Olivier Benchaya

Partner | CPA, CIRP, LIT

Write to Olivier Benchaya

Determined, passionate, strategic.

Olivier leads Richter’s Canadian Restructuring and Insolvency group. A strategic leader with strong business acumen, he quickly identifies key issues and drives focused, effective action.

He is frequently called upon to develop restructuring plans, prepare financial projections, and implement corrective actions. His work includes advising financial institutions on underperforming loans as well as guiding business leaders through financial uncertainty to restore stability and drive sustainable growth. He has played a key role in several complex mandates, including the successful turnaround of a major retailer with operations across Canada and the U.S., helping reposition the business for long-term viability.

A young, dynamic, and committed partner, Olivier fosters collaboration and brings clarity to challenging situations. Known for his calm, strategic approach, he is a dedicated problem solver, consensus builder, and trusted team player. His ability to engage stakeholders and build strong relationships makes him a valued advisor, especially in times of change and uncertainty.

Fields of expertise

Financial restructurings and business turnarounds

Development and review of financial projections
Insolvency
Sale of business units
Refinancing
Debt and equity restructuring

Industries

Retail
Manufacturing
Telecommunications
High technology
Finance
Healthcare

Academic background

Licensed Insolvency Trustee, 2014
Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Professional (CIRP), 2014
Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA), 2005
Graduate Diploma in Accounting, John Molson School of Business, 2005
B.Com. with distinction, John Molson School of Business, 2003

Professional and community involvement

Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals – Member, since 2011

Public recognition

Co-author of “Impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on tenants and landlords”, Espace Publications. January 2022
Interviewed by Claude Bernatchez. “Louis Garneau à l’abri de ses créanciers :
entrevue avec Olivier Benchaya ”, ICI Première, Radio-Canada. March 2020
Quoted in an article by Marie-Ève Fournier. “Les décisions
qui ont fait dérailler stokes”, La Presse. February 2020
Quoted in an article by Tara Deschamps. “Commercial landlords
brace for worst month yet as tenants struggle”, BNN Bloomberg. April 2020
Quoted in an article by David Friend. “Companies already in financial
trouble face CCAA reckoning as COVID-19 drags on”, The Canadian Press. May 2020

Important mandates

Receiver for Fiera Enhanced Private Debt Fund LP., for the medical clinic La Cité Médicale Inc.
Receiver for TD Bank for Bad Monkey Popcorn Inc., which was successfully sold.
Receiver for Kingsett Capital Inc. for 11475584 Canada Inc., a condo development in Montreal.
Court appointed monitor on Stokes, a large Canadian retailer under CCAA;
Court appointed Information Officer of Skillsoft Canada Ltd.,
under section 11.02 and part IV of the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act;
Financial advisor to a large retailer that was impacted by COVID-19,
to assist in lease negotiations and the implementation of cost cutting measures;
Trustee of Okaidi Canada, a known European brand of children’s clothing
with retail locations in Canada.
Court-appointed Trustee of Mabe Canada, one of the largest manufacturer of appliances.
Financial advisor to a luxury goods retailer with operations in Canada and the USA under various banners to renegotiate their banking agreements, raise additional working capital
and improve profitability through overhead rationalization.
Court-appointed Trustee of Uniformes Sauvé Inc. and Maison de Vêtements Piacenté Ltée,
one of the largest school uniform suppliers in Canada.
Financial advisor to Laura Shoppe, a large Canadian women’s retailer that was under CCAA.
CCAA Monitor for Boutique Pentagone Inc., a large Quebec retailer that was restructured
and sold as a going concern.
Financial advisor to the Lender of a major leader in home fashion and design.

Services

Olivier’s Expertise

Crisis Management & Restructuring

When a potential risk becomes a real risk, a company and its stakeholders, with varying motivations and interests, often need to navigate a complex web of decisions.