Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) expanded its global transaction advisory group (TAG) offerings into Canada along with the appointment of Toronto-based Scott Foster as a managing director and practice leader. The introduction of global TAG’s broad portfolio of services into Canada represents the next phase of the practice’s geographic expansion strategy while capitalizing on advisory growth opportunities with one of America’s major trading partners.
Foster advises private equity, pension plan and corporate clients on buy- and sell-side integrated M&A advisory services, especially focused on financial accounting, commercial and operational due diligence. Prior to joining A&M, Foster served as the Canadian leader of KPMG’s transaction services practice, where he built the commercial due diligence and strategy practice. Previously, he led Deloitte’s team of Canadian M&A transaction services professionals, where he was co-chair of the private equity practice, focused on financial accounting, due diligence and integration and separation services.
“Scott’s Big 4 background, extensive transactional advisory experience, and results oriented approach mirrors A&M’s operational heritage and global network of boots-on-the-ground professionals,” Paul Aversano, global practice leader of A&M’s global transaction advisory group , said. “Extending Global TAG’s services in Canada follows on our investments in Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland and Sweden and enhances our ability to address local market needs alongside clients’ international interests.”
With waste management and environmental services sectors expertise, Foster has advised on more than two hundred transactions in the U.S. and Canada. He was the corporate development leader at one of North America’s largest non-hazardous waste management companies where he managed M&A and strategic investments including due diligence on all major acquisitions. During this period, he spearheaded a $600 million transaction in the U.S. of an integrated solid waste management company. Additionally, he managed monthly district level performance, annual budget submissions and review of large capital projects.
“Transaction advisory services are a natural extension of A&M Canada’s restructuring & turnaround offering and related services, including disputes and investigations and corporate performance improvement,” Douglas McIntosh, managing director and head of A&M Canada, said. “As U.S. and international funds increasingly search for more complex transactions across Canada, Scott’s local market knowledge will help clients solve for complex problems along with developing new avenues for maximizing value and driving change.”
“Clients are increasingly demanding an integrated, global due diligence model and deep sector expertise in areas such as healthcare, software and technology, financial services and consumer transactions,” Foster said. “Leveraging A&M’s global capabilities and the firm’s knowledge of local market conditions will give clients a competitive edge in the trenches, where deals get done.”
