As we entered the second year of COVID, business activity, for most sectors, was rapidly recovering from the dramatic downturn in the first half of 2020. The combination of Government stimulus, pent up demand and fewer COVID restrictions fueled the recovery. Not surprisingly, except for the worst hit sectors, M&A activity was also recovering and reached record levels throughout much of the year.

Notable transactions completed by Peter Day & Associates in 2021 were as follows:

Publishing

Hartley & Marks Paperblanks Division sold to Hachette
Peter Day & Associates acted as the exclusive M&A advisor for Hartley & Marks.

First released in 1991, Paperblanks is the #2 brand in the global marketplace for premium journals. Paperblanks was a division of Hartley & Marks with offices in Vancouver and Dublin.

Hachette UK is one of the largest publishing groups in the UK with 12 publishing divisions and over 60 imprints and a subsidiary of Hachette Livre, the world’s second largest trade and educational publisher.

“After building a multi-national publishing enterprise over the past half-century, engaging Peter to be the M&A ‘guy’ on the transaction was one the smartest moves of my career. The sale covered four legal jurisdictions (Paris, London, Dublin & Vancouver), two pre-sale amalgamations needing execution on the day before the transaction, six legal firms across four jurisdictions and a plethora of accounting specialists. I can’t imagine having completed a transaction this complicated under excruciating deadlines without Peter’s calm and collected presence throughout. From preparing the CIM as a collaboration between us to shepherding all interested stakeholders to a successful completion, Peter’s wise counsel, detailed understanding of the transaction, and consummate negotiating skills made the process not only bearable, but a great success.”

Vic Marks, President & CEO, Hartley & Marks Publishers Inc.


Marine Transportation

Samson Tugs sold to Ocean Group
Peter Day & Associates acted as the exclusive M&A advisor for Samson Tugs.

Established in 2011, Samson Tugs is one of the leading harbour towing companies operating in the Fraser River, British Columbia.

Based in Quebec, Ocean Group is a 50 year integrated marine services company with 1,000 emloyees in Canada and the Carribbean.

“Peter is an outstanding negotiator and led us to an outcome that satisfied the individual needs of the sellers while providing value to the buyers. He anticipated potential roadblocks throughout the process and ensured that our group had the right measures in place beforehand. I would strongly recommend Peter Day to anyone contemplating a transaction from either side – buyer or seller.”

Gordon Yahn, Managing Director, Samson Tug Boats Inc.