Melissa Cattini is a corporate and commercial lawyer with a focus on franchise law, mergers and acquisitions and related regulatory compliance matters.
As a lead and founder of the MLT Aikins Franchise Law Practice Group, Melissa has significant experience reviewing and providing advice in connection with the development, ongoing compliance and operation of Franchise Systems, including preparation and updating of Franchise Agreements (Unit and Multi-Unit), Master Franchise Agreements, Area-Development and Representative Agreements, Sub-Franchise Agreements and Franchise Disclosure Documents as well as counseling both established and emerging franchisor, master franchisee, equity and multi-unit franchisee clients across a broad range of industries for compliance with Manitoba’s franchise and applicable regulatory framework.

Melissa is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and is currently the sole CFE-accredited lawyer practising in Manitoba. She works with organizations across a range of industries (from quick-service restaurants to regulated professions) at each of the stages of the franchise cycle – from launch, setup for long-term growth and impact, ongoing management and operations through to maturity, exit strategy planning and the sale of businesses.

Melissa’s practice also includes mergers and acquisitions, private equity buy-outs, asset and share purchase transactions, business combinations, owner-operated enterprises, buy-sell agreements and transactions, corporate governance, commercial leasing and commercial financing matters.
Melissa understands the value of tailored and practical legal advice. She prioritizes working with her clients to develop and understand their business, which enables her to provide sensible advice that is suited to her client’s specific legal and business needs.