IPH Limited (IPH) today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire prominent Canadian intellectual property firm, ROBIC, further consolidating IPH’s presence in the Canadian IP market.
IPH is a leading international intellectual property (IP) services group working in ten jurisdictions, with a well-established network in the Asia Pacific region. The agreement with ROBIC represents IPH’s third acquisition in the Canadian market, following the acquisitions of Smart & Biggar and Ridout & Maybee, with Canada now the largest region for the group.
Commenting on the announcement, IPH Managing Director and CEO Dr Andrew Blattman said, “We are thrilled to welcome ROBIC to the IPH group. This is an exciting development and continuation of our growth story in Canada and as a leading international network of IP services firms. Our investment in ROBIC signifies our commitment to Canada and we are proud of the opportunities we have already been able to offer clients and staff as part of our expansion into Canada.
“Since listing on the ASX nine years ago, we have been focused on our vision to be the leading IP services group in secondary IP markets and adjacent areas of IP. We have built a significant business in Canada which is a key secondary IP market. This acquisition further extends our growth strategy and enables us to enhance our international service offering to clients,” said Dr Blattman.
ROBIC Executive Committee member, Dario Pietrantonio said, “Joining the IPH group will bolster our international service offering while enabling us to invest in and grow our business locally. We look forward to continuing to support our clients here in Canada and around the world with all their intellectual property needs, now with the backing of the IPH group, and are equally excited about the career opportunities this announcement opens up for our people.”
ROBIC will continue to operate under its existing brand following completion of the transaction, which is expected to occur in mid-December 2023.
Aquasia acted as financial adviser and Lapointe Rosenstein Marchand Melançon, Cassels Brock & Blackwell and Bird & Bird acted as legal advisers to IPH.
About IPH Limited
IPH is an international intellectual property services group, comprising a network of member firms working in ten IP jurisdictions and servicing more than 25 countries. The group includes leading IP firms AJ Park, Griffith Hack, Pizzeys, Smart & Biggar, Spruson & Ferguson and online IP services provider Applied Marks. IPH employs more than 1,400 people working in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
About ROBIC
Founded in Montreal in 1892, ROBIC is internationally renowned and has earned a reputation for excellence in intellectual property in Canada. Our firm has offices in Montreal and Quebec City, and includes a team of approximately 220 support staff and highly qualified professionals specializing in intellectual property and business law. ROBIC is one of the most prolific filers of trademarks in Canada and has earned an undeniable reputation for the quality and number of patents filed annually.