
Overview
Jon Feldman is a partner and heads a business law group at Goodmans. His practice focuses on corporate and securities law with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Jon has extensive experience acting for buyers and sellers in a wide range of industries in both private and public M&A transactions.
Jon’s market leading practice in Canada in the area of shareholder activism is highlighted by his involvement in a number of the most high profile proxy contests representing both dissident shareholders and boards of directors. Jon also provides strategic advice in litigation matters requiring corporate and securities law knowledge.
Before joining Goodmans in 2004, Jon was an associate in the M&A Group of White & Case LLP in New York, where he represented clients in a broad range of M&A transactions.
Jon is consistently recognized as a leading lawyer by publications including: Chambers Canada (corporate/commercial – Ontario), The Legal 500 Canada (corporate M&A), IFLR 1000 (M&A), Euromoney's Banking, finance and transaction Expert Guide (M&A), The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (M&A, private equity and corporate finance & securities) and Best Lawyers in Canada (corporate governance, M&A, corporate, leveraged buyouts and private equity). He was recently featured in the Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A 2023. Jon has also been honoured as one of Lexpert’s Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40.
Expertise
Awards & Recognition
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Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A Canada's Leading Finance and M&A Lawyers 2023
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The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory Recognized, Corporate Finance & Securities, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity 2023
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Chambers Canada Recognized, Corporate/Commercial Ontario 2023
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The Legal 500 Canada Next Generation Partner, Corporate and M&A 2023
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Best Lawyers in Canada Recognized: Corporate Governance Practices, Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law 2023
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Who's Who Legal Recommended National Leader, M&A 2022
Credentials
Professional Involvement
Jon frequently authors and lectures on Canadian M&A market developments, the evolution of shareholder rights plans and the rise of shareholder activism in Canada.
Jon is an active member of the community. He currently sits on the board of directors of the York School and Baycrest Foundation and is a co-founder of the Barrie to Baycrest 100km annual bike ride. He has been instrumental in helping raise over $10 million for the Baycrest hospital in Toronto.
Jon has served as an Adjunct Professor and as President of the Alumni Association at the University of Toronto Law School, and was awarded the Arbor Award for outstanding voluntary service by the University of Toronto.
Credentials
- University of Toronto, LL.B., 1999
- McGill University, M.A., 1996
- L'Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris, PIER, 1995
- McGill University, B.A., 1994
Professional Affiliations
- Law Society of Ontario
- New York Bar Association
Call to Bar
- 2005 Ontario
- 2000 New York
Insights
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Capital Markets
Canadian Securities Administrators Proposes Amendments and Changes to Corporate Governance Disclosure Practices and Guidelines
The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has published for comment proposed amendments and changes to: (i) Form 58-101F1 Corporate Governance Disclosure (Form 58-101F1) of National Instrument… -
Mergers and Acquisitions
Sandpiper Calls the Tune – Ontario Court Examines Shareholder Meeting Timing Requirements
How much time can a board take to convene a requisitioned meeting of securityholders? The recent decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Sandpiper Real Estate Fund 4 Limited Partnership v… -
Capital Markets
New CSA Exemption Clarifies Proxy Requirements for Uncontested Director Elections of CBCA Public Companies
On January 31, 2023, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) published an exemption (the “Exemption”) that exempts public companies incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA… -
Capital Markets
CSA and IIROC Seek Guidance on Regulatory Framework for Short Selling in Canada
The Canadian Securities Administrators (“CSA”) and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (“IIROC”) have released a joint Staff Notice 23-329 (the “Staff Notice”) seeking feedback… -
Capital Markets
OSC Issues Reasons for Decision to Dismiss Application for Exemption from Minimum Tender Requirement Under Proposed Optiva Bid
The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) recently released reasons for its decision1 to dismiss the application of ESW Capital, LLC (ESW) for exemptive relief from the minimum tender requirement under… -
Shareholder Activism
Canadian Securities Administrators Seek Public Comment on Activist Short Selling
The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) recently issued a consultation paper (the “Consultation Paper”) seeking feedback on a broad range of issues related to “activist short selling”. Activist…
News & Events
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- 02:15 PM Shareholder Activism
Jon Feldman at The Deal Economy 2023: Predictions and Perspectives
Join Jon Feldman on June 6, 2023 at 1:30 PM for the Shareholder Activism Update session at The Deal Economy 2023: Predictions and Perspectives in New York, NY. This session… -
Banking and Financial Services
Goodmans Partners Recognized in the Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A 2023
We are delighted to announce the Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A 2023 once again features Goodmans partners among Canada's experts.Congratulations to our 29 featured partners:Alan… -
- 01:00 PM Corporate Governance and Stakeholder Litigation
Goodmans ePresents: The Future of Corporate Governance in Canada: Practical Insights
If you are on a board of directors, or advise one, please join us for a practical discussion on meeting new and evolving governance challenges in Canada.On April 18th, we will welcome Rahul Bhardwaj…