Peter Michael Viitre

Peter is the Head of our Corporate and Commercial Group. Working extensively with franchises in all industry sectors, he oversees all merger and acquisition transactions, primarily the purchase and sale of franchise systems including those with a cross-border component. Peter provides advice on all aspects of franchising, from the preparation of legal documents to regulatory compliance, to helping franchisors manage the franchise relationship, to the commercial aspects of dispute resolution and termination. He also counsels business owners and investors, including private equity firms, on non-franchise purchase and sale transactions and has played a leading role in deals of varying size and complexity involving companies in various industries, on both national and international levels. Over his career spanning more than 25 years, Peter has advised clients in a wide range of industries including food and beverage, property services, shipping, gasoline, financial advisory and business services. Long recognized as a leading franchise lawyer, Peter served as Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Franchise Law Section and as a member of the Ontario government’s Business Law Advisory Council, which advised the government on changes to the province’s commercial legislation.

If there is one thing my years of practice have taught me it’s how important it is to take the time to do things right: Plan, prepare, do your homework, and sweat the details. When starting – or acquiring – a business there is no substitute for laying a proper foundation on which to build.

Be curious, be thorough, ask the hard questions, and expect the same from your team members and advisors. It’s your business – own it!

LL.B., University of Toronto, 1993 B. Comm. (with High Distinction), University of Toronto, 1990 Certified Franchise Executive