’s a hot M&A commodityIn part 1 of our Franchising M&A series, host Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-Lead of the M&A Group is joined by Helen Fotinos, a Partner in Dentons’ Toronto Corporate Group; Global Head, Franchising and Distribution; and National Lead of our Retail Group to break down the fundamentals of franchising and explore why it’s a hot commodity in the M&A world. They discuss the franchise model’s unique appeal, its regulatory landscape in Canada, and what makes it so attractive to buyers.

]]>In part 1 of our Franchising M&A series, host Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-Lead of the M&A Group is joined by Helen Fotinos, a Partner in Dentons’ Toronto Corporate Group; Global Head, Franchising and Distribution; and National Lead of our Retail Group to break down the fundamentals of franchising and explore why it’s a hot commodity in the M&A world. They discuss the franchise model’s unique appeal, its regulatory landscape in Canada, and what makes it so attractive to buyers.

]]>b8b131c4-d82e-4004-bff7-ad990300382bTue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -050038:48falsefull77Hostile bids – How they look from a target’s perspective and how to prepare pre-launch and post-launchHostile bids – How they look from a target’s perspective and how to prepare pre-launch and post-launchIn part two of hostile bids, Jason Saltzman, Partner and National Lead of Dentons’ M&A group, continues the conversation with Alex Farcas, M&A Partner and member of Dentons’ Canada Region Board, and Matthew Fleming, Partner and Co-Lead of the Securities Litigation group. Building onto the topics discussed in part one, they explore how hostile bids look from the target’s perspective and how they can prepare themselves for a hostile bid pre-launch and post-launch.

]]>In part two of hostile bids, Jason Saltzman, Partner and National Lead of Dentons’ M&A group, continues the conversation with Alex Farcas, M&A Partner and member of Dentons’ Canada Region Board, and Matthew Fleming, Partner and Co-Lead of the Securities Litigation group. Building onto the topics discussed in part one, they explore how hostile bids look from the target’s perspective and how they can prepare themselves for a hostile bid pre-launch and post-launch.

]]>bb667616-8351-4fa2-99f8-f4462d78cc3dTue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -050032:05falsefull66Hostile bids – Unsolicited takeovers and legal and strategic challengesHostile bids – Unsolicited takeovers and legal and strategic challengesIn this episode, Jason Saltzman, Partner and National Lead of Dentons’ M&A group, is joined by his colleagues, Alex Farcas, M&A Partner and member of the Dentons’ Canada Region Board, and Matthew Fleming, Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group and Co-Lead of the Securities Litigation group.

Together, they explore why some bidders pursue unsolicited takeovers and what legal and strategic challenges they face along the way.

]]>In this episode, Jason Saltzman, Partner and National Lead of Dentons’ M&A group, is joined by his colleagues, Alex Farcas, M&A Partner and member of the Dentons’ Canada Region Board, and Matthew Fleming, Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group and Co-Lead of the Securities Litigation group.

Together, they explore why some bidders pursue unsolicited takeovers and what legal and strategic challenges they face along the way.

]]>9b32f680-5e45-4f42-a017-c1dccddf4bcaFri, 18 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -050023:28falsefull55IP in M&A – Cross-border IP challenges, third-party ownership and key post-closing considerationsIP in M&A – Cross-border IP challenges, third-party ownership and key post-closing considerationsIn part two of our series on IP in M&A, Jason Saltzman, Partner and National Lead of the M&A group continues the conversation with Kristal Allen, Partner in the Corporate and Venture Technology group and Bob Tarantino, Counsel in the Media, Entertainment, and IP group. Together, they discuss cross-border IP challenges, third-party ownership, and key post-closing considerations. If you’re involved in an M&A deal with a heavy emphasis on IP, this episode is for you.  

]]>In part two of our series on IP in M&A, Jason Saltzman, Partner and National Lead of the M&A group continues the conversation with Kristal Allen, Partner in the Corporate and Venture Technology group and Bob Tarantino, Counsel in the Media, Entertainment, and IP group. Together, they discuss cross-border IP challenges, third-party ownership, and key post-closing considerations. If you’re involved in an M&A deal with a heavy emphasis on IP, this episode is for you.  

]]>4164d67d-8c19-481d-ab54-33478e430094Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -050039:38falsefull44IP in M&A – Due diligence, risk mitigation and avoiding costly surprisesIP in M&A – Due diligence, risk mitigation and avoiding costly surprisesAs AI and technology reshape industries, intellectual property (IP) has become a critical asset in M&A deals. How can buyers ensure they’re acquiring the IP they expect, and what happens when the chain of title isn’t clear?

In this episode, Jason Saltzman, Partner and National Lead of Dentons’ M&A Group has an insightful discussion with Kristal Allen, Partner in the Corporate and Venture Technology group and Bob Tarantino, Counsel in the Media, Entertainment and IP group, as they explore key IP risks, due diligence strategies, and how IP impacts deal value.

Whether buying, selling, or advising on tech-driven transactions, this episode offers essential insights for today’s innovation-focused M&A market.

]]>As AI and technology reshape industries, intellectual property (IP) has become a critical asset in M&A deals. How can buyers ensure they’re acquiring the IP they expect, and what happens when the chain of title isn’t clear?

In this episode, Jason Saltzman, Partner and National Lead of Dentons’ M&A Group has an insightful discussion with Kristal Allen, Partner in the Corporate and Venture Technology group and Bob Tarantino, Counsel in the Media, Entertainment and IP group, as they explore key IP risks, due diligence strategies, and how IP impacts deal value.

Whether buying, selling, or advising on tech-driven transactions, this episode offers essential insights for today’s innovation-focused M&A market.

]]>2cfc5400-a0c4-477a-b9a4-0acebbf6952fTue, 24 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -050028:53falsefull33Indemnity and R&W Insurance – Negotiation Impacts and Key First-Time ConsiderationsIndemnity and R&W Insurance – Negotiation Impacts and Key First-Time ConsiderationsIn Part 2 of our series on representation and warranty insurance, Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-Lead of Dentons Canada's M&A group, continues the conversation with Riley Dearden, Partner and Calgary Lead of the M&A group, and Derek Levinsky, Partner in Dentons’ Corporate and Insurance Group. This episode dives into how rep and warranty insurance can shape purchase agreement negotiations and highlights critical considerations for those exploring this coverage for the first time. Whether you're new to RWI or looking to sharpen your deal strategy, this episode delivers practical insights from our experienced team.

]]>In Part 2 of our series on representation and warranty insurance, Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-Lead of Dentons Canada's M&A group, continues the conversation with Riley Dearden, Partner and Calgary Lead of the M&A group, and Derek Levinsky, Partner in Dentons’ Corporate and Insurance Group. This episode dives into how rep and warranty insurance can shape purchase agreement negotiations and highlights critical considerations for those exploring this coverage for the first time. Whether you're new to RWI or looking to sharpen your deal strategy, this episode delivers practical insights from our experienced team.

]]>746f8d5c-16e6-4901-bf39-f549b632f647Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:30:00 -050016:38falsefull22Indemnity and R&W Insurance – Key considerations, Standard Exclusions and Strategic InsightsIndemnity and R&W Insurance – Key considerations, Standard Exclusions and Strategic InsightsIn this episode, Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-Lead of Dentons Canada's M&A group, is joined by Riley Dearden, Partner and Calgary Lead of the M&A group, and Derek Levinsky, Partner in Dentons’ Corporate and Insurance group. The trio shares their insights on representation and warranty insurance, including key considerations for its use in transactions and relevant trends shaping the market. They dive into how the industry is maturing—particularly around standard exclusions—discussing what insurers are becoming more comfortable covering and where clients are pushing hardest for broader protection.

]]>In this episode, Danny Wakeling, Partner and National Co-Lead of Dentons Canada's M&A group, is joined by Riley Dearden, Partner and Calgary Lead of the M&A group, and Derek Levinsky, Partner in Dentons’ Corporate and Insurance group. The trio shares their insights on representation and warranty insurance, including key considerations for its use in transactions and relevant trends shaping the market. They dive into how the industry is maturing—particularly around standard exclusions—discussing what insurers are becoming more comfortable covering and where clients are pushing hardest for broader protection.

]]>d0bbdf6f-9b9e-4f5c-9aaa-4bdf7cbeb642Tue, 20 May 2025 09:30:00 -050018:27falsefull11