Miller Thomson represents BMO in Coast Automotive Group CCAA proceedings
Counsel to Bank of Montreal in connection with the Coast Automotive Group CCAA proceedings
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Team members
Miller Thomson acted for Bank of Montreal, the senior secured lender to the Coast Automotive Group, in creditor-driven proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) involving indebtedness exceeding $36 million.
The proceedings resulted in the successful sale of multiple automotive dealerships and related real estate assets. Following the completion of the sale process, Coast Automotive Group sought to transform the creditor-driven restructuring into a debtor-driven CCAA proceeding and pursued relief that included litigation funding to advance claims against BMO.
Miller Thomson successfully opposed a series of applications brought by Coast Automotive Group, including an emergency application seeking further examinations of the Monitor and additional documentary production. The Court denied the requested relief and granted BMO security for costs in the amount of $100,000. Miller Thomson also successfully resisted an application for leave to appeal that decision.
On May 11, 2026, the Court dismissed Coast Automotive Group’s attempt to convert the restructuring proceedings into a debtor-driven CCAA process, bringing the matter to a close and preserving the integrity of the creditor-led restructuring.
The matter is notable for its successful defence of a senior secured lender’s interests in a complex insolvency proceeding and for reinforcing the finality of a court-supervised restructuring process following the completion of significant asset sales.
Miller Thomson represented the Bank of Montreal with a team comprised of James W. Reid, Bryan Hosking, and Pavin Takhar.