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James T. McClary

Private Equity and M&A Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner

Elizabeth K. Dylke

Corporate and Private Funds Lawyer

Haifeng Hu

Partner at Bennett Jones Vancouver

The private equity industry went in a number of different directions in 2025. Global dealmaking value picked up in the second half of the year but the number of deals decreased. PE exits declined year-over-year, boosting growth in alternative strategies to generate liquidity. Investors remain committed to PE according to Preqin's latest investor survey, despite exercising greater caution in short-term commitments. Macroeconomic conditions improved markedly as the year went on, after a turbulent and unexpected start.
In this edition of the Bennett Jones PE Briefing, we look at the full-year data on private equity activity in Canada in 2025 as well as&nbsp;how 2025 unfolded and what to look for in the coming year;&nbsp;PE exit activity and what to expect in 2026; and&nbsp;trends in GP-stakes investing.

The Q4 2025 PE Briefing

2026 Outlook: Key PE Trends Set to Shape the Year Ahead

John M. Mercury

Executive Chair & Chair of the Board and M&A and Corporate Finance Lawyer at Bennett Jones 

Executive Chair & Chair of the Board

Ian C. Michael

Corporate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

John Mercury, James McClary, Bryan Haynes, Ian Michael, Kristopher Hanc and Drew Broughton write the Canadian chapter in Lexology's global guide on Getting the Deal Through—Private M&A 2023. They look at the key trends, opportunities, challenges and risks that strategic decision makers need to consider when investing in Canada.

Getting the Deal Through in Private M A in Canada

Getting the Deal Through in Private M&A in Canada

John Mercury, James McClary, Bryan Haynes, Ian Michael, Kristopher Hanc and Drew Broughton provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of private M&A in the Canada chapter of Getting the Deal Through—Private M&A 2022.

Getting the Deal Through Private M A in Canada 2021

Getting the Deal Through—Private M&A in Canada 2022

Bruce A. Hibbard

Public and Private Capital Markets, Investment Fund and M&A Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner 

J. Sébastien A. Gittens

Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner, Trademark Agent

On March 25, 2021, the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) proposed two new prospectus exemptions to promote investment opportunities for small businesses in Alberta, and is seeking written submissions with respect to the proposed exemptions by May 7, 2021.

Alberta Securities Commission Proposes New Prospectus Exemptions for Small Business Seeks Comments

Alberta Securities Commission Proposes New Prospectus Exemptions for Small Business: Seeks Comments

John (Jay) A. Winters

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Patrick T. Maguire KC

Leading Canadian and International Energy and Commercial Transaction Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Vice Chair and Partner

Mark S. Powell

Trading and Derivatives Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

For years, there has been significant uncertainty as to whether a particular emissions offset or carbon credit meets the definition of "emission allowance" for GST/HST purposes. If an emission offset or carbon credit is "emission allowance", then the normal GST/HST rules don't apply&mdash;rather, the seller does not charge GST/HST and the purchaser is required to self-assess it.&nbsp;

GST HST on Alberta TIER Emission Offsets and Credits

CRA States TIER Emission Offsets are also "Emission Allowances"

GST/HST on Alberta TIER Emission Offsets and Credits

Jenna Vivian

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Associate

Matt Riskin

Commercial Litigation, Health and Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

The Alberta Court of King&rsquo;s Bench has released a detailed and instructive decision on after-acquired cause, employee dishonesty and proportionality in termination for cause, particularly in the context of a closely held business and a senior executive role.

Alberta Court Confirms After Acquired Cause Can Justify Termination for Cause

Sobolewski v Advanced Completions Technology Services Ltd, 2026 ABKB 10

Dishonesty at the Top: Alberta Court Confirms After-Acquired Cause Can Justify Termination for Cause

George W. H. Reid

International Trade, Investment and Public Procurement Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Jessica B. Horwitz

International Trade Lawyer, Customs Lawyer, Regulatory Lawyer, Anti-Corruption and Economic Sanctions Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Sabrina A. Bandali

International Trade, Regulatory and Investment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

For several years, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has sought to limit the ability of non-resident importers to self-assess duties, surtaxes and other taxes on imported goods based on their acquisition costs. In pursuit of this aim, the CBSA launched a third consultation in December 2025 that anticipates a fundamental reshaping of Canada's customs valuation framework through amendments to the&nbsp;Valuation for Duty Regulations, (SOR/86-792) (VFD Regulations).&nbsp;The deadline for stakeholders to make submissions to the 2025 VFD Consultation is January 23, 2025.

CBSA Pushes Customs Valuation Reform

Third Time's a Charm - CBSA Pushes Customs Valuation Reform

Martin Ignasiak KC

Regulatory Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Jessica Kennedy

Larissa D. Lees

Alberta has enacted Bills 8 and 12 to establish a new regulatory and levy framework for data centre development in the province. The changes are intended to support growing AI-driven demand while protecting grid reliability, electricity affordability and long-term system sustainability.

University of Calgary Faculty of Law's Corporate Finance Course

From the Same Authors

The Q4 2025 PE Briefing

Getting the Deal Through in Private M&A in Canada

Getting the Deal Through—Private M&A in Canada 2022

Latest Insights

GST/HST on Alberta TIER Emission Offsets and Credits

Dishonesty at the Top: Alberta Court Confirms After-Acquired Cause Can Justify Termination for Cause

The Q4 2025 PE Briefing

Third Time's a Charm - CBSA Pushes Customs Valuation Reform

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead.