Donald L.
West
Partner
Don’s technical corporate expertise, combined with his ability to understand his clients’ needs, helps him to identify solutions other practitioners may not see. With exceptional negotiating skills, Don delivers optimal results in complex situations. He knows his clients’ business, and has a keen eye to protecting value. His clients appreciate his hands-on approach, sound reasoning and creative thinking.
Don is a member of the firm’s Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Technology and Sports & Entertainment Groups.
Practising in the areas of business law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and technology, he has had extensive experience acting on business purchases and sales, private equity and venture capital transactions, strategic alliances, technology transactions, corporate reorganizations, governance issues, international transactions and advising on various other commercial arrangements. He represents clients in industries such as information technology, financial services, business process outsourcing, manufacturing and insurance, among others.
Don was an officer of a mid-size Canadian information technology company for more than 20 years. He has also served on the boards of directors of several public and private corporations as well as corporate governance, compensation and audit committees. Don has also served as a member of the firm's Executive Committee.
Professional Involvement
Memberships
- Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA)
- MIT/York Enterprise Forum
- Other professional organizations
Community Involvement
- Don is President and Chairman of the Board of the Greater Toronto Hockey League, which is one of the largest sports leagues in the world.
- He has also served on boards and committees of other sports and charitable organizations.
Teaching Engagements
- Don is a former instructor of Corporate Law at the Ontario Bar Admission Course.
Don is the primary author of a book entitled “Business Acquisition Agreements – an Annotated Guide," published by Thomson Reuters. This book includes commentary on the various factors to be taken into account in approaching a private M&A transaction, including business case and market factors, legal and regulatory hurdles, valuation matters, structuring, tax planning, the deal process, due diligence, non-disclosure agreements, letters of intent, and unique issues involving private equity or venture capital participants. The book also provides detailed comments as annotations to a share purchase agreement and an asset purchase agreement, including specific points for negotiation.