Paul Stoyan

Paul is the Chief Executive Officer and Chair of Gardiner Roberts, where he also practises business law with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and corporate governance. Drawing on decades of experience, Paul acts as trusted counsel to a wide range of corporations, from emerging businesses to major public companies, helping them navigate complex transactions and governance challenges with confidence.

Paul has worked extensively with clients in the technology and financial sectors, advising on cross-border deals, public offerings, and governance frameworks that support long-term success. His deep understanding of both the business and legal landscapes make him a valued strategic advisor to boards and executive teams alike.

In 2023, Paul was appointed King’s Counsel (K.C.), an honour recognizing lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to legal excellence, public service, and community leadership. He also holds the ICD.D designation, having completed the Directors Program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Paul currently serves on the boards of several organizations, including Pinnacle Acquisition Corporation (a NYSE listed company), where he sits on the Board and Audit Committee, and Enghouse Systems Limited (as Chair of the Governance Committee). His previous board experience includes Corporation, Open Text Corporation, Element Financial Corporation, and Axis Auto Finance Inc.

A past Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Business Law Section, Paul has lectured on corporate governance, directors’ duties, and best practices for corporate boards.

Beyond his corporate work, Paul is actively involved in the community. He was past Vice Chair and Board member of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and currently serves on the Advisory Council for Peacebuilders International. He has contributed his expertise to several not-for-profit boards, including the National Ballet School of Canada, where he helped oversee the development of Project Grand Jeté.

Expertise

Representative work

• Numerous domestic and international financing and merger/acquisition transactions
• Various cross‑border transactions
• Various competition matters, including submissions to the Competition Bureau on mergers
• Advising venture capitalists in connection with acquisition and structuring issues and exit strategies
• Advising lenders on secured financing transactions and “work‑out” arrangements
• Establishment of distribution and technology arrangements for corporate clients
• Advising on various health law matters, including nursing home and retirement home acquisitions