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Jean-Sébastien Dugas Associé/Partner Montréal

Jean-Sébastien Dugas

Partner Fasken
A smooth and successful transaction depends on the ability to turn complexity into clear decisions and to remain composed in demanding negotiations.
Jurisdiction Québec, 1999
Language(s) French, English
Office(s) Montréal
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Overview

Jean‑Sébastien Dugas is a business lawyer. His practice covers all aspects of mergers, acquisitions and sales of private businesses, private financings (including equity, bank debt and subordinated loans), and commercial contracts. He advises entrepreneurs, executives, companies and private equity funds on complex strategic transactions across Canada, primarily in Québec and Ontario.

Jean‑Sébastien provides guidance at all stages of commercial and corporate transactions, supporting clients in growth, reorganization and business succession matters. His experience is particularly valued in complex matters where legal, financial and operational considerations must be carefully aligned to support business objectives.

Jean‑Sébastien plays a central role in the legal and financial aspects of transaction structuring, including negotiating key agreements and coordinating stakeholders. He regularly works with investors, financial institutions and external advisors, ensuring alignment of interests and safeguarding client transactions through to closing.

Known for his solution-oriented and business-minded approach, he prioritizes providing practical, clear and actionable advice. His ability to maintain his composure in high‑stakes negotiations helps reduce tensions and facilitate a smooth and predictable closing process.

His practice spans a range of industries, including manufacturing, agribusiness and construction, and he also has significant experience in retail. Jean‑Sébastien is consistently recognized by Lexpert and Best Lawyers for the excellence of his practice, reflecting the enduring trust placed in him by clients and peers alike.

 

Achievements

  • Recognized in Venture Capital Law and Corporate Law in Montreal, The Best Lawyers in Canada 2020 to 2026
  • Recognized in Banking and Finance Law in Montreal, The Best Lawyers in Canada 2013 to 2026
  • Recognized in Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law in Montreal, The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023 to 2026
  • Recognized in Mergers and Acquisitions Law in Montreal, The Best Lawyers in Canada 2022 to 2026
  • Recognized in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in Private Equity, Lexpert 2022 to 2025
  • Recognized in the area of Corporate Mid-Market by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Lexpert 2021 to 2025
  • Recognized in the area of Mergers & Acquisitions by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Lexpert 2020 to 2025

Experience

  • Montrusco Bolton employees establish majority ownership structure through a strategic partnership with Walter Global Asset Management, [Deal - Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc.], Majority control of Montrusco Bolton acquired by its management team in a transaction that included the sale of shares to Walter GAM.
  • Champlain Financial Corporation acquires Ventilation Jean Roy, [Deal - Champlain Financial Corporation], Acquisition of Ventilation Jean Roy and 9227-3986 Québec inc. to be completed by Champlain Financial Corporation Inc.
  • Champlain Financial Corporation led a group of investors to acquire Équipement St-Germain, [Deal - Champlain Financial Corporation], Acquisition of Équipement St-Germain by a group of investors led by Champlain Financial Corporation
  • Amisco Industries Ltd. announced a new financial partnership with a group of investors led by Champlain Financial Corporation, [Deal - Champlain Financial Corporation], Financial partnership between Amisco Industries Ltd. and a group of Québec-based investors led by Champlain Financial Corporation.
  • West Penetone Canada acquires Unica Canada, [Deal - West Penetone Inc.], Acquisition of Unica Canada by West Penetone Canada.
  • Champlain Financial Corporation acquires Armoires Cuisines Action, [Deal - Champlain Financial Corporation], On August 24, 2022, an investor group led by Champlain Financial Corporation, including Fondaction, announced that it has acquired Armoires Cuisines Action, Québec's leader in the design, manufacture and installation of custom kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, laundry rooms and other custom re...
  • Desjardins Capital and Saturnia Asset Management join the G2MC shareholder group, [Deal - G2MC Inc], New investors join the G2MC shareholder group.
  • West Penetone Inc. purchases substantially all of the assets of AccuChem Industrial Cleaning Chemicals Ltd., [Deal - West Penetone Inc.], Acted for the purchaser, West Penetone Inc. in connection with its asset acquisition of the assets of AccuChem Industrial Cleaning Chemicals Ltd.
  • A group of Quebec investors led by Champlain Financial Corporation completes the acquisition of Enjay Converters Ltd., [Deal - Champlain Financial Corporation], Enjay Converters Ltd. produces unique, quality food-contact grade packaging products for the retail, supermarket, and food processor markets.

Career & Education

Education

  • BCL / LLB McGill University
  • BAA, Finance UQÀM

Memberships & Affiliations

  • Member, Canadian Bar Association

Knowledge

  • (FAQ) Transparency of Federal Corporations, 11/13/2023
  • Guide | Amendments to Canada Business Corporations Act - Are you ready?, 11/13/2023
  • Annotated Act Respecting the Legal Publicity of Enterprises, 2/13/2023
  • Bill 78 Guide: Are your Annual Updating Declarations Up to Date? Be Prepared!, 2/13/2023
  • Bill 78: Declaring an Ultimate Beneficiary, 2/13/2023
  • Bill 78: What Impact Will it Have for Enterprises?, 2/13/2023
  • Bill 78: Obligations of Registrants, 2/13/2023
  • Resource Centre | Corporate Transparency (Bill 78), 2/8/2023
  • Doing Business in Quebec, Québec offers one of the most competitive, stable and innovative business environments in North America. It occupies a strategic position within the North American market, close to major trade corridors in Canada and the United States, providing businesses with efficient access to international supply chains and a business-friendly investment environment.

Events

  • New Transparency Measures for Federal Companies, 2/15/2024
  • Bill 78 | Corporate Transparency, 5/9/2023
  • Bill 78 | Corporate Transparency, 3/8/2023

News

  • Fasken Wins Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year in the 2019 Best Lawyers in Canada Guide, 8/21/2018
  • Fasken’s valued Clients take home four Canadian Dealmakers Awards, 3/12/2018
  • Fasken Martineau Wins Mining Law Firm of the Year in the 2018 edition of Best Lawyers in Canada Guide, 8/22/2017
  • Solid results from The Best Lawyers in Canada 2017 as Fasken Martineau increases its “Lawyers of the Year”, 8/10/2016
  • The Best Lawyers in Canada 2016: 163 Fasken Martineau lawyers named, 9/1/2015
  • Strongest results ever from Best Lawyers: Fasken Martineau improves ranking in 2015 edition, 9/4/2014
  • Les Affaires announces Jean-Sébastien Dugas’ arrival at the firm, 3/27/2014
  • IFLR1000 mentions the arrival of Jean-Sébastien Dugas as partner in Fasken Martineau’s Montreal office, 3/24/2014
  • Droit-inc.com mentions the arrival of Jean-Sébastien Dugas at Fasken Martineau, 3/21/2014
  • Fasken Martineau welcomes a new partner to its business law team, 3/20/2014