Fresnillo plc, the world's largest primary silver producer and a major player in the gold sector in Mexico, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Canadian company Probe Gold Inc. for a total consideration of approximately CAD 780 million. This transaction, carried out through a statutory plan of arrangement, marks a crucial step for Fresnillo in its international expansion strategy. Listed on the London and Mexican stock exchanges, Fresnillo strengthens its position as a global leader in precious metals with this acquisition. By integrating Probe's assets, including the flagship Novador project in the Val-d’Or gold district of Quebec, Fresnillo expands its project portfolio and establishes a presence in one of Canada's most promising mining areas. Lavery is proud to advise Fresnillo on the legal aspects of this acquisition in Quebec. Our team provided expertise in mining law, labor and employment law, real estate law, environmental law, and relations with First Nations. Under the leadership of Sébastien Vézina and Jean-Paul Timothée, our team included Valérie Belle-Isle, Jules Brière, Carole Gélinas, Eric Lavallée, Jessica Parent, Yasmine Belrachid, Siddhartha Borissov-Beausoleil, Radia Amina Djouaher, Eric Gélinas, Ghiles Helli, Jessy Menar, Nadine Giguère, Annie Groleau, Joëlle Montpetit, Ana Cristina Nascimento, Thomas Cazelais Turcotte, and Clara Fortin. This collaboration demonstrates Lavery's commitment to providing legal advice tailored to the complex issues of the mining industry in Quebec. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to required approvals, thereby strengthening economic ties between Quebec and Mexico in the precious metals sector.

Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of Frédéric Desmarais, who joins our firm as a partner in the Labor and Employment Law Group in Montreal. Frédéric has expertise in strategic consulting for employers at the provincial and federal levels. His extensive experience includes representation before various bodies, including administrative tribunals, common law courts, the Quebec Court of Appeal, and grievance arbitrators. A prolific author and lecturer, Frédéric wrote “Le Contrat de travail (Art. 2085 à 2097 C.c.Q.)” (The Employment Contract (Art. 2085 to 2097 C.C.Q.)), published by Éditions Yvon Blais. This reference work has been cited numerous times by Quebec courts, including the Quebec Court of Appeal. In addition to his professional activities, Frédéric has contributed to the academic community by teaching labor and employment law at the Quebec Bar School. He is also a member of the Disciplinary Council of the Quebec Bar. "The important and recognized role of the labor and employment law group within the firm's growth strategy and the organization's strategic vision for the future were decisive factors in my decision to pursue my career within this firm, whose reputation is well established. The values of this firm on a human scale and its growth strategy are perfectly aligned with my profile as a labor and employment law professional, heralding a long-lasting relationship that will certainly be crowned with success." Frédéric Desmarais' arrival strengthens Lavery's ability to offer first-rate legal advice and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to excellence in the field of labor and employment law.

We are pleased to announce that Lavery has been recognized as one of the top law firms in the new edition of Best Law Firms - Canada published by Best Lawyers for 2026. Our firm was ranked in 16 practice areas nationally and 45 practice areas regionally. These recognitions are further demonstration of the expertise and quality of legal services that characterize Lavery's professionals. Firms on the 2026 Best Lawyers - Canada list are recognized for their professional excellence through evaluations by their clients and peers. Areas of expertise in which Lavery is recognized: National Tier 1 Administrative and Public Law Family Law Insurance Law Labour and Employment Law National Tier 2 Corporate Law Trusts and Estates Workers' Compensation Law National Tier 3 Advertising and Marketing Law Banking and Finance Law Class Action Litigation Construction Law Corporate and Commercial Litigation Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Intellectual Property Law Mergers and Acquisitions Law Mining Law Securities Law Regional Tier 1 Montréal Administrative and Public Law Advertising and Marketing Law Banking and Finance Law Class Action Litigation Commercial Leasing Law Construction Law Corporate and Commercial Litigation Corporate Law Family Law Family Law Mediation Information Technology Law Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Insurance Law Intellectual Property Law Labour and Employment Law Mergers and Acquisitions Law Mining Law Natural Resources Law Product Liability Law Securities Law Trusts and Estates Venture Capital Law Workers' Compensation Law Québec city Labour and Employment Law Workers' Compensation Law Regional Tier 2 Montréal Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice Energy Law Health Care Law Privacy and Data Security Law Professional Malpractice Law Real Estate Law Structured Finance Law Tax Law Technology Law Québec city Administrative and Public Law Alternative Dispute Resolution Family Law Insurance Law Professional Malpractice Law Regional Tier 3 Montréal Alternative Dispute Resolution Corporate Governance Practice Defamation and Media Law Employee Benefits Law Equipment Finance Law Private Funds Law Project Finance Law Québec city Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction. About Best Lawyers Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world. For almost 40 years, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or specialized areas. Best Lawyers lists are published in leading local, regional, and national publications across the globe.

In October, Desjardins Capital announced a major investment in Chagall Design, a leading Canadian furniture manufacturer headquartered in Sainte-Julie. As a minority shareholder, Desjardins Capital will provide not only financial support but also strategic guidance to help Chagall Design consolidate its business plan and pursue its development goals. The ambitious business is currently expanding its activities into the United States and preparing to penetrate the European market with a view to diversifying and seizing new opportunities. Lavery had the privilege of representing Desjardins Capital for this investment. The Lavery team, led by Alexandre Hébert, was composed of Francis Dumoulin, Siddhartha Borissov-Beausoleil, Jessy Ménard, Arielle Supino, Chloé Béland and Sonia Guérin.