Lawyer Profile
Simon C. Knowling
Toronto, Ontario
Overview
Simon is head of Torys’ REITs practice, with a long track record of advising real estate companies and REITs in all aspects of securities law, commercial transactions and joint ventures/partnerships. He frequently acts for issuers and underwriting syndicates in public and private equity and debt financings involving real estate companies and REITs, including initial public offerings.
Simon also has comprehensive insight into commercial law, securities law, commercial real estate, private mergers and acquisitions, and bank financing. With long-standing relationships with leading Canadian and multinational companies, Simon has an impressive track record of helping clients grow their operations and expand their footprint, including assisting First Capital REIT in all of its capital markets transactions, public and private, since 2005; Amica Senior Lifestyles Trust on acquisition, financing, development and partnership arrangements relating to multiple portfolios of seniors housing facilities located across Canada; and Automotive Properties REIT on its IPO, multiple public offerings and in many acquisitions.
He is technically outstanding and brings a good business, operational, and strategic aspect to a deal. I respect his skillset and approach, it's outstanding service across the board.’
Torys acted as counsel to Canaccord Genuity, BMO Capital Markets and the syndicate of underwriters in Flagship Communities REIT's US$107.8 million initial public offering of trust units
Extendicare in its C$570 million acquisition of CBI Home Health LP and its subsidiaries, one of Canada’s largest homecare and specialized community services providers, operating in more than 800 communities
Amica Senior Lifestyles Trust (formerly BayBridge Seniors Housing Trust) in its acquisition, financing, development and partnership arrangements in respect of a number of portfolios of seniors housing facilities located across Canada
Extendicare in its innovative long-term care agreements with Revera Inc., including the acquisition of a 15% managed interest in 24 long-term care homes currently co-owned with Axium Infrastructure Inc. and operational management agreements and redevelopment arrangements in respect of 32 additional long-term care homes in Ontario and Manitoba, as well as the establishment of a redevelopment joint venture with Axium to redevelop certain long-term care properties owned by Extendicare in Ontario
Practice Areas
Bar Information
Called to the bar: 1996 (ON)