Expertise, Experience, Real Grit

When we play, we play to win

Learn about Mercana

At Mercana, we partner with entrepreneurs to build great businesses

At Mercana, we believe a vibrant entrepreneurial community is fundamental to economic prosperity. We strive to be catalysts and facilitators working at the intersection of great people, great business models and well-structured capital. Our key differentiator is our team of talent on which we rely for their domain expertise and leadership. These skills and knowledge provide real value to businesses facing major decisions or growth challenges.

Market Focus

Type of Business

Usually privately owned, entrepreneurial in style, innovative, and growth oriented, but experiencing challenges in achieving their objectives.

Industry

The reach of our Associates group allows us to have broad coverage amongst most industries.

Size of Company

We work with small to medium sized businesses, and are often connected to them through our Associates, their investors, or their trusted advisors.

Geographic

Canada-Mercana-IconPrimarily Canadian based businesses, with international horizons.

How We Work

Mercana’s Driving Principles

FAST ASSESSMENTS

We size up situations fast, subject to any fact-finding that needs to be done, and offer objective input on the direction we recommend. If we can help, we’ll tell you how. If not, we’ll avoid wasting your time.

RESULTS ORIENTED

Our advice is direct, honest, and focused on practical solutions to the situation the business faces. We do not prepare long reports. Unlike consultants, we are prepared to help implement the advice we give—on terms that align our interests with the client’s success.

PEOPLE FIRST

Great businesses start with great people. We seek out business leaders who understand that their learning is never complete, and are open to coaching and advice. Likewise, our Associates are some of the most accomplished and professional business leaders in Canada who look to share their knowledge, wisdom, insight and contacts with developing leaders who need and deserve their help.

Expertise

Quick Visual Of Our Associates Network

220
Current

Associates

Significant C-Level Experience
0
Deep M&A Experience
0
Turnaround Experts
0
Project Leaders / Operations Executive
0
Collective Years of Experience
0
Experienced Directors
0
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ASSOCIATES

Mercana Principals

The Management Team Powering Mercana

Bill Thomson, Managing Partner

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Bill brings to Mercana a 50-year record of achievement operating companies through change, sourcing capital and providing critical guidance and advice to help steer businesses though challenging situations towards success. Prior to 2009, Bill was President of Thomson Associates Inc. In this capacity, Bill held CEO positions in 17 corporations in a variety of industries.

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Bill brings to Mercana a 50-year record of achievement operating companies through change, sourcing capital and providing critical guidance and advice to help steer businesses though challenging situations towards success. Prior to 2009, Bill was President of Thomson Associates Inc. In this capacity, Bill held CEO positions in 17 corporations in a variety of industries. Bill has been a member of over 80 public and private corporate boards of directors. His experience spans the globe; Canada, China, Vietnam, UK, Australia, Czech Republic, Scandinavia, Bermuda, Bahamas, United States, Chile, and Italy in a wide range of industries; Healthcare, Mining, shipping, Energy-Petroleum / Oil / Gas, Financial Services, Software, Telephony Hardware/Software, Media Software, Foodservice/Hospitality, Sports Media / Sports / Entertainment / Media, Consumer Electronics, Metal Recycling, Electronics Recycling, Manufacturing, Composting/Recycling, Insurance, Immigration Services, Real Estate Development, and NFP.
Bill currently serves as a director for four companies currently. As a board advisor, Bill provides a wealth of knowledge in the areas of finance, leadership, strategic alliances, and corporate development and governance. He regularly serves as audit committee chair and is often called upon to provide expertise in the areas of corporate governance and compensation.
He is a chartered accountant (in denial) and lives in Thornhill with his wife Janice.