Overview

Dedicated and pragmatic, Melanie is considered “an extremely capable M&A lawyer,” with one client stating she is “one of the best strategic deal counsellors we’ve come across in any sector, not just mining.”

Melanie’s ability to bring strategic thinking to clients’ public and private mergers and acquisitions is the reason organizations across numerous sectors rely on her expertise for their complex transactions.

A significant portion of Melanie’s M&A practice is working with clients in the mining sector. Her skill in this area has earned Melanie recognition in Chambers Global for Mining. She is lead counsel on worldwide and significant M&A initiatives for a variety of senior, intermediate and junior mining companies.

She is well regarded by clients for her insight into the business realities of Canadian and international M&A. Melanie, says a client, “gives frank advice, which is always top notch, but also grounded in commercial sense, regarding what’s possible and how to do the transaction.” (Chambers Global)

Acted for BHP in its US$4.3-billion silver streaming agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals International Ltd. relating to its share of Antamina silver production – the most valuable streaming transaction to date based on upfront consideration received.

Acted for Barrick Mining Corporation in the sale of the Hemlo Gold Mine to Carcetti Capital Corp., which is to be renamed to Hemlo Mining Corp. upon closing of the transaction, for up to US$1.09 billion.

Acted for Barrick Gold Corporation in the US$1.1-billion sale of its 50% interest in the Donlin Gold Project in Alaska to affiliates of Paulson Advisers LLC and NOVAGOLD Resources Inc., with an option for NOVAGOLD to purchase related debt.

Acted for Rogers Communications Inc. in its C$4.7 billion acquisition of BCE Inc.’s ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

Practice Areas

• Corporate & Commercial Law
• Securities

Bar Information

Called to the bar: 1999 (ON)