The choppy waters of mergers and acquisitions can sink family-owned businesses if not done carefully. In this episode, we wade into the challenging process of M&A for family enterprises looking to continue their legacy. We are joined by Ted Kouri, Founder and President of Incite, as he shares his expertise on mid-market M&A advisory services. We discuss critical steps like formulating an M&A strategy, conducting due diligence, maintaining brand identity post-acquisition and leading change management ..read more

In this episode, Mike Mack of X5 Management sits down with host and Bennett Jones Partner, Leah Tolton, to explore how succession dynamics create ripples across family and business relationships, influencing the enterprise's trajectory. We dive into the complex and nuanced interplay between succession planning, family ties, emotions and objectives ..read more

In this Beyond Succession podcast episode, we look at the tools available to help family successors be effective board members or managers, as well as how families can best deal with gaps to ensure a smooth transition to avoid any potential conflict. Tune in for a blend of wisdom, strategy and foresight that can transform the challenges of succession into opportunities for legacy-building and enduring success ..read more

We hosted Jeff Cullen on our Beyond Succession podcast to dig deep into a subject many entrepreneurs find challenging, yet vitally important: preparing your business for an exit. Jeff is a seasoned consultant and Certified Exit Planning Advisor at Sunbelt Business Brokers with over 20 years of business experience. From understanding business valuation methodologies and tax considerations, to planning for succession and managing liabilities, Jeff shares invaluable insights that could help you avoid common pitfalls and make your exit strategy as smooth and profitable as possible ..read more

This episode explores essential family enterprise governance strategies. Leah interviews succession planning expert Lynne Fisher, National Team Leader of ExitSmart at MNP. Discover how proper governance can enable growth, continuity and harmony for generations to come ..read more

In this episode of Beyond Succession, Leah Tolton is joined by Barbara Kimmitt KC, a partner in Bennett Jones' Tax group, as they discuss the intricacies of family business ownership transition planning and estate planning for entrepreneurs. They cover topics such as the differences between wills, enduring powers of attorney and advance directives, and how these documents play a crucial role in the smooth transition of family businesses ..read more

Welcome to Beyond Succession, the podcast where your biggest questions about future planning get answered. In this episode, Leah welcomes special guest Gregg Becker of Predictable Futures to talk about key considerations surrounding the continuity of the family enterprise. Join us as we address the unique challenges, and potential solutions, for businesses standing at this pivotal juncture ..read more

Welcome to Beyond Succession, the podcast where your biggest questions about future planning get answered. Whether you are a family business owner, stakeholder or keen entrepreneur, this podcast discusses topics around navigating the complexities of the family enterprise. Join Leah Tolton, an expert family enterprise and corporate lawyer, passionate about helping family enterprise businesses navigate the complexities of governance, succession, and growth ..read more

This episode features insights into the short-term priorities to get Canada back on a path of non-inflationary growth and the longer term road ahead to closing the investment gap, increasing innovation and raising productivity growth. Looking beyond this horizon, the authors also discuss how governments and businesses can create the conditions to compete in a changing world and to grow the economy sustainably. Listen to our June 2023 Economic Outlook webinar, featuring former Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge and former Executive Director in the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Serge Dupon ..read more

To mark this year's International Women's Day, we are proud to present a candid leadership conversation on the challenges women face in the legal field. Our five office managing partners are joined by moderator and Bennett Jones partner, Michelle Yung, as they share perspectives from their lived experiences. This discussion highlights the importance of acting purposely to create a workplace where women can thrive ..read more