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Lara Nathans

Partner
Global Co-Lead, Consumer Goods, Food and Retail
Lara is a fantastic lawyer and has a terrific network. She is super responsive and can be counted on to give practical, market-informed advice.
— Chambers Canada
Toronto
About

Lara Nathans is a strategic business lawyer who advises consumer-facing companies on opportunities in Canada and across global markets. She works with domestic and international clients on market entry and expansion strategies, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate reorganizations, corporate governance, and commercial matters. Her practice spans the consumer goods, food, and retail industry, where she advises on significant operational, transactional, and strategic issues.

Drawing on deep industry knowledge, market intelligence, and a global network of trusted relationships, Lara helps clients navigate complex business environments and connect with relevant contacts and business opportunities. Her practice extends across Canada, the United States, Europe, and other key markets, supporting international companies entering or growing in Canada and Canadian businesses expanding globally. Lara’s work includes advising on international expansion; consumer goods, food and retail industry transactions, and the development and implementation of new channels and business models.

In addition to her M&A and commercial experience, Lara advises merchants and other consumer-facing businesses on credit card and loyalty programs, including complex co-branding and linked loyalty arrangements.

Lara is Global Co-Lead of DLA Piper's Consumer Goods, Food and Retail sector, shaping the firm's industry strategy and strengthening connections across practices and markets worldwide.

Areas of FocusConsumer Goods, Food and RetailMergers and AcquisitionsCorporatePrivate EquityConsumer GoodsFood and BeverageRetail and Fashion
Bar admissions / Professional QualificationsOntario

EXPERIENCE

Lara has advised:

  • A leading Canadian beverage alcohol company on strategic acquisitions and commercial arrangements
  • A global food and consumer products company on the divestiture of iconic Canadian food brands
  • A major North American home improvement retailer on strategic acquisitions and related transaction matters
  • Several cross-border retailers on their credit card and loyalty programs
  • International retailers on market entry, expansion, distribution, e-commerce, and commercial arrangements in Canada
  • A global jewellery retailer on its expansion into Canada by acquisition of a national jewellery retailer
  • An international produce company on its acquisition of a Canadian greenhouse producer
  • One of the world's largest food and beverage companies on several multibillion-dollar acquisitions, strategic alliances, and cross-border transactions
  • A leading consumer products company on acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and commercial transactions in the beverage and wine sector
Languages
  • English
  • French
Education
  • LLB, Queen’s University

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Chambers Canada

  • Band 1, Retail, Nationwide Canada, 2020-2027

Additional recognitions

  • Notable Practitioner, IFLR1000 Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms: M&A, Consumer Goods & Services, Tourism
  • Stand-out Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
  • Leading Lawyer, Corporate Mid-Market, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

Seminars

Lara is a frequent speaker on business and legal issues affecting consumer-facing businesses, including retail, food and beverage, and consumer products transactions. She has spoken at the World Retail Congress, Retail Industry Leaders Association Retail Law Conference, World Department Store Forum, Luxury Law Summit, and Food, Health and Consumer Products of Canada. She contributes to the community through her involvement with the United Way Major Individual Giving Cabinet, Sterling Hall School Foundation Board of Directors, and the Home Depot of Canada Foundation Supplier Advisory Committee. She previously served on the boards of Sheena’s Place and the Anne Johnston Health Station.

Memberships and Affiliations

  • United Way of Greater Toronto, Major Giving Cabinet
  • Supplier Advisory Committee, The Home Depot of Canada Foundation
  • Board of Governors, The Sterling Hall School Foundation
 

Connect

Phone

1 416 369 5253
(Work, Toronto)

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