Partner - Leader of the Business Law Group

René Branchaud, partner, practises in the fields of securities, mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate law. With more than thirty years’ experience, he advises companies on matters such as incorporation and organization, the drafting of shareholder agreements, private placements, public issues, going public, dispositions, and takeovers.

Education

• LL.B., Université Laval, 1982

Significant Accomplishments

His services are in demand with European entrepreneurs and investors, primarily in France, wishing to set up companies in Canada. René has acquired extensive experience in this area and the specific challenges facing companies moving to Québec. He advises businesses in all sectors of economic activity on the legal and regulatory aspects of doing business in Québec and Canada, identifying the business services they will need and assembling multidisciplinary teams to facilitate their efforts. Over the years, he has built a strong business network (bankers, financial advisers, tax experts, and accountants) that he calls upon when carrying out the mandates entrusted to him.

René acts as secretary of several publicly traded companies; he also serves on corporate governance committees and special committees established to address specific issues (mergers, takeovers).

Representative mandates

• Advise issuers preparing public offering and private placement documents
• Advise senior management during mergers and acquisitions
• Coordinate due diligence reviews in connection with financings and mergers
• Advise securities dealers in connection with financings, mergers, and stock exchange listings

Professional Associations
Dynacor Gold Mines Inc.
Midland Exploration Inc.
Maya Gold & Silver Inc.
NovX21 inc.
Unigold Inc.
Canadian Bar Association


Professional Activities and Experience
Accolades

• Chambers Canada 2016
• Best Lawyer of the Year 2014
• Legal 500 Canada 2017
• Acritas Stars survey 2017
• Best Lawyer 2018
• Lawyer of the Year 2018
• Best Lawyers 2019
• Chambers Canada 2019
• Best Lawyers 2021
• Best Lawyer of the Year 2020
• Best Lawyers 2021
• 2021 CLLD
• Best Lawyers 2022
• Lexpert 2022
• Chambers 2023
• Chambers 2023
• Chambers 2023
• Lexpert
• Best Lawyers 2024

• General Prospectus Requirements
• English title
• Ten Good Reasons To Take Your Company Public
• New Private Placement Rules: Quebec Harmonizes its Rules with the Rest of Canada
• Act Respecting the Legal Publicity of Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships and Legal Persons
• Securities Brief - Forward-Looking Information
• Q & A on New Insider Reporting Requirements
• New disclosure obligations for Quebec mining, oil and gas companies
• Five good reasons to list your company on the stock exchange and opt for equity financing
• 2023 Quebec budget: tax holiday for investments in critical and strategic minerals
• Mining industry: reduction of red tape aimed at facilitating lithium exploration in Quebec
• The Government of Canada extends the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit for an additional year