William S. Osler KC

Partner

T: 403.298.3426 / E: oslerw@bennettjones.com

Calgary

Will Osler practices in the areas of public and private mergers and acquisitions, securities law, and corporate governance matters, with a particular focus on the oil and gas sector. Will has significant experience in domestic and cross-border joint bidding and co-ownership structures, including partnerships and joint ventures. His corporate governance advisory work includes advising corporations and boards of directors with respect to general compliance matters as well as specific issues arising out of transactions. Will works frequently on offerings of equity and debt securities, acting for both issuers and underwriters, as well as Canadian and international takeover bids, plans of arrangement, corporate reorganizations, divestitures and asset and share purchase transactions. He has represented clients in several of Canada's largest recent initial public offerings.

Chambers Canada

"William Osler attracts praise from clients for his 'very personable and very practical' approach. One interviewee added: 'He is the most client-friendly lawyer I have ever dealt with.' He is well regarded for his securities and M&A expertise."

Will also advises clients on lobbyist registration and compliance matters federally and in Alberta.

Will is recognized by Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business for Corporate/M&A; the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for Corporate Finance & Securities; the Lexpert/Report on Business Special Edition – Canada's Leading Energy Lawyers; the Lexpert/Report on Business Special Edition – Canada's Leading Infrastructure Lawyers; Who's Who Legal: Canada as a leading lawyer in Capital Markets; and Best Lawyers in Canada as one of Canada's leading Mergers and Acquisitions lawyers.

Will is a former co-head of the firm's capital markets and mergers & acquisitions practice and was a member of the firm's partnership board from 2009 to 2011. He is currently the President & Chair of the Board of the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede and a director of the Kidney Foundation of Canada Southern Alberta Branch.