TORONTO, April 25, 2012 /CNW/ - National law firm Miller Thomson LLP has signed an affiliation agreement with FIDAL, France's largest business law firm with 1,200 lawyers and 90 offices. This agreement reinforces a relationship that has existed between the firms for a number of years.
"This affiliation agreement is the latest in a series of strategic steps designed to extend and deepen Miller Thomson's offering and reach," said Gerald Courage, Chair of Miller Thomson. "France is a major investor in Canada and our relationship with FIDAL gives us a substantial foothold in Europe."
France is Canada's fifth largest foreign investor with investments of 19 billion (2010) or 3.4 per cent of all Direct Foreign Investment in Canada. Approximately 450 French companies have head offices in Canada, with another 800 companies with operations primarily in Quebec, Ontario and the Western provinces. Virtually every company listed in France's CAC 40 index, those with most significant values among the top 100 listed companies on the Euronext Paris, are active in Canada.
"We expect this agreement will result in a greater volume of inbound work, as well as access to additional resources for our clients seeking high quality representation in France and Central Europe," said Courage. "Working with FIDAL over the past years has confirmed that we share the same level of commitment to client service. This is critically important to us as we continue to grow as a firm."
Canadian investment in France is 9 billion (2010), or 1.4 per cent of this country's total Foreign Direct Investment. Approximately 280 Canadian companies are present in France, including Aastra, Bombardier, the Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec, Cascades, Magna, McCain, RIM, SNC-Lavalin, Tembec, Transat, and Vermilion.
"This alliance reflects our firm's desire to support the global activities of our clients by providing access to the legal expertise of top-flight multidisciplinary and independent local firms," said Jean Gousset, Chair of FIDAL Executive Board. "Miller Thomson and FIDAL share the same values and high standard of service quality, making our affiliation a natural development."
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.
Rachael Collier
Pilot PMR
416-462-0199 ext. 31
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