Next Generation Partners: Capital Markets: Debt

Rising Stars: Capital Markets: Debt

Rising Stars: Capital Markets: Equity

Rising Stars: Capital Markets: Securitisation

Firms To Watch: Capital markets

The expanding capital markets team at K&L Gates is led out of Sydney and Melbourne by Russell Lyons and Andrew Gaffney, and works across the mining and resources, education, health and financial services sectors.
Simon Davidson heads the equity capital markets team at Lander & Rogers from Melbourne, specialising in the pharmaceuticals sector.

Capital markets in Australia

Allen & Overy LLP

The integrated capital markets offering from Allen & Overy LLP operates across Australia, with offices in Sydney and Perth, and provides services to clients internationally, with expertise in Australian, English and US law. The equity capital markets work is led by Tony Sparks in Sydney and Meredith Campion in Perth. Sparks, who is qualified in England and Wales and New South Wales, has particular experience with major IPOs, while Campion specialises in advising energy and resources clients. Karolina Popic, Mark Leemen and Minesh Patel, all of whom are based in Sydney, co-lead the debt capital markets work for the team, with notable expertise in covered bond programmes and the growing area of green and sustainability-linked bonds. Popic additionally leads the securitisation offering, which boasts strength in work involving novel asset classes and complex structures.

Practice head(s):

Karolina Popic; Mark Leemen; Minesh Patel; Tony Sparks; Meredith Campion


Testimonials

‘The key strength of the A&O securitisation practice lead by Karolina Popic is the depth of her team – her associates (even the junior ones) are excellent and well trained. The ability of A&O to provide a full service with offshore advice when required is a value add.

‘Karolina Popic is an outstanding securitisation lawyer, commercial and always available for her clients. She is one of my go-tos for complex securitisation transactions.’

‘Mark Leemen is very client focused and collaborative in his approach.’

Key clients

National Broadband Network


National Australia Bank


Macquarie


Kiwibank Limited


Resimac Limited


Bank of America Merrill Lynch


CIMIC


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


Macquarie Bank


National Australia Bank


UOB


Shaw & Partners


National Broadband Network


Resolute Mining Limited


Peninsula Energy Limited


Macquarie Group Limited


Bank of Queensland


Wesfarmers


Citigroup


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


Goldman Sachs


UBS


JP Morgan


Canaccord Genuity


Work highlights


  • Acted as the Australian and US counsel to two global financial institutions as joint lead managers on the AUD650 million placement of shares in Orica Limited.
  • Advised Shaw and Partners and Canaccord Genuity as joint lead managers, underwriters and book runners on Paladin Energy Limited’s AUD215 million fully underwritten institutional placement and non-underwritten share purchase plan.
  • Advised dual-listed Resolute Mining Limited on a fully underwritten institutional placement and partially underwritten accelerated non-renounceable entitlement offer which raised a total of AUD164 million.

Allens

With bases across in the country in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, the Allens capital markets offering operates on a national basis to support a range of clients. The equity capital markets team is led by Robert Pick in Melbourne and Julian Donnan in Sydney, who act across all sectors for both issuer and lead manager clients. Sydney-based senior associate Addison Ma also specialises in this area, and noted for his experience advising issuers, underwriters and shareholders. In Melbourne, James Darcy leads the debt capital markets team, which has particular experience in green bond transactions and cross-border financings, as well as a deep understanding of the domestic market, a particular strength of counsel Paul Cerché. The securitisation team, led from Sydney by Benjamin Downie, acts for a broad range of financier and originator clients, and advises a number of private equity clients on their securitised fundraising arrangements as part of merger and acquisition transactions.

Practice head(s):

James Darcy; Robert Pick; Julian Donnan; Benjamin Downie


Other key lawyers:

Addison Ma, Paul Cerché


Testimonials

‘The practice is very commercial and the team is always available. Their strengths are their practical and commercial legal advice, teamwork and approachability.’

‘Rob Pick is very approachable, happy to talk through various issues and always has excellent commercial advice. He works well with our team and also is very reliable in a negotiation with a counterparty.’

The Allens team provide unbiased advice whether acting for an issuer or dealers. The market has such confidence in the team they can often rely on only one counsel on a transaction or programme update.

Key clients

CSL Limited


ICBC, Sydney Branch


University of Melbourne


HSBC


NAB


Suncorp Group Limited, Barrenjoey


Rabobank


Air New Zealand


ANZ


Citi


CBA


MUFG


AusNet Services Holdings Pty Ltd (AusNet)


Westpac


Regal Investment Fund


IAG


UBS


Morgan Stanley


AUB


Seven Group Exchangeable


Macquarie Capital


Bank of America


Cerberus Capital Management


Angle Finance


Bluestone


Work highlights


  • Advised CSL Limited and its subsidiary finance vehicle, CSL Finance Plc, on its US$4 billion bond issuance, which was split across six tranches each with a value of US$500 million or US$1 billion.
  • Advised ICBC on its inaugural A$500 million green bond under its US$20 billion global medium term note programme green bond issuance, listed on the Dubai Stock Exchange.
  • Advised the University of Melbourne, HSBC and NAB on the issuance of a 7-year A$200 million green bond on a senior unsecured basis under its AMTN programme.

Arnold Bloch Leibler

Acting for a range of listed companies, shareholders and large private organisations both within Australia and internationally, the ‘team of experienced professionals’ at Arnold Bloch Leibler ‘provides commercially pragmatic advice’. Jonathan Wenig heads the team based in Melbourne; his practice spans commercial and corporate law, with particular expertise in public and private capital raisings. The team has notable experience of representing entrepreneurs, working in collaboration with the firm’s wider corporate and M&A offerings. Jeremy Lanzer has specialist knowledge regarding corporate governance advice. Vidushee Deora is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Wenig


Other key lawyers:

Jeremy Lanzer; Vidushee Deora


Testimonials

‘Team of experienced professionals which provides commercially pragmatic advice, collaborates with the client and executes per final instruction.’

‘The team are knowlegable across industries. Partners are always available and on call. Quality and speed of delivery of deliverables is exceptional.’

‘Always available. Knowledgable in many sectors. Very quick work.’

Key clients

carsales.com


Tripp Investments


Elula


StarRez


Australian Community Media


Daniel Besen


Retail Food Group


Carbine Funds Management


Bayley Stuart


Noumi Limited


Votiro Cybersec Global Pty Ltd


AWAI Pty Ltd


Care for Kids


Longbridge


Evermed


Director at Rigby Park


Work highlights


  • Acted for ASX-listed carsales.com on its $1.2 billion capital raising undertaken to fund the $1.17 billion acquisition of 51 percent of Trader Interactive, a US commercial trucks and RVs listing business.
  • Advised AI software leader Elula on the 25 per cent investment in its business by listed digital property exchange platform PEXA Group.
  • Advised wagering industry entrepreneur Matt Tripp via Tripp Group on the $120 million-plus investment in ASX-listed wagering software and data services company Betmakers.

Ashurst

The Ashurst capital markets team boasts both a global and national reach, working from Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney and collaborating with colleagues throughout the firm, including in the US. In Sydney, Bruce Macdonald leads the equity capital markets team, which acts for both ASX-listed entities and leading financial intermediaries in a range of sectors, including energy and natural resources, financial services and consumer retail (which is an area of expertise for Andrew Kim). The debt capital markets team is led by Caroline Smart, who is also based in Sydney, and covers a range of DCM work, from convertible bonds and green and social sustainability bonds to hybrid instruments and US and Australian dollar private placements. Jennifer Schlosser leads the securitisation offering from Sydney, advising on a range of asset classes including green securitisations; the team is particularly noted for its offshore capability and regulatory expertise. Global chief client officer Jamie Ng leads on the team’s specialist derivates work.

Practice head(s):

Bruce Macdonald; Caroline Smart; Jennifer Schlosser


Other key lawyers:

Jamie Ng; Andrew Kim


Key clients

ANZ Securities


Bank Australia


Brighte Capital


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


Deutsche Bank


Energy Resources of Australia


Judo Bank


KKR


Macquarie Capital (Australia)


Morgans Financial


Morgan Stanley Australia Securities


National Australia Bank


Northern Star Resources


NorthWest Healthcare Properties Management


Ord Minnett


Woolworths Group


Work highlights


  • Advising Centuria on the launch of its first exchangeable bond, issued by Centuria’s special purpose financing vehicle CIP Funding Pty Limited, and exchangeable into units of Centuria Industrial REIT, an ASX-listed entity.
  • Acted as counsel to Airservices Australia, as issuer, on its three tranche issue of A$300 million 5.40% notes due 2028, A$200 million 6.00% notes due 2032 and A$100 million 5.9% notes due 2025.
  • Acted for SAF in the establishment of its securitisation programme and inaugural warehouse with an investment bank (senior only structure).

Baker McKenzie

The capital markets team at Baker McKenzie stretches across the country, with team members in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, and boasts a number of practitioners with previous in-house expertise. Particular emphasis is put on work for underwriter clients, in particularly for equity transactions. Antony Rumboll leads the equity capital markets team, working in Sydney alongside Cécile Baume; the debt capital markets team is led by Duncan McGrath, also in Sydney. A particular strength of the debt team is its experience of acting on both Australian and English law transactions.

Practice head(s):

Antony Rumboll; Duncan McGrath


Other key lawyers:

Cécile Baume; Eric Li


Testimonials

‘Practice has diverse skill sets over various commercial areas.’

‘Antony Rumboll is diligent, pragmatic, commercial, accessible, responsive.’

‘Antony Rumboll provides pragmatic, commercial legal advice. His expertise is not just technical but also practical, given his years working in-house.’

Key clients

Bell Potter Securities Limited


Citigroup Global Markets Australia Pty Limited


CIMB


Credit Suisse


DBS


Elanor Investor Group/Elanor Commercial Property Fund


Frasers Property AHL Limited


Goldman Sachs


G.U.D. Holdings Limited


HCW Funds Management Limited as responsible entity of HealthCo Healthcare and Wellness REIT


HomeCo Daily Needs REIT


J.P. Morgan Securities Australia Limited


Jarden Australia Pty Limited


Jefferies (Australia) Pty Ltd


Malayan Banking Berhad


Macquarie Bank Limited


Macquarie Capital (Australia) Limited


Merrill Lynch Equities (Australia) Limited


Morgan Stanley Australia Securities Limited


MUFG Securities EMEA plc


National Australia Bank Limited


Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation


PointsBet Holdings Limited


Real Asset Management Pty Limited


Rex Minerals Limited


Ricca Resources Limited


Superloop Limited


Standard Chartered Bank


UBS AG, Australia Branch


White Rock Minerals Ltd


Work highlights


  • Acted as combined US and Australian counsel to Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and BofA Securities, Inc. as dealers on the update and re-establishment of Telstra’s USD 4 billion US commercial paper programme.
  • Advised PointsBet Holdings Limited in relation to its subscription agreement with SIG Sports Investment Corp., wherein PointsBet issued 38.75 million shares to SIG Sports at AUD 2.43 per share, and a pro-rata deferred bonus equity option issuance to eligible shareholders.
  • Assisted American Pacific Borates Limited on its successful redomicile from Australia to the United States and the reorganisation of its corporate structure into 5E Advanced Materials, Inc.

Clayton Utz

Clayton Utz‘s capital markets team operates out of Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. Stuart Byrne and Brendan Groves lead the equity capital markets offering from Sydney and Melbourne respectively, with notable expertise in the technology, energy and resources, and financial services sectors, handling work including IPOs in new economy growth companies. The debt capital markets team is led by Andrew Jinks and Sonia Goumenis, both in Sydney, working with major banks both domestically and internationally alongside private equity clients. Jinks and Goumenis additionally lead the securitisation team, where special counsel Mark Chahine is also a key name, with experience acting for sponsors, arrangers, facility providers, ADIs and fintechs.

Practice head(s):

Stuart Byrne; Brendan Groves; Sonia Goumenis; Andrew Jinks


Other key lawyers:

Mark Chahine; Liz Humphry; Kate Allison


Testimonials

‘Strong ECM expertise. Experienced partners, with significant partner availability provided on transactions.’

‘Strong understanding of individual client needs. Advice meets an appropriate balance between commerciality and risk management.’

Key clients

Talison Lithium Pty Ltd


Wyloo Metals Pty Ltd


BCI Australia Pty Ltd


Tianqi Lithium Corporation


Openpay Group


Conrad Asia Energy Ltd


The Market Herald


Healthia Ltd


Energy World Corporation Limited


Orion Minerals Ltd


Lumos Diagnostics Holdings Limited


Marley Spoon SE


Bravura Solutions Limited


Universal Biosensors Inc


Navigator Global Investments Ltd


Songtradr, Inc.


Macquarie Capital (Australia) Limited


Canaccord Genuity Limited


R.A.C.V Finance Limited


Athena Mortgage Pty Ltd


NSW Government/Lannock – Project Remediate Trust


Work highlights


  • Acted as Australian legal counsel to dual-listed China-based Tianqi Lithium Corporation on its HK$13.5bn IPO and secondary listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
  • Acted on behalf of Athena Mortgage Pty Ltd in respect of its first public term deal for RMBS assets.
  • Acted for RACV in establishing (and drafting) a new securitisation programme, including its inaugural two warehouse trusts funded by two senior bank lenders (one offshore and one Australian major ADI).

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance‘s capital markets team is co-led by Richard Gordon and David Clee in Sydney, and Mark Chan in Hong Kong, and also has team members based in Perth. It operates as a regional team collaborating with colleagues across Asia Pacific, offering deals structured according to Australian, Singapore, Japanese, US, English and Hong Kong law. The firm's focus is on advising financial institutions acting in arranger and manager roles on Australian debt issuance programmes, with additional expertise in acting as issuer counsel, specifically for banking clients.

Practice head(s):

Richard Gordon; Mark Chan; David Clee


Work highlights


  • Advised BNP Paribas as arranger on the technical update of Wesfarmers Limited’s $3,000,000,000 medium term note programme.
  • Advised Citi and HSBC as joint arrangers on the technical update of Fonterra’s $4,000,000,000 medium term note programme.
  • Advised Citi, HSBC and MUFG as joint lead managers on Chorus’ issue of €500,000,000 3.625 per cent fixed rate notes due 2029 under its $2,000,000,000 euro medium term note programme.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

The national capital markets practice at Corrs Chambers Westgarth acts out of offices in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (where the team also provides services to Papua New Guinea-based clients). Co-leading the equity capital markets team are Sandy Mak, who is also head of corporate, and Shabarika Ajitkumar in Sydney, and Oliver Carrick in Perth. The Perth office has particular expertise in acting for issuers and underwriters. Melbourne-based Brad Robinson leads both the debt capital markets and securitisation teams. The debt capital markets team advises a range of clients, including investors, sponsors, arrangers and trustees, while securitisation work includes prime and non-conforming residential mortgages, reverse mortgage and equity release products and insurance funding loans. Jo Dodd joined the Sydney office from King & Wood Mallesons in February 2024.

Practice head(s):

Brad Robinson; Sandy Mak; Shabarika Ajitkumar; Oliver Carrick


Other key lawyers:

Christian Owen; Russell Philip


Testimonials

‘The skill set and reliability and access to the right team and people is strong.’

Key clients

Tritium DCFC Limited


BaptistCare


Greenstone Resources


Paladin Energy Ltd


Carnarvon Energy Limited


Australian Vanadium Limited


Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd.


Aspen Group (Aspen Group Limited and Aspen Property Trust)


E&P Corporate Advisory Pty Limited


National Australia Bank Limited


Bell Potter Securities Limited


Morgans Financial Limited


Ord Minnett Limited


Shaw and Partners Limited


Taylor Collison Limited


Global Lithium Resources Ltd


Tribeca Global Natural Resources Limited


Tembo Capital Mining Fund III LP


Peak Rare Earths Ltd


Clean Energy Finance Corporation


Bank of New York Mellon


iPartners Pty Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised each of Tritium DCFC Limited and St Baker, a global developer and manufacturer of direct current fast chargers for electric vehicles, on a USD40 million convertible note capital raise with shareholders Trevor St Baker and O-Corp.
  • Advised Paladin Energy Ltd in respect of its A$215 million equity raise to fund the restart of the globally significant Langer Heinrich Mine in Namibia.
  • Advised Clean Energy Finance Corporation in relation to its subscription for green mezzanine notes under a securitisation warehouse sponsored by Taurus Motor Finance.

Dentons

Stanley Mok leads Dentons' securitisation offering from Sydney, acting for banks and originators. The team is experienced in green term securitisation transactions, warehouse facilities, and auto loans, as well as in supporting clients through first-time securitisation transactions. Eugene Ng and Lachlan Roots are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Stanley Mok


Other key lawyers:

Lachlan Roots; Eugene Ng


Key clients

OurMoneyMarket Holdings Pty Ltd


ORDE Financial Pty Ltd


Moneytech Finance Pty Ltd


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


National Australia Bank Limited


Butn Limited


Westpac Banking Corporation


FairGo Finance


Eticore SD Pty Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised OurMoneyMarket Holdings Pty Ltd on a new warehouse facility provided by ING Bank (Australia) Limited.
  • Advised National Australia Bank Limited on the inaugural capital markets term securitisation transaction involving personal loans, renewable energy loans and renewable energy buy-now-pay-later originated by Plenti Finance Pty Limited.
  • Advised ORDE Financial Pty Ltd on a new warehouse facility provided by Macquarie Bank Limited and Realm Investment House.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper‘s equity capital markets offering has notable expertise in cross-border transactions, specifically in advising US companies in Australia. The team operates across Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney (where team head David Ryan is based), and works closely with the firm’s Singapore team, particularly in offering convertible bond deals to clients. Industry specialisms include energy and natural resources, technology and life sciences. Kelly Morrison, in Brisbane, is another recommended team member.

Practice head(s):

David Ryan


Other key lawyers:

Kelly Morrison


Testimonials

‘Strong legal knowledge in respect of equity raisings coupled with very pragmatic advice and a no nonsense approach.’

‘Knowledgeable, personable and approachable.’

‘The DLA team deliver global legal solutions that take into consideration our commercial priorities, and are responsive and easy to work with. They understand our business, our industry and the environment in which we operate, and are our trusted advisor.’

‘The team is collaborative, proactive, responsive and delivers commercial legal advice. Kelly Morrison goes above and beyond to meet our deadlines and is technically excellent.’

Key clients

Nickel Industries Limited


Lionheart III Corp


Playup Limited


Canaccord Genuity Australia Limited


Life360 Inc.


Trajan Group Holdings Limited


MA Moelis Australia Advisory Pty Ltd (and others)


Zip Co Limited


Althea Group Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Nickel Industries Limited in its USD471m equity raise, comprising a USD185m fully underwritten institutional placement, a non-underwritten USD20m SPP offer to eligible shareholders, and non-underwritten conditional placements totalling USD286m to associated entities of Nickel Industries Limited.
  • Advised Lionheart III Corp, a NASDAQ-listed special purpose acquisition company, on its USD360m de-SPAC transaction with Australia-listed Security Matters Limited (SMX) to take SMX public on the NASDAQ Stock Market.
  • Advised Playup Limited, an Australian public company and global online betting operator, on its proposed de-SPAC business combination to take PlayUp public on NASDAQ, valuing PlayUp at USD350m.

Gilbert + Tobin

The ‘experienced‘ capital markets team at Gilbert + Tobin is ‘well managed‘ by Sydney-based team leads Peter Cook, who heads equity capital markets practice, and Louise McCoach, who heads the debt capital markets offering. Cook’s equity team is experienced in secondary raisings, institutional placements and rights offers alongside IPOs; Adam D’Anderti, also in Sydney, and Sarah Turner, in Perth, are key members of the team. The debt group advises on securitisation transactions and issuances on both the domestic and US debt capital markets. McCoach is an expert in bespoke deals, while Alastair Corrigall is also a noted member of the team in Sydney.

Practice head(s):

Peter Cook; Louise McCoach


Other key lawyers:

Adam D’Anderti; Sarah Turner; Alastair Corrigall; Callum Fleming


Testimonials

‘Experienced, well managed team. Work is accurate and well researched.’

‘Sarah Turner is easy to access, and has great knowledge on the subject matter.’

‘Callum Flemming does good research and keeps all parties informed. Work quality is outstanding.’

Key clients

RBC Capital Markets


Goldman Sachs


Barrenjoey


Macquarie


UBS Securities Limited


Crescent Capital Partners


Imdex Limited


Euroz Hartleys Limited


De Grey Mining


Altamin


BCI Minerals


Sandfire Resources


Orica


OMNI Bridgeway


Telstra Corporation


National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation


Enerflex Limited


Citibank


Barclays


Work highlights


  • Advised RBC Capital Markets and UBS Securities Limited as the joint lead managers, bookrunners and underwriters of toll-road operator Atlas Arteria’s landmark $3.1 billion entitlement offer to purchase a majority interest in Skyway Concession Company.
  • Advised Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and UBS as joint lead managers and underwriters on carsales.com’s $1.2 billion ANREO to fund its acquisition of the remaining 51% interest in Trader Interactive.
  • Advised the lenders to Blackstone on the acquisition facilities to finance the circa A$8.9 billion acquisition of the shares in the Crown Group by way of scheme of arrangement.

Hamilton Locke

Shaun Hardcastle leads the 'excellent' equity capital markets team at Hamilton Locke, which 'frequently goes above and beyond', from Perth. Hardcastle specialises in corporate, commercial and securities law, with sector expertise that takes in technology, energy, and mining. Other notable contacts are Deanna Carpenter, who is particularly skilled in both essential capital raisings and wider corporate advisory matters, and Jeremy Newman. With additional bases in Sydney and Brisbane, the team supports both domestic and international clients.

Practice head(s):

Shaun Hardcastle


Other key lawyers:

Deanna Carpenter; Jeremy Newman


Testimonials

‘Hamilton Locke is very commercial, discerning the key problems and solutions prior to the actual problem arising. Capability is unparalleled.’

‘The team of Shaun Hardcastle, Deanna Carpenter and Jeremy Newman is excellent and frequently goes above and beyond what is required in the scope of normal legal matters. Always contactable and engaging, and deliver out-of-the-box solutions to issues as they arise.’

‘The firm is dynamic, approachable and cost effective. Hamilton Locke has an excellent understanding of the Corporations Act and ASX listing rules. The partners are always available for clients and advice is provided on time and on or below budget.’

Key clients

Critical Resources Limited


Cygnus Metals Limited (previously Cygnus Gold Limited)


Greenwing Resources Limited


Bellevue Gold Limited


Chalice Mining Limited


Cettire Limited


K-TIG Limited


Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited


Macquarie Capital (Australia) Ltd


Argonaut Securities Pty Ltd


Euroz Hartleys Limited


Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited


Predictive Discovery Limited


Allegiance Coal Limited


Morgans Corporate Limited


Calidus Resources Limited


Armour Energy Limited


Avecho Biotechnology Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Bellevue Gold on its $60 million placement and $25 million share purchase plan.
  • Advised Cygnus Gold Ltd regarding its circa $6.3 million placement, utilising the ‘flow-through shares’ provisions under Canadian tax law.
  • Advised Greenwing Resources Limited regarding its reception of investment by Nio Inc. (through its subsidiary Blue Northstar Limited) through a $12 million placement.

Herbert Smith Freehills

With bases across the country, the Herbert Smith Freehills capital markets team covers the full gamut of debt, equity and securitisation matters. Co-led from Sydney and Melbourne, respectively, by Philippa Stone and Michael Ziegelaar, who has particular experience in cross-border work, the equity capital markets team acts for both issuers and underwriters, advising on IPOs and share purchase plans, among other matters. Melbourne-based Tim McEwan and Philip Hart in Sydney are also notable equity team members. Patrick Lowden leads the debt capital markets offering from Sydney, where, alongside executive counsel Josie Essery, he acts for banks, investment banks and corporates on structured finance, corporate and acquisition financing, and restructuring transactions. Andrew Booth is also a high-profile figure in Melbourne.

Practice head(s):

Philippa Stone; Michael Ziegelaar; Andrew Booth; Patrick Lowden


Other key lawyers:

Tim McEwan; Philip Hart; Josie Essery


Key clients

Commonwealth Bank of Australia


Ryman Healthcare Limited


Air New Zealand Limited


Barrenjoey Markets Pty Limited


Macquarie Capital (Australia) Limited


Westpac Institutional Bank


ANZ Securities Limited


Morgans Financial Limited


National Australia Bank Limited


Ord Minnett Limited


Shaw and Partners Limited


UBS AG, Australia Branch


E&P Corporate Advisory Limited


Morgan Stanley Australia Securities Limited


Shaw and Partners Limited


Citigroup Global Markets Australia Pt Limited


EP Corporate Advisory Pty Limited


Goldman Sachs Australia Pty Limited


J.P. Morgan Securities Australia Limited


Euroz Hartleys Limited


Merrill Lynch Equities (Australia) Limited


Jarden Australia Pty Limited


Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited


EQT Holdings Limited


Integral Diagnostics Limited


Australian Unity Funds Management Limited


Tulla Resources PLC


New Zealand Oil & Gas Limited


Ampol Limited


Vicinity Centres


Seven Group Holdings Limited


Applied Electric Vehicles


Carbon Revolution


Johnson Winter Slattery

The equity capital markets team at Johnson Winter Slattery acts out of the firm’s offices across the country, led by Perth-based Paul Vinci. Offering expertise across the energy and resources, infrastructure, life sciences, financial services and technology sectors, the team is particularly strong in matters involving US domiciled issuers accessing Australian markets – an area in which Sydney-based James Rozsa specialises. Also in Sydney, Clare Brown is experienced in public offerings and secondary capital raisings, including multi-jurisdictional matters. Special counsel Andrew Ricciardi has a notable focus on clients in the rare earths space, working out of Perth.

Practice head(s):

Paul Vinci


Other key lawyers:

John Keeves; James Rozsa; Clare Brown; Andrew Ricciardi


Key clients

EBR Systems, Inc.


Cooper Energy Limited


Bionomics Limited


Arafura Rare Earths Ltd


Imricor Medical Systems, Inc.


StraxCorp Pty Ltd / CurveBeam AI Limited


Visioneering Technologies. Inc.


ImpediMed Limited


Rubric Capital Management LP.


Work highlights


  • Advised Cooper Energy Limited on a fully underwritten A$244 million equity raising comprising an A$84 million placement and a A$160 million accelerated entitlement offer.
  • Advising ImpediMed Limited on its private placement to new and existing sophisticated and professional investors and share purchase plan raising a total of $25 million.
  • Advised CurveBeam AI Limited on its pre-IPO convertible note financing, raising $25 million, with Bell Potter and Lodge Partners as joint lead managers.

King & Wood Mallesons

Excellent lawyers with strong subject matter expertise’, the King & Wood Mallesons capital markets team supports clients including major banks and financial institutions, leveraging the firm’s global presence along with its national bases in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. David Friedlander leads the equity capital markets team, acting for both issuers and underwriters across a wide range of sectors. Henrik Moritz and Amanda Isouard (who made partner in July 2022) are also recommended in the equity capital markets space. The firm’s debt capital markets offering is led by Melbourne-based Ian Paterson, who acts alongside Philip Harvey and special counsel Angela Chung to advise both domestic and international banks and corporates. Paul Smith heads the securitisation team, notably advising new entrants in the fintech space, an area where Ian Edmonds-Wilson specialises. All team members are based in Sydney, unless otherwise noted. Jo Dodd moved to Corrs Chambers Westgarth in February 2024.

Practice head(s):

David Friedlander; Ian Paterson; Paul Smith


Other key lawyers:

Philip Harvey; Ian Edmonds-Wilson; Angela Chung; Henrik Moritz; Amanda Isouard; Joseph Muraca; Jack Hill


Testimonials

‘KWM’s debt team is second to none in the Australian region. The team is able to understand complex issues and find practical solutions. They are strong subject matter experts with an in-depth understanding of the relevant legal issues. They are often at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions to commercial issues. As a team, they are very responsive and provide a strong relationship model.’

‘Ian Paterson is a leader in this space, especially complex debt and capital issues. He is able to bring an understanding of the legal, regulatory and commercial pressures to the table and find commercial solutions. He is also accessible and has developed a strong relationship with our business.’

‘Ian Paterson is the standout partner, with deep regulatory capital experience.’

Key clients

Macquarie


Transurban


The Star Entertainment Group


ANZ Banking Group Limited


Latrobe Financial


Suncorp Group Limited


IAG Limited


National Australia Bank


Pepper Money


Bank of Queensland


Firstmac


Atlas Arteria


Bendigo and Adelaide Bank


Work highlights


  • Advised ANZ on itsA$1.5 billion issue to retail investors of Capital Notes 8 and the associated redemption of Capital Notes 3.
  • Advised Atlas Arteria on its entitlement offer of new stapled securities to raise approximately A$3.1 billion.
  • Advised ANZ on its A$1.28 billion issue to retail investors of Capital Notes 7 and the associated redemption of Capital Notes 2.

Maddocks

Maddocks’ equity capital markets team is noted for its technology sector expertise; it is experienced in a range of IPO and capital raising work for clients in this industry, including cross-border matters. Catherine Merity - ‘an exceptional attorney, with an extraordinary grasp of the inner working of the ASX’ - leads the team in Sydney. Rosamond Sayer is another key contact in the team, advising lead managers.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Merity


Other key lawyers:

Rosamond Sayer; Suzette Caldaroni


Testimonials

‘Catherine Merity and Rosamond Sayer both have deep knowledge of the working of the ASX, as well as broad knowledge related to corporate activities in general. We highly recommend them both and would be pleased to work with them in all things Australian.’

‘Catherine Merity is an exceptional attorney, with an extraordinary grasp of the inner working of the ASX. She has great integrity, which provides a balance against the boundaries that most companies like to press. Additionally, she is diplomatic and responsive.’

‘A lovely team to deal with – they are responsive and eager to assist.’

Key clients

Pivotal Systems Corporation


Revasum, Inc


SRJ Technologies Group PLC


Atomos Limited


IMEXHS Limited


Swoop Holdings Limited


Morgans Corporate Limited


Nightingale Intelligent Systems, Inc


Audinate Group Limited


Maas Group Holdings Limited


PSC Insurance Group Limited


MA Moelis Australia Limited


Shaw and Partners Ltd


Acusensus Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Acusensus Limited on all aspects of its successful IPO and ASX listing, raising $20 million.
  • Advised Nightingale Intelligent Systems on its successful IPO and listing on the ASX as part of its global expansion strategy to disrupt the physical security market with automation technologies.
  • Advised Pivotal Systems Corporation on its accelerated non-renounceable entitlement offer to raise approximately $14.8 million.

McCullough Robertson

The Brisbane-based corporate team at McCullough Robertson is led by Reece Walker, a specialist in the life sciences, technology and telecoms sectors. The team also supports clients across the construction and engineering, transport and logistics, and resources and renewables industries, with a specific focus on assisting founders seeking capital raising advice at both the start-up and expansion capital phases. Ben Wood has particular expertise regarding financial services clients, while special counsel Naomi Omundson advises clients across Australia and the US with a notable emphasis on the life sciences sector.

Practice head(s):

Reece Walker


Other key lawyers:

Ben Wood; Aaron Dahl; Naomi Omundson


Testimonials

‘All dealings with McCullough Robertson equity capital markets practice have been commercially pragmatic, high quality and cost effective. The team generally communicates well and seeks practical solutions to challenges.’

‘Reece Walker is a great leader and highly experienced lawyer with a common-sense and practical approach to issues. Highly responsive and thinks holistically.’

‘Ben Wood communicates and explains things well and is very competent. Very client focused and practical in the application of legal issues.’

Key clients

LGI Limited


SOCO Corporation Limited


Imugene Limited


Prescient Therapeutics Limited


Chimeric Therapeutics Limited


Radiopharm Theranostics Limited


Implicit Bioscience Limited


Bell Potter Securities Limited and Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited


Diatreme Resources Limited


Group 6 Metals Limited


KGL Resources Limited


ECP Emerging Growth Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised LGI Limited in relation to its successful $25 million IPO, which resulted in a market cap of $130 million.
  • Assisted Imugene Limited in raising funds to provide an extended runway for Imugene’s deep pipeline of clinical programmes.
  • Assisted Prescient Therapeutics in raising funds to be used by PTX to progress its deep pipeline of innovative cancer therapies, namely the ongoing clinical development of its targeted therapies PTX-100 and PTX-200 and progressing its innovative cell therapies towards first-in-human clinical studies.

Mills Oakley

Iain Laughland heads the Mills Oakley team from Sydney, although it also reaches across Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane, acting for clients across the spectrum of large, mid-market and small-cap issuers. With an emphasis on the technology and health sciences sectors, the team has notable experience in advising New Zealand-based companies on ASX listings. Lynda Reid has expertise in the financial services and healthcare sectors, acting for a number of listed investment companies.

Practice head(s):

Iain Laughland


Other key lawyers:

Lynda Reid


Testimonials

‘The individuals have an extremely good understanding of the law, but are commercial in the way they communicate legal concepts.’

‘This team is very agile and flexible – capable of acting as project manager and managing different service providers (including lawyers) across different countries to ensure everything is done properly and on time.’

‘The team has the ability to understand our business from a unit economics perspective and also an operational one.’

‘One particular partner I worked with is worth mentioning: Iain Laughland. I worked extensively with him and he was always keen to adapt to the issue at hand (whether in terms of billing, workflow or otherwise) and always had a strong business sense – it was very helpful to get his insights and opinions about other similar transactions and hear potential solutions he could come up with given his extensive background and knowledge.’

‘Our key interaction is with Iain Laughland, who is very capable and knowledgeable in the areas Mills Oakley advise us on. This is largely in the corporate listed company space. Mills Oakley appear to be cost effective and capable which stands them apart from larger, and more well-known, legal firms.’

‘Very proactive, responsive, collaborative, knowledgeable and reasonable when it comes to time and effort.’

‘Availability is exceptional and the team is a good sounding board/advisor.’

Key clients

Pacific Edge Limited


Australian Pacific Coal Limited


Li-S Energy Limited


My Food Bag Limited


Tissue Repair Limited


BCAL Diagnostics Limited


Pathify Holdings Inc.


Aroa Biosurgery Limited


Forbidden Foods Limited


WAM Active Limited


WAM Global Limited


ELMO Software Limited


Volpara Health Technologies Limited


TASK Group Holdings Limited


Payright Limited


Metallica Minerals Limited


Magnetite Mines Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for ASX-listed Australian Pacific Coal Limited on its A$100 million rights issue to support the re-commissioning of the Dartbrook coal mine in New South Wales.
  • Acted for US-based ed-tech company Pathify Holdings Inc. on its IPO and proposed ASX listing of CHESS Depository Interests (CDIs).
  • Acted as Australian legal counsel to TASK Group Holdings Limited on the migration of its primary listing from the NZX to the ASX.

Minter Ellison

The equity capital markets team at Minter Ellison is led by Daniel Scotti (from Sydney) and James Hutton (from Melbourne); Scotti has extensive experience working with energy sector clients, while Hutton is the firm’s life sciences industry leader. The team supports clients through a range of equity and hybrid capital raisings, including IPOs, placements and share purchase plans. Sydney-based John Elias heads the debt capital markets and securitisation teams, specialising in structured finance and structured credit products for financial institutions and corporate clients alike.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Scotti; James Hutton; John Elias


Testimonials

‘John Elias is outstanding. When explaining an issue or problem he will work through it and present solutions.’

‘The team stands out for the skill set and reliability of the people.’

Key clients

Mesoblast Limited


PolyNovo Limited


Accrue Therapeutics Pty Ltd


Brandon Capital


Aravax Pty Ltd


Ginkgo Bioworks


Medical Developments Limited


BWX Limited


Mayne Pharma Group Limited


Cenntro Electric Group Limited


Electro Optics Systems Holdings Limited


Netlinkz Ltd


Suncorp Corporate Services Pty Ltd


Atrium Investment Management


Challenger Life Company Limited


Insight Investment and Aquasia


Resi Wholesale Funding Pty Limited


Nissan


Norton Rose Fulbright

The Norton Rose Fulbright capital markets team is made up of lawyers with ‘global experience’ providing ‘advice of the highest standard’. James Morris, who is praised for his ‘broad knowledge’ and ‘solutions focused‘ approach, heads the debt capital markets practice in Sydney, which counts green bonds among its areas of increasing expertise, and also has experience in a range of debt issuance programmes. The equity capital markets team is headed by Jeremy Wickens in Melbourne, who is noted for his expertise in matters involving crypto-assets. The team is particularly active in cross-border work and supports clients across the energy and resources and financial services sectors. Sydney-based Alex Mufford leads the securitisation offering, with experience in warehouse securitisations involving green bonds. Vittorio Casamento heads the derivatives practice from Sydney.

Practice head(s):

James Morris; Jeremy Wickens; Alex Mufford; Vittorio Casamento


Other key lawyers:

Scott Millar; Justin Goushas


Testimonials

‘The deal team at Norton Rose Fulbright demonstrated strong knowledge and experience in debt capital markets and provided well-measured advice and recommendations, keeping the end customer and successful business outcome front of mind.’

‘The team demonstrated a strong working relationship with multiple involved parties (both joint lead relationships as well as the end client). The team was well led by James Morris who provided regular updates and deal management of legal aspects and issues. Strong support was also provided by Justin Goushas.’

‘James Morris is the go-to partner. James is attuned to the market, having a very broad knowledge, identifies key issues quickly and assists with sound practical advice.’

Key clients

Commonwealth Bank of Australia


National Australia Bank


The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)


Citigroup Global Markets Limited


Macquarie Group


Stanmore Resources Limited (Stanmore)


Sumitomo Chemical Company


777 Partners


Australian Ethical


3iQ


Ampol


Tasman Environmental Markets


ING Bank


Jefferies Financial Services


BNY Mellon


Work highlights


  • Acted for Commonwealth Bank of Australia and National Australia Bank Limited, as joint arrangers and joint lead managers, in relation to the launch of the University of Tasmania’s debt issuance programme and the successful issuance of A$350 million green bonds under that programme.
  • Advised Scotiabank, as issuer, on the update of its CAD100 billion global registered covered bond programme and the successful issuance of A$1 billion floating rate covered bonds under that programme.
  • Acted as Australian counsel to Citi in respect of the update of EEA’s EUR20 billion debt issuance programme.

Sidley Austin

Sidley Austin‘s Sydney-based capital markets team sits within the firm’s wider capital markets practice, with bases across Europe, Asia and the US, and has a subsequent focus on multi-jurisdictional work, providing US (and England and Wales) legal advice to Australian and New Zealand clients. Mimma Barila leads the team, with experience representing underwriters and issuers – particularly corporate entities and financial institutions. Barila is supported by Bruce Dailey, who is an expert in private placement debt transactions.

Practice head(s):

Mimma Barila


Other key lawyers:

Bruce Dailey


Testimonials

‘The Sidley Austin team are the best in market for USPP issuances out of Australia.’

‘Bruce Dailey is the go-to lawyer for any Australian-based company looking to issue into the USPP market. He knows all the key players in the US market very well and provides highly commercial and pragmatic advice. He cuts to the issues quickly and has helped us work through some highly complex matters.’

Key clients

Goodman Group


CSL Limited


Carsales.com


Air New Zealand


University of Melbourne


Abacus Property Group


Ryan Healthcare


Jervois Global


Orica


Tabcorp Holdings


Canberra Data Centres


University of Melbourne


Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure


Arc Infrastructure


Aurizon Holdings


ALS Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Goodman Property Services Pty Limited, a specialist global industrial property group, on the first sustainability-linked 144A bond by an Australian issuer.
  • Advised CSL Finance Plc, a leading global biotech company, in connection with its Rule 144A/Regulation S senior notes offering, which raised US$4 billion to help fund the client’s $16.4 billion acquisition of Vifor Pharmer.
  • Advised Atlas Arteria Limited and Atlas Arteria International Limited, a global owner, operator and developer of toll roads, on their equity entitlement offer and placement of A$3 billion of ordinary shares pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933.

Thomson Geer

The equity capital markets offering from Thomson Geer advises a range of clients across the energy and resources, healthcare and construction sectors. Sydney-based Sanushka Seomangal is experienced in public and private equity and debt fundraising, while in Brisbane, Matthew Reynolds specialises in the technology sector and Emma Cook is particularly strong in heavily regulated areas.

Other key lawyers:

David Schiavello; Scott Gibson; Emma Cook; Matthew Reynolds; Sanushka Seomangal


Testimonials

‘The team provided strong leadership and a willingness to deal with difficult issues during the capital raising including managing the relationship with regulators.’

‘The team stands out for the leadership, integrity and strength of character of Sanushka Seomangal.’

‘Very commercial, pragmatic, focused on practical outcomes for clients, ability to work cross-border, and value for money relative to larger law firms.’

‘The people are very responsive and capable.’

‘A first-class team to deal with.’

‘Extremely diligent and commercially savvy. Always provide a practical solution.’

‘The team goes above and beyond. Will work through the most difficult situations.’

‘Sanushka Seomangal is very hands-on and always available. Extremely competent, professional and comfortable working on cross-border transactions. Importantly, she is highly creative and develops pragmatic solutions to issues raised by regulators.’

Key clients

Chrysos Corporation


Domino’s Pizza Enterprises


Piedmont Lithium


Red Dirt Metals


Genesis Minerals


Incannex Healthcare


Microba Life Sciences


Kalium Lakes


Southern Palladium


Advanced Recycling Victoria


Work highlights


  • Advising Genesis Minerals Ltd on a A$275 million capital raising, as part of its plan to acquire assets from mining neighbour St Barbara Ltd.
  • Advised Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd on a A$165 million capital raising to acquire the minority interest in its German joint venture and reduce debt.
  • Advised Close the Loop Ltd on raising A$45 million through an institutional placement to help fund its US$66 million acquisition of US companies ISP Tek Services LLC and Captive Trade Corp.