Sansei Technologies, Inc. Acquires Majority Ownership of Laird Holdings Inc. (Forrec Ltd., Forrec Architects Ltd., Forrec U.S., Inc.)

On December 1, 2023, Sansei Technologies, Inc. (“Sansei Technologies”) announced its acquisition of majority ownership of Laird Holdings Inc., the parent company of Forrec Ltd., Forrec Architects Ltd. and Forrec U.S., Inc. (collectively, “Forrec”).

Sansei Technologies is a leading Japanese manufacturer focused on the planning and designing, manufacturing and maintenance of amusement rides, stage equipment, elevators and other specifically designed equipment. Forrec, serves customers across Canada and internationally, and specializes in architecture and experimental design work for theme parks, visitor attractions, etc. (including notable projects such as Legoland Korea Resort, Legoland Japan, Toronto Public Library: Scarborough Civic Centre and the York University Student Centre). This acquisition represents a move to further expand Sansei Technologies’ global presence and allows both parties to broaden and strengthen its customer base and to provide support to one another to complement their existing services.

Working with Sansei Technologies Japanese outside counsel, John Clifford and Adriana Rudensky co-led McMillan’s national multidisciplinary team, which included Philip Vineberg, David Zhang, Paul Boshyk, Peter Giddens, Hannah Johnson, Talia Gordner, Andrew Stirling, Guneev Bhinder, and Ximena Pinilla, and advised Sansei Technologies throughout this cross-border transaction; from the due diligence process and reporting to negotiation of complex purchase and ancillary agreements. McMillan provided expertise on a wide range of legal sectors, including corporate/commercial, employment, intellectual property, competition, environmental, tax, litigation, and commercial real estate.

As a national business law firm with exceptional capabilities to lead businesses through cross-border transactions and investments into Canada and within multifaceted regulatory regimes, McMillan provides real-time business solutions to our clients. Our Business Law and Mergers & Acquisitions Groups are skilled at structuring and closing complex deals of all shapes and sizes in Canada, the US and internationally and in providing innovative transactional advice and solutions. Our understanding of business imperatives and our relationships with the regulators helps our clients stay ahead.