Last year, Canadian M&A market activity retreated from the highs of 2021. While economic and geopolitical uncertainties have caused some challenges, these same forces are also generating opportunities.

A reset in valuations, increased scrutiny in deals surrounding ESG and a more focused availability of capital in specific sectors such as technology and critical and battery minerals make for an interesting year ahead. After a record-breaking 2021, deal volumes across tech, media and telecommunications decreased in 2022. Meanwhile, in the energy, utilities and mining sectors that saw deal activity and values decline last year, deal activity remains robust in sub sectors such as critical and battery minerals and renewable energy.

It's expected that financial investors such as private equity and pension funds, as well as continued M&A activity from the larger financial institutions will continue.

M&A will be a strategic tool to help companies reposition their businesses, boost growth and achieve long-term growth.

Speakers:

Matthew Devlin, MD - Mergers + Acquisitions, CIBC Capital Markets

Rita Adiani, SVP, Arizona Sonoran Copper Company

Jennifer Armstrong, General Counsel, Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO)

Bosa Kosoric, Partner, Bennett Jones

Chair: Abbas Ali Khan, Partner, Bennett Jones

Learn from IR thought leaders as they come together to discuss the critical role of investor relations in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of global capital markets. As investors seek transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth, this panel aims to shed light on the strategies and best practices that drive successful investor relations.

Key topics covered in the discussion will include:

• Enhancing transparency and trust through effective communications strategies – investors value openness and trust. Our panelists will discuss the importance of transparent reporting, timely disclosures, and building trust through clear communication.

• Adapting to investor expectations and attracting new ones – investors’ expectations have evolved significantly. The panel will delve into how companies can adapt their IR strategies to meet the growing demand for sustainability, ESG disclosures and long-term value creation. As well as attracting and retaining new investors through targeted outreach, roadshows and other strategies.

• Navigating market volatility: The panel will address the challenges of volatile markets and share insights on how to reassure investors, maintain confidence and capitalize on opportunities amidst uncertainty.

Speakers

Michael Barrett, Vice President, Investor Relations & Investments, Element Fleet Management

Erik Sloane, Chief Revenue Officer, Cboe Canada

Prof. Ari Zoldan, CEO, Quantum Media Group

Alyssa Barry, Principal + Co-Founder, irlabs

Chair: Andrew Bowyer, CEO + Founder, ADB Insights

From artificial intelligence and automation to cloud computing and the blockchain, financial technology is rapidly disrupting capital markets. Beyond technology, innovation is also occurring in areas such as market structure and new financial service providers focused on specific sectors.

In this session our speakers will review:

• How is the Canadian Fintech landscape evolving and what are the key drivers + trends behind this evolution?

• Market structure – how is market structure shifting in Canada when it comes to exchanges and other intermediaries?

• FS innovators – examples of innovative companies (and innovators within them) driving change in Canada’s financial sector.

Speakers:

Darrell Heaps, CEO, Q4

Stephen Pauwels , Co-Founder and Partner, BridgePoint Financial

Kaitlin Thompson, Vice President, Product Strategy, Evolve ETFS

Michael Werry, VP Sales, Dealmaker

Chair: Tina Grubisa, Value Consultant, Athennian