Case Studies

Facilitate the disposition of a diversified entity’s registry and insurance services subsidiaries. IMC was engaged to manage the sale process for these specialized business units to realize value from the client's asset portfolio.

IMC served as the exclusive advisor to manage the end-to-end divestiture process for the identified business units. The engagement involved preparing a Confidential Information Memorandum and developing multi-year financial forecasts to support a valuation range acceptable to the client. IMC formulated a marketing strategy to identify and engage qualified purchasers, subsequently managing all initial meetings and providing counsel on incoming offers. The mandate included working alongside legal counsel to negotiate terms and coordinate the final closing of the transaction.

The established advisory framework provided a structured sequence for marketing the assets and evaluating qualified purchasers. This process enabled the client to pursue a disposition with defined valuation parameters and a professional negotiation strategy supported by detailed financial modelling.

Enable the evaluation of the landscape and rationale for enhancing regional natural gas and natural gas liquids hubs. This work addressed shifting supply dynamics and regulatory transitions within the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.

IMC conducted a comprehensive analysis of the natural gas and natural gas liquids value chains, focusing on the intersection of infrastructure, commercial practices, and multi-jurisdictional regulation. The work involved identifying key stakeholder positions and analyzing the impact of federal and provincial regulatory shifts on various assets, markets and market liquidity. IMC delivered detailed reports outlining the current situation and the rationale for hub development, specifically addressing issues like natural gas liquids extraction rights and pipeline tolling structures. These documents provided a framework for the client to engage with industry participants and other government bodies during a period of significant regulatory, technological, and market volatility.

The analysis identified critical legal, policy, and infrastructure obstacles that required resolution to advance the regional hub concept. The findings enabled the client to establish a baseline for future regulatory structures and clarified the interdependencies between different hydrocarbon streams and transportation systems.

Provided project development support in many areas, including due diligence and detailed financial viability assessment, and planning of regulatory approval approach and management of key risks. This engagement addressed the challenges of entering a deregulated electricity market while navigating emerging federal environmental standards.

IMC conducted detailed economic modelling of Power Purchase Arrangement auctions to assess bid costs and market returns across multiple generating facilities. The engagement involved drafting position papers and action plans to address federal air emission guidelines and international climate change protocols. IMC also provided advice regarding transmission investment policies and coordinated advocacy efforts with government officials to align regulatory requirements with project economics.

The analysis established a financial framework that allowed the client to make informed decisions regarding participation in electricity auctions and related to whether to proceed with the project. IMC’s work defined a structured pathway for regulatory engagement and supported the development of internal positions on environmental standards. These activities provided the strategic clarity necessary to evaluate capital investments in a shifting policy landscape.

Evaluate the commercial and technical viability of expanding power generation capacity at a large-scale pulp mill through the optimization of under-utilized assets and the utilization of biomass residuals. This engagement addressed the requirement for a structured assessment of incremental energy exports and the optimization of revenue from associated environmental attributes.

IMC conducted comprehensive pre-feasibility and feasibility studies to assess the integration of new power generation infrastructure with existing industrial operations. IMC developed detailed financial models incorporating marginal cost analysis of hog fuel supply sources, power pool price variability, and the projected valuation of carbon offsets. Key activities included assessing financing alternatives, managing the request for proposal process to engage potential power market partners, and successfully managing the regulatory approval process.

The analysis led to a very successful project, executed in a very short time, that significantly enhanced the pulp mill returns with an upfront cost that was a minor fraction of the returns generated.

Support an energy services company in navigating financial reporting and liquidity requirements at a time when there were considerable variables impacting financial needs, including a potential strategic acquisition. This involved providing the necessary financial oversight to maintain lender stability and assess long-term growth opportunities.

IMC provided comprehensive financial advisory services, including the development of budget forecasts, quarterly performance reviews, and detailed liquidity analyses to support negotiations with lenders. To address the client’s growth objectives, IMC conducted a financial evaluation of an acquisition target entity, producing detailed models and structured offer proposals. IMC also facilitated direct discussions with lenders to explore financing plans and draft letters of intent. These activities integrated ongoing operational oversight with strategic planning and due diligence preparation.

The engagement provided the client with the financial documentation and analysis required to sustain lender relations during a period of uncertainty. IMC’s work resulted in a structured acquisition framework, including a defined financing plan and a roadmap for due diligence. These deliverables enabled the leadership team to make informed decisions regarding both liquidity management and expansion opportunities.

Establish the regulatory, commercial and logistical frameworks for a provincial bitumen royalty-in-kind program intended to leverage the province’s royalty barrels to be used for various initiatives that would enhance the province’s economic output. This required resolving complex regulatory and operational requirements for the physical delivery and marketing of bitumen volumes to replace traditional cash-based royalties.

IMC provided policy development, market design, and financial modelling for provincial departments of economic development, energy and finance. Key activities included creating bitumen production and an upgrader financial model, as well as economic models to assess royalty revenue impacts, assessing netback differentials, and transportation, diluent and other logistics requirements. IMC performed comprehensive analyses of export pipeline infrastructure and tolls, options for upgrading and other value-added projects. The work involved research and industry consultations to validate production forecasts and evaluate logistical impacts. Deliverables included ministerial reports and program design frameworks.

The engagement produced a detailed program design and implementation plan that supported ministerial decision-making and cabinet-level approvals. These frameworks enabled the launch of a structured request for proposals focused on provincial value-added processing.

Facilitate the entry of a U.S.-based post-secondary education provider into the Alberta market by managing provincial and municipal government relations. The project focused on navigating complex regulatory requirements and public policy frameworks to establish a new operational presence within the province.

IMC provided support related to stickhandling legislation, regulations, and public policy affecting the higher education sector. Activities included monitoring provincial and municipal government developments and ensuring full compliance with provincial requirements through formal registration with the Alberta Provincial Ethics Commission. IMC’s role involved analyzing the local political and regulatory landscape to guide the client through the necessary administrative and legislative channels.

The engagement enabled the client to secure the required regulatory approvals to operate within the jurisdiction. These milestones were achieved on a timeline that exceeded the efficiency of approval processes in any other jurisdiction where the client sought similar authorizations. The work established a clear regulatory pathway for the institution’s expansion into the Canadian market.

Enable a natural gas producer to navigate complex regulatory, community, and commercial hurdles associated with exploration and pipeline development in the Northwest Territories. The engagement sought to establish a viable pathway for the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline amidst competing infrastructure proposals and evolving land claim negotiations.

IMC performed a preliminary assessment of the regulatory landscape, competitive environment, and stakeholder dynamics to inform a long-term advocacy strategy. This included identifying key players within federal, territorial, and Indigenous governments, as well as conducting a comparative analysis of competing pipeline routes. IMC developed a comprehensive communications and issues management plan designed to align internal corporate objectives with external community and government interests.

The planning process provided the producer with a detailed critical path and a structured framework for engaging a consortium of industry partners. These activities enabled the transition from a neutral market position to a proactive leadership role in advocating for the most cost-effective infrastructure route. The resulting communication vehicles established a foundation for ongoing negotiations with regulatory bodies and northern communities regarding benefits agreements and land use.