Press Release Detail

Montréal and Toronto - The merger between the law firms of Meighen Demers and Ogilvy Renault, announced June 12, 2001, is now coming into effect. This important step taken by two firms well known for their top-level specialized legal services and innovative business approach gives clients all the advantages of their combined, dynamic expertise.

The merger comes at a time when Ogilvy Renault's team of lawyers, patent agents and trade-mark agents is poised to launch its new brand image, which has been over one year in the making. During that period of brainstorming, the firm resolved to lay the groundwork for an all-new branding strategy. The primary goal of this undertaking is to improve the market position of the new Ogilvy Renault and to guarantee its clients long-term satisfaction by delivering total solutions that are both innovative and totally responsive to their needs. A rejuvenated logo and a new corporate signature, Expertise par excellence, constitute the visual aspects of this ongoing pursuit of excellence and innovation.

"Launching the new logo is visible proof of the firm's commitment to exceeding the standards of excellence it has already attained," stated the Chair of Ogilvy Renault's Management Committee, Yves W. Brunet. "The terra-cotta colour represents the solid, people-oriented foundation the firm was built on. The midnight blue evokes both in-depth knowledge and strength of purpose."

"In addition to its new image," continued Mr. Brunet, "Ogilvy Renault will strengthen its exceptional client-based philosophy through unparalleled service and expertise. Meighen Demers' contribution is invaluable in this undertaking. Its experience in the areas of commercial litigation and business law, particularly regarding insolvency and corporate restructuring, as well as domestic and international project finance, admirably complements Ogilvy Renault's thorough, well-established multidisciplinary expertise. Our complementary abilities enhance Ogilvy Renault's assets and provide greater scope for our joint pursuit of excellence."

Jacques Demers, Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the new Ogilvy Renault, added: "The firm will benefit from the combined strength of both partners' respective areas of expertise, thus strengthening Ogilvy Renault's market position."

According to Mr. Demers, "Expertise par excellence perfectly sums up Ogilvy Renault's goals, and the merger will bring real added value to those goals. The equation is clear: by adding together the expertise, excellence and experience provided by our professionals, the breadth and depth of integrated, innovative solutions we can offer our clients is vastly increased."

In addition to the distinction conferred by its new visuals, Ogilvy Renault's branding strategy is based on a unique approach that puts the client at the centre of a universe of Expertise par excellence. Henceforth, the client has direct access to several areas of expertise-from banking and financial products to tax, through intellectual property, human resources and labour relations-and some 200 corresponding specialized services.

These total solutions are focused on the clients' needs and concerns. They constitute Ogilvy Renault's defining competitive advantage, as well as being an impetus to explore new markets. Both current and potential clients are confident they can rely on a comprehensive network of professionals, all with top-notch skills.

Ogilvy Renault is a top-tier law firm comprising approximately 400 lawyers, patent agents and trade-mark agents, with offices in five Canadian cities-Montréal, Ottawa, Québec, Toronto and Vancouver-and also London, England. Thanks to its unique, multidisciplinary approach, Ogilvy Renault's specialists have a wide range of expertise and are able to provide clients with fully customized services. Through their in-depth knowledge of the industry, this team of professionals can offer solutions to short-term issues or develop broad legal strategies.