MILLER THOMSON LLP EXTENDS NATIONAL REACH

Expansion makes Miller Thomson the only national firm with a foothold in Saskatchewan

TORONTO, Dec. 7 /CNW/ - National law firm Miller Thomson LLP is announcing its merger with Balfour Moss LLP, a full service law firm in Saskatchewan with 24 lawyers and offices in Regina and Saskatoon. Founded in 1895, Balfour Moss is one of Saskatchewan's oldest and most established law firms.

"This is the latest in a series of strategic mergers designed to extend and deepen Miller Thomson's national reach," said Gerald Courage, Chair of Miller Thomson. "Saskatchewan has become a significant player in the Canadian economy, and we are eager to take part in the province's unprecedented economic success story." 

Balfour Moss built its reputation servicing financial institutions and representing a wide range of clients in joint ventures, financings, partnerships, shareholder agreements and other forms of commercial contracts. The firm represents a diverse and varied array of clients, including institutional lenders, local, national and international businesses and has been active in the real estate development sector, franchising, mergers and acquisitions, and environmental law and regulation. Balfour Moss is known for its strong litigation and administrative law practices.

"Joining ranks with a national law firm will allow us to pursue growth opportunities in the Saskatchewan market that are currently out of our reach," said Brian Scherman, Q.C., senior partner at Balfour Moss. "Many of our current clients are extremely successful and growing rapidly. They will also see great benefit from the bench strength this merger provides."

Miller Thomson's move into Saskatchewan comes at a time of remarkable growth in that province, where the economy is expected to grow by a nation-leading 6.3 per cent by the end of the year. Saskatchewan is the largest potash producer in the world, accounting for 30 per cent of total production, and hosting approximately 50 per cent of the world's potash reserves. Canada's highest grade uranium is produced in Saskatchewan, and the province will also soon become the largest producer of conventional oil in the country. 

"We took our time to consider potential partners," said Scherman. "Miller Thomson appealed to us because of their open, approachable, no-nonsense approach to practicing law. We share similar values, including a client-first approach."

Miller Thomson has grown dramatically over the past decade, doubling in size in the last five years. The firm now has more than 480 lawyers in 11 offices across Canada. In addition to Regina and Saskatoon, Miller Thomson now has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Markham, and Montréal.

"Miller Thomson's expertise in banking and financial services, corporate, energy and natural resources, as well as our extensive work in mining complements Balfour Moss' reputation and presence in Saskatchewan," said Courage.

Miller Thomson recently launched a new national brand that includes a new visual identity, web site and marketing communications campaign aimed at reaffirming Miller Thomson's progressive, no-nonsense approach to the practices of business law and litigation.  The firm offers a complete range of business, advocacy and personal legal services to corporations, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, governments, not-for-profit organizations and individuals in Canada, and internationally.

Miller Thomson LLP Growth at a Glance

1999 - Merger with Cook Duke Cox (Edmonton and Calgary)

2000 - Merger with Swinton & Company (Vancouver)

2002 - Merger with Sims Clement and Eastman (Kitchener-Waterloo)

2003 - Merger with Kearns McKinnon (Guelph)

2005 - Merger with Pouliot Mercure (Montréal)

2006 - London, Ontario office opens

2010 - Merger with Balfour Moss LLP (Regina and Saskatoon)

About Miller Thomson

Miller Thomson LLP is a national business law firm with more than 480 lawyers working from 11 offices across Canada. The firm offers a complete range of business law, advocacy and personal legal services. Miller Thomson works regularly with in-house legal departments and external counsel world-wide to facilitate cross-border and multinational transactions and business needs. Miller Thomson offices are located in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Markham and Montréal.

For further information:

Alex Mangiola
Pilot PMR
416-462-0199 ext. 21
[email protected]