Thomas A. Houston LL.B., B.Comm., Managing Partner, Ottawa

As the Chair of Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP’s Technology Group, Tom provides strategic advice to emerging technology companies and venture capital/private equity funds in the development and financing of many of Canada’s leading technology companies.

Tom has particular expertise in cross-border transactions, having led many cross-border venture capital transactions and mergers and acquisitions. Tom’s extensive network within the venture capital community allows him to introduce emerging companies to sources of capital. Tom regularly works with law firms and other advisors based in Silicon Valley, California and the Boston area.

Tom is also the Managing Partner of Fraser Milner Casgrain's Ottawa office.

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Tom has particular expertise in cross-border transactions, having led many cross-border venture capital transactions and mergers and acquisitions.
Representative Work
Counsel to Echologies Engineering Inc. in its acquisition by Mueller Water Products, Inc. (December 2010)
Acted for BTI Systems Inc. in its US$11 million Class "A" preferred share financing (October 2010)
Teaching Roles
Part-time Professor (Major Business Transactions), University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, 2004-2005
Part-time Professor (Securities Regulation), University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, 1988-1992
Instructor, Business Law Section, Ontario Bar Admission Course, 1985-1994
Prior Speaking Engagements
Appeared in a CATAnet TV video interview on December 8, 2009, sponsored by the CATAAlliance advocacy Campaign, advocating changes to tax legislation to facilitate cross-border venture capital investments in Canada
Panelist at an event held in Newton, Massachusetts on March 20, 2008, which was organized by ACG Boston (American Corporate Growth) entitled “DealMakers Breakfast”, the topic was “Opportunities & Landmines of Investing In and Acquiring Businesses in Canada”
Presentation on IP Considerations in Venture Capital and M&A Transactions at a Continuing Legal Education program on October 17, 2006 organized by the County of Carleton Law Association entitled "Intellectual Property Rights - Practical Advice for the Non-I.P. Practitioner"
Presentation on “Current Cross-Border VC Trends and Legal Issues” at the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation’s 45th Circuit on June 7, 2005, which overviewed current Canadian and U.S. trends of venture capital financing transactions and addressed recent case law relating to both technology companies and venture capitalists
Lead a workshop entitled “Documenting the Deal from Term Sheet to Closing” at the Venture Skills Summit in Toronto organized by Federated Press on February 4, 2004 focusing on the latest Canadian and U.S. trends in VC financing of technology companies