Manufacturing Plant Cleanup & Compliance
Challenge:
A mid-sized manufacturing client got hit with a compliance order from provincial regulators. Years of operations had left soil contamination issues they didn't even know about. Facing potential shutdown and hefty fines that could've bankrupted them.
Solution:
We negotiated directly with the ministry, developed a phased remediation plan that kept operations running, and restructured their entire environmental management system. Also helped them access government funding programs they had no idea existed.
Result:
- Zero operational downtime during remediation
- Fines reduced by 78% through compliance cooperation
- $1.2M in government grants secured
- New environmental certification achieved
Multi-Party Supply Chain Agreement
Challenge:
Retail client needed to lock down a complex supply agreement involving suppliers from three provinces and two countries. Previous negotiations had stalled for eight months over liability clauses and delivery terms. Time was running out before their peak season.
Solution:
We brought everyone to the table - virtually and in person - and mediated through the sticking points. Drafted a flexible framework agreement with province-specific addendums, built in force majeure protections that actually worked, and created dispute resolution mechanisms nobody had thought of before.
Result:
- Agreement finalized in 6 weeks
- All parties satisfied with terms
- $4.2M annual contract value secured
- Framework now used for other supplier relationships
Patent Portfolio Protection
Challenge:
Tech startup had developed groundbreaking software but zero IP protection. Competitors were already circling, and investor funding was contingent on proper IP safeguards.
Solution:
Fast-tracked patent applications across Canada, US, and EU. Set up trademark protection and drafted airtight NDAs for all stakeholders.
Result:
7 patents secured, $8M Series A funded, IP valued at $15M+
Shareholder Dispute Resolution
Challenge:
Three-way shareholder dispute threatening to dissolve a profitable company. Each party had hired separate counsel and litigation looked inevitable - expensive and destructive.
Solution:
Proposed mediation with a buyout structure. We handled valuation disputes, drafted separation agreements, and restructured governance for remaining shareholders.
Result:
Settled in 45 days, saved $300K+ in litigation costs, company still thriving
Healthcare Services Consolidation
Challenge:
Regional healthcare provider wanted to acquire three smaller clinics but regulatory approval seemed impossible due to competition concerns and licensing complexities.
Solution:
Worked with Competition Bureau proactively, structured deal to maintain market diversity, streamlined licensing transfers across health authorities.
Result:
Full approval in 4 months, $28M transaction completed, patient care improved across network
Mine Site Reclamation & Closure
Challenge:
Mining company needed to close legacy operations but faced massive reclamation costs, First Nations consultation requirements they'd mishandled for years, and provincial regulators who'd lost trust. The liability was threatening their other operations.
Solution:
Started from scratch with relationship-building - spent real time with community leaders and elders, not just checkbox consultations. Redesigned the closure plan with Indigenous knowledge integrated, secured federal-provincial funding partnerships, and negotiated a monitoring framework that gave everyone confidence.
Result:
- Approved closure plan with community support
- $18M in government funding secured
- Long-term monitoring agreement in place
- Company reputation restored in region
Mixed-Use Development Joint Venture
Challenge:
Developer and institutional investor wanted to partner on a $120M mixed-use project but couldn't align on risk allocation, exit strategies, or decision-making authority. Different corporate cultures and expectations were causing constant friction.
Solution:
We facilitated intensive negotiation sessions where both parties actually listened to each other's concerns. Structured a JV agreement with clear governance tiers, built-in dispute escalation procedures, and creative profit-sharing that aligned incentives. Also drafted development and construction agreements that protected both sides.
Result:
- JV agreement executed and project launched
- Clear decision-making framework preventing delays
- $120M financing secured based on strong agreements
- Partnership remains collaborative 2 years in
Food Distribution Acquisition
Challenge:
Family-owned distributor selling to national chain but emotional attachment and legacy concerns were complicating deal. Valuation disputes and earnout structures couldn't get resolved.
Solution:
We took time to understand the family's real concerns - it wasn't just about money. Structured deal with leadership transition period, brand preservation commitments, and performance-based earnouts.
Result:
$32M transaction closed, family legacy preserved, founder stayed on as advisor for 3 years
Trademark Infringement Defense
Challenge:
Client got hit with cease-and-desist from a US company claiming trademark infringement. Our client's brand had been operating for 8 years - they'd built real equity but hadn't protected it properly.
Solution:
Dug into trademark histories on both sides, found their registration had gaps, negotiated coexistence agreement with clear geographic and market boundaries.
Result:
Avoided litigation, protected brand, formalized trademark rights, zero rebrand costs
Renewable Energy Permitting
Challenge:
Solar farm developer stuck in permitting hell for 18 months. Multiple agencies, conflicting requirements, and community opposition were killing the project timeline and budget.
Solution:
Created coordinated approval strategy across all agencies, held community meetings that actually addressed concerns, restructured project to enhance local benefits.
Result:
All permits approved in 4 months, 50MW project now operational, community partnership created
