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.

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.

Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of seven new lawyers to its Montreal, Quebec City, and Trois-Rivières offices: Stephanie Cech, Laurence Isabelle, Philippe Juhos, Myriam Lachance, Arianne Leduc, Jessy Menard, and Arielle Supino.. Stéphanie Cech specializes in labor law and will practice at our Montreal office. Laurence Isabelle is a litigation expert and will be joining our Montreal team. “Choosing Lavery means joining a firm where teamwork is paramount. I identify with a team that values listening, cooperation, and respect for a job well done. In concrete terms, this solidarity is reflected in meticulous preparation, the mobilization of the right expertise at the right time, and a sustained presence at every stage of our cases. I am happy and proud to be part of this dynamic.” Philippe Juhos, insurance specialist, will bring his expertise to our Montreal office. "Continuing my career at Lavery after my internship was a natural choice. I had the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with experienced lawyers who shape Lavery's innovative reputation. What really convinced me was the firm's commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. It is a privilege to join a team that strives for excellence every day and stands out for its spirit of solidarity and collaboration." Jessy Menard will focus on business law at our Montreal office. “While the firm's expertise and reputation for excellence guided my choice during my race for internships, it is the spirit of mutual support, the desire to innovate, and the professionalism and competence of the teams that confirm that I made the right choice and that I am now very happy to pursue my career at Lavery.” Arielle Supino, who also specializes in business law, will be joining our Montreal team. "I chose to start my legal career at Lavery because, as the leading regional law firm in Quebec, we are at the heart of the action. This position allows us to work with a diverse client base, including local institutions, start-ups, SMEs, and other key players, while engaging in a wide range of transactions that directly contribute to Quebec's economic growth and development. In addition, I am constantly inspired by the seasoned professionals who have supported me throughout my career and from whom I will continue to learn in the years to come." Arianne Leduc will practice business law and intellectual property law at our Quebec City office. "I am very happy to begin my professional career at Lavery, a firm recognized for the values it embodies, particularly excellency and rigor, and which also gives special importance to the professional development of young lawyers. By joining the business law and intellectual property team, I am confident that learning alongside experienced lawyers, recognized for the quality of the relationships of trust they build with their clients, will allow me to acquire the tools I need to achieve my professional goals. Starting my career at a high-quality multidisciplinary firm gives me the confidence that I will be able to benefit from both the expertise and the guidance required to assist entrepreneurs in making strategic business decisions and, above all, to support them in carrying out their large-scale projects, a commitment that is deeply important to me." Myriam Lachance will practice labor law at our Trois-Rivières office.

On March 17, 2025, TerraVest Industries Inc. announced the acquisition of EnTrans International, a North American manufacturer of tank trailers. To facilitate this major acquisition, TerraVest has amended its credit facility with a syndicate of lenders led by Desjardins Group. The new financing structure consists of a CAN$800 million revolving credit facility, a CAN$200 million term loan and two other CAN$100 million term loans. Lavery played a key tole in advising TerraVest on the financing aspects of this transaction. The team at Lavery, headed by Brigitte Gauthier, including Bernard Trang, Francis Sabourin, Annie Groleau, Ana Cristina Nascimento, Jessy Ménard, Arielle Supino and Yanick Vlasak, worked closely with TerraVest to structure the amended credit facility. Lavery’s involvement allowed TerraVest to secure the funds needed to acquire EnTrans International, thereby reinforcing its position on the North American market. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Québec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Québec. 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 Québec jurisdiction.