Allens combines a broad public M&A offering, with strong expertise across financial services, resources and other key sectors, with an active private equity practice, advising a number of key international buyout funds including Cerberus and GIC. The team is led by Tom Story and Melbourne’s Mark Malinas, who remain heavily involved in big-ticket transactions, particularly those involving private equity issues, including notable unsolicited takeover offers. Guy Alexander closed a number of high-value transactions and rights issuances during 2020, while Vijay Cugati has played a key role in advising ASX100 companies at board level, including on takeover proposals. The highly experienced Richard Kriedemann has a strong focus on public takeovers and schemes of arrangement. Emin Altiparmak in Melbourne specialises in private equity work, and has advised KKR on a number of investments, and Noah Obradovic is also a key relationship lead for many of the firm’s major PE clients. Lawyers are in Sydney unless otherwise stated.
Corporate and M&A in Australia
Allens
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Guy Alexander; Emin Altiparmak; Noah Obradovic; Vijay Cugati; Richard Kriedemann
Testimonials
‘The Corporate team consistently demonstrate their expertise through practical, commercial and market referenced advice and solutions to often complex issues. They have demonstrated their strength in collaboration with their property colleagues approaching their matter handling as one team, leveraging the expertise of others for the best outcome of their client.’
‘Mark Malinas – very personable and commercial. Great technical skills and an excellent knowledge of how M&A deals work.’
‘Emin Altiparmak – really good to work with and excellent with clients.’
‘Tom Story – really knowledgeable and great technical skills. Really good with difficult clients.’
‘Quality of individuals at all levels of the Corporate practice and across different offices. Very smart people but also really good people skills and generally a pleasure to work with on M&A deals.’
Key clients
Madison Dearborn Partners
QIC
Vocus Group
BGH Capital
Zimmermann Laureate Education
Pacific Equity Partners
TA Associates
Global Infrastructure Partners
BP International Ltd
Zenith Energy Limited
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
Unispace
Cerberus Capital Management
Village Roadshow Corporation
Charter Hall Group
Westpac Banking Corporation
Santos
Hg Capital
Work highlights
- Advised BGH Capital on the acquisition of Healius’ medical centres and dental clinics businesses for A$500m.
- Advised Vocus on a Scheme of Arrangement for its purchase by a consortium led by Macquarie Infrastructure.
- Advising QIC on the establishment of a A$5bn fund for the State of Queensland.
Gilbert + Tobin
Gilbert + Tobin maintains its powerhouse reputation within the transactional market, working with blue-chip corporate clients and major private equity houses on high-value M&A and investments, with a particularly strong track record in Australian private equity buyouts. The team is led by Costas Condoleon, a specialist in large-scale strategic M&A and securities transactions, and Melbourne’s Neil Pathak , who advises on deals in a variety of industries, with heavy involvement in cross-border work. Peter Cook is an experienced figure with a strong record in private equity buyouts and advice to financial services clients. Rachael Bassil is heavily involved in corporate and private equity transactions, including market-leading deals, while Melbourne-based Susannah Macknay is noted for her work on equity capital markets and corporate governance matters. Lawyers are in Sydney unless otherwise stated.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Exceptional technical skills. Very commercial, always had a partner on hand, available at short notice, great communication. Excellent management of matter across teams and firms, really good to work with culturally.‘
Key clients
Westpac Banking Corporation
Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets & Aware Super
KKR
Quadrant Private Equity
Infigen Energy
PowAR consortium (QIC, Future Fund, AGL)
The Carlyle Group
ARA Group
Federation Mining
Cleanaway
QuadPay
L Catterton
SG Fleet
Adamantem Capital
IFM Investors
APN Property Group
Pacific Equity Partners
Crescent Capital Partners
Telstra
Work highlights
- Advising KKR on the proposed acquisition of a 55% interest in Colonial First State (CFS) and establishment of a joint venture with Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
- Advised Infigen Energy on the successful recommended takeover by Iberdrola, S.A.
- Advised Cleanaway Waste Management Limited on the proposed $2.52bn acquisition of Suez Groupe’s recycling and recovery business in Australia.
Herbert Smith Freehills
Herbert Smith Freehills combines strong cross-border M&A work for a number of high-profile domestic and international companies with an active private equity practice, working with major funds on large-scale investments. The firm has a strong record in public M&A, and regularly handles business-critical transactions with complex regulatory and multi-jurisdictional elements. The experienced team is led by Carolyn Pugsley and includes key players Tony Damian, an expert in listed company takeovers and mergers, including unsolicited offers and board-level advice; Baden Furphy who remains highly active across major public M&A and complex demergers; and Rodd Levy, a senior practitioner with strong capabilities across takeovers and schemes of arrangement. Rebecca Maslen-Stannage is now the firm’s global chair, and has remained active in complex international deals, many in highly regulated sectors. Philippa Stone is another active dealmaker, combining public M&A and equity capital markets expertise. All lawyers mentioned are in Sydney.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Maslen-Stannage; Rodd Levy; Tony Damian; Baden Furphy; Philippa Stone
King & Wood Mallesons
King & Wood Mallesons remains an active player in top-end M&A, private equity deals and capital markets transactions, with particular strength in the financial services, healthcare and technology sectors. The firm works with a number of blue-chip clients, including listed companies, international investors, and private equity funds. The team is led by Sydney-based Evie Bruce and private equity head Mark McNamara, and Melbourne’s Renae Lattey. Jason Watts is an active dealmaker with a strong track record in a number of sectors, while David Friedlander plays a leading role in public M&A and capital markets work. Meredith Paynter has advised on business-critical strategic acquisitions, while Peter Stirling handles a combination of public and private M&A. Nicola Charlston continues to be active in landmark healthcare, telecoms and financial services deals, while Henrik Moritz is also noted for his emerging practice, acting as a key relationship partner to standout private equity clients. Senior associate Jennifer Cheung is a key contributor to the transactional team, playing a leading role on several major deals.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Jason Watts; David Friedlander; Meredith Paynter; Peter Stirling; Nicola Charlston; Henrik Moritz; Jennifer Cheung
Testimonials
‘The team, led by Mark McNamara, is involved in the biggest, most complex deals in the market and therefore are at the forefront of corporate law in Australia. As well as having very strong technical skills at all levels, they have demonstrated a level of commerciality that I have not seen from any other top tier law firm. In my view, they are the best team in the market.’
‘Mark McNamara – In my view, the best corporate M&A lawyer in Australia – highly experienced, incredibly responsive, able to push points in commercial negotiations, and above all highly commercial and what can be described as a true trusted adviser.’
‘KWM has great breadth and depth of expertise and works quite seamlessly across states. They spend time to understand your business and deliver value-adds above and beyond matters.’
‘Jason Watts – An exceptional practitioner in M&A and Corporate – very good communicator, technically excellent and unflappable.’
‘Nicola Charlston is a stand out partner providing excellent commercial advice and outstanding client service. Highly recommend her and her team.’
‘Nicola Charlston – excellent commercial advice and outstanding client service.’
‘The KWM team is overall fantastic – they go above and beyond.’
‘Peter Stirling – superb, practical, reliable, responsive.’
Key clients
AATS Co Pty Ltd
Accenture
Affinity Equity Partners
Amaysim
AMP
Atlas Arteria
Aurizon
Australia Post
Apax partners
Australian Unity Limited
BGH Capital Pty Ltd and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
Brookfield Business Partners
Brookfield Capital Partners
Campbell Soup Company
Champ Private Equity
Clean Energy Finance Corporation
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
EMR Capital
EQT
Etex NV
Goldcorp
United Malt Group Limited
Investec
IOOF
IRESS Limited
KKR
Lion Pty Ltd
Lynas Corporation Ltd
Macquarie
Mercury Capital Investments
National Australia Bank
Navis Capital
Newmont Gold Corporation
OPTrust
PAG Asia Capital
QPE
QSuper
Starwood Capital
Style Capital
Suncorp
The Growth Fund
Telstra
Transurban
Verra Mobility
Westpac
Vista Equity Partners
Zurich Financial Services Australia Limited
Work highlights
- Advising National Australia Bank on the strategic divestment of its financial advice, superannuation and platforms, and asset management businesses (trading under the MLC Wealth brand and other brands) to IOOF.
- Advised AMP Limited on the sale of its Australian and New Zealand wealth protection and mature life insurance business to global insurance group, Resolution Life.
- Advised EQT Infrastructure on its public to private acquisition (by scheme of arrangement) of Metlifecare in New Zealand.
Ashurst
Ashurst works with an array of household-name corporates on major public M&A, working effectively on cross-border deals in collaboration with its global teams. The team also works with major private equity clients and investment funds on buyouts and investments, and has strong sector focuses including the real estate, financial services and resources industries. The team is led by Melbourne’s John Brewster, who advises on large-scale public and private M&A mandates, active dealmaker Anton Harris and Mark Stanbridge , who leads on the firm’s largest private equity transactions. Phil Breden remains a key player, working with blue-chip clients on major strategic deals, while Perth’s Antonella Pacitti is noted for her combination of transactional and board-level advice. Andrew Kim was promoted to partner in late 2020. Lawyers are in Sydney unless otherwise stated.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Breadth and depth of their experience and talent. A top flight law firm providing a top flight service.’
‘John Brewster is an excellent M&A lawyer. He is able to get to the core of the issue and provides advice in a calm and measured manner.’
‘We trust Ashurst with our most complicated legal requirements and they always deliver great results.’
‘Phil Breden is a stand out partner who leads a team of dedicated associates.’
‘Ashurst has a strong corporate franchise in Perth. A strong understanding of the resources sector combined with a market leading corporate M&A skill set position Ashurst to participate in many of the major transactions centred in Perth.’
‘Roger Davies has a commanding position in Perth amongst corporate and M&A lawyers, which is thoroughly deserved. With the assistance of his team, he strikes the right balance of conservatism and commerciality, while remaining good natured and friendly even under pressure.’
Key clients
Allegro Funds
ANZ
Auscred (Lendi)
Automotive Holdings Group
Barclays PLC
Blackstone Group
Deterra Royalties
Downer EDI
DW Healthcare Partners V, LP
HOCHTIEF AG
Infrastructure Capital Group
Mortgage Choice Ltd
Macquarie Group
Northern Star Resources
Mortgage Choice Ltd
Tilt Renewables
Woolworths Group Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Woolworths Group Limited on the proposed A$12bn separation of its retail drinks and hospitality business to create an independent ASX-listed company, Endeavour Group Limited.
- Advised Northern Star Resources Ltd on its A$16bn merger with Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd. The merger was implemented by way of a members’ scheme of arrangement under which Northern Star acquired all of the shares in Saracen.
- Advised Lendi on its merger with CBA’s Aussie Home Loans business to create the Lendi Group.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie has extensive experience in cross-border M&A, acting for domestic and international corporates as well as overseas investors from Europe, the US and Asia-Pacific. The team has a blue-chip client base of listed companies, and also acts for financial institutions on major capital markets transactions. The team is led from Melbourne by Richard Lustig, who takes the lead on M&A and has great expertise in working with Japanese companies and investors; Simon De Young, who specialises in private equity transactions; and Lewis Apostolou, who handles corporate transactions and work for funds, particularly domestic superfunds. Kate Jefferson is noted for her Asia-Pacific work and healthcare expertise.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very experienced partner leading a highly motivated and intelligent team of associates. Focused and fast.’
‘Simon De Young is an outstanding counsel, very pragmatic and efficient. His involvement was crucial for breaching gaps during negotiations and closing the deal. Daniel Conti was bright and extremely well organised. His work product was impeccable.’
‘My experience has been simply exceptionally good. I commonly remark that the good service levels are such that you have to wonder why anyone would use anyone else. Essentially that reflects your people and first class value for money. And your turnaround time responding to service requests beats anything I have seen from the legal or accounting professions in my 50 years in dealing with the professions as a professional or as a company director.’
‘Its all about one partner, Richard Lustig. He is simply remarkable, and I tell everyone that too. Richard is the standout, and I am not exaggerating!’
‘The lead partner Simon De Young is always available and has incredibly deep knowledge of our business and related legal and commercial needs. He and the team are a pleasure to work with and we rely on his insight and direction to ensure we deliver what is needed for the business.’
‘Simon is the consummate legal professional. He provides the business with confidence and clarity in a complex environment and does it with composure and an even tempered, balanced approach to the issue whilst providing optionality where possible.’
Key clients
KKR & Co. Inc.
Orora Ltd
HMS Holdings Corp.
Clarus Corporation
PointsBet Holdings Ltd
BizCover
Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.
FAR Ltd
KDB Infrastructure Investments Asset Management (KIAMCO)
White Rock Minerals Ltd
MIRA
Spirit Technology Solutions Ltd
Platinum Equity Advisors LLC (Platinum)
Siemens Mobility
GRA Supply Chain Pty Ltd
Manassen Foods Australia Pty Ltd
LeasePlan Corporation
Yum! Brands Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised KKR on a $4.3bn investment deal in multinational cosmetics and beauty company Coty Inc.
- Advised Orora Limited on entering into a binding agreement to sell its Australasian Fibre Business to a wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Paper Industries Co for A$1.72bn.
- Advised HMS Holdings on the acquisition of Lorica Health.
Clayton Utz
Clayton Utz remains active across listed company M&A, capital markets transactions and private equity investments, working with major names within Australia and internationally. Recent standout work for the team has included big-ticket private equity acquisitions and distressed transactions as an alternative to corporate restructurings. Rory Moriarty leads the team, and is an active player in major domestic and cross-border M&A, private equity transactions and takeovers. Niro Ananda focuses on private equity work and has productive relationships with a number of major US-based buyout funds, while Melbourne’s Andrew Walker has a strong track record in retail and beverage industry deals. Senior associate Johan Pieterz is a key member of the private equity team.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Partners are hands on supported by very capable associates.’
‘Rory Moriarty- Hands on, user friendly, give practical advice and get things done!‘
‘Quality of the corporate team is market leading. They draw on the broader resources of a full service team in a seamless fashion to deliver an excellent customer experience.’
‘Niro Ananda is the unusual combination of having excellent technical legal skills, but is able to apply these with a broader commercial context to solve problems in often quite a creative fashion.’
‘A senior-leaning team who are always available, collaborative and extremely pragmatic in their legal approach.’
‘Niro Ananda is a standout partner who is across all aspects of a deal, and available at any time. When you pay for a partner, you get a partner at Clayton Utz and that means a lot to us.’
‘The work product produced by the CU team is excellent. We often seek their advice on the more complex transaction we are involved in. They also have a wide array of subject matter experts.’
‘Rory Moriarty is to be noted for his around the clock availability and commercial and pragmatic advice on complex matters.‘
Key clients
The Blackstone Group
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Heineken International B.V.
Gebr Knauf KG
Children’s Investment MasterFund and CIFF Capital UK LP (“TCI Funds”)
Uniti Group Limited
Chevron Australian Downstream Pty Ltd
Tyro Payments Limited
Pacific Equity Partners
VVG Holdings LLC
Morgans Corporate Finance
Healthia Limited
Work highlights
- Advising The Blackstone Group on its A$8bn bid for the remaining 90% stake in Crown Resorts.
- Advised Heineken International B.V. on its acquisition of three cider brands and the rights to two beer brands in Australia from Carlton & United Breweries.
- Advised Gebr Knauf on various transactions, including on its $1bn buyout of Boral’s 50% share in the former USG Boral joint venture.
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Corrs Chambers Westgarth made a wave in the market with the hire of a private equity team from Minter Ellison, with Riccardo Casali, Glen Sauer and Chris Allen joining the Sydney office in mid-2021. This has expanded the firm’s domestic and international private equity capabilities, bolstering the practice with existing strong public and private M&A capabilities, particularly within the real estate sector. Practice head Sandy Mak , who continues to advise on market-leading corporate transactions for domestic and global clients alongside major private equity investments, and was recently appointed to the Takeovers Panel. Andrew Lumsden has a strong record in M&A, and also leads the firm’s China desk. Adam Foreman is noted for his work on M&A and private equity investments within the media, real estate and financial services sectors. All lawyers mentioned are in Sydney.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Riccardo Casali; Glen Sauer; Chris Allen; Andrew Lumsden ; Adam Foreman ; Gaynor Tracey ; Philip Catania
Testimonials
‘Corrs exceptional knowledge on technology, intellectual property and cross boarder transactions. Empathy shown to us, the speed and the anticipation of the potential conflicts and provide legal constructs to counter them. We appreciated the diversity in the team and speed.’
‘Philip Catania’s knowledge on the intellectual property on technology beside his leadership.’
‘Strong commercial focus, including forming a clear understanding of the key issues in the transaction. Well structured deal plans that provide certainty and facilitate forward planning within the business.’
‘The team is very professional to work with, with great knowledge and resources to rely on.’
‘We found they are also professional, reliable, transparent, timely communication, and also generally thorough/patient discussion with you from different perspectives.’
‘Commercial approach to problem solving and negotiations. A coordinated and whole of team approach to multi-practice group transactions.’
‘I find the team we deal with at Corrs to be very commercial. They focus on what’s important and understand how best to engage with entrepreneurs and C-level executives.’
‘Gaynor Tracey is an outstanding M&A lawyer. She has wonderful communications skills and deep experience and expertise.’
Key clients
Coca-Cola European Partners plc
Allianz Real Estate GmbH
Elliott Advisers (UK) Ltd
Zoox Inc
ESR Cayman Ltd
Investa Commercial Property Fund and Manulife Financial Corporation
Resource Capital Fund VII LP
Hoover Group Inc.
Medibank Private
NRW Holdings Limited
Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets
The Access Group
Federation Asset Management
QIC
AXA Investment Managers
Brookfield
LaunchVic
Work highlights
- Advised Coca-Cola European Partners on its A$11bn acquisition of Coca-Cola Amatil.
- Advised Equistone Partners Europe Limited on its acquisition of a 50% interest in Ligentia Group Holdings Limited.
- Advised NRW Holdings Limited on its acquisition of Primero Group Limited.
Minter Ellison
Minter Ellison has an active M&A practice, spanning public and private transactions, spin-offs and joint ventures, with the team enjoying productive relationships with a number of ASX-listed clients. The firm also has a notable private equity offering, advising on domestic and international deals for leading funds. Joseph Pace leads the team alongside Constantine Boulougouris, who is an active public and private M&A practitioner who also advises the boards of listed companies on governance and strategy. In Melbourne, the vastly experienced Bart Oude-Vrielink has continued to advise on market-leading transactions for corporates and financial institutions, while managing partner Jeremy Blackshaw has a strong record in cross-border M&A. Shaun Clyne joined from Norton Rose Fulbright in 2020, and advises on cross-border M&A, private equity transactions and international capital markets work. Lawyers are in Sydney unless otherwise stated.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Accurate advice the first time around. Very responsive. Top quality technical knowledge. Great people – friendly and with a sense of humour.’
‘Shaun Clyne’s technical knowledge is outstanding and he balances the black letter law with commerciality.’
‘We have found Minter Ellison to be extremely knowledgeable in all areas of corporate law. ME has provided expert commercial advice delivered always with an overarching focus on client care. Coming from an entrepreneurial background we have greatly valued this corporate knowledge/advice which has helped us navigate some complex situations. Moreover their ability to frame up the requirements and help devise strategy in simple terms is both appreciated and beneficial.‘
‘Shaun Clyne comes with a wealth of corporate knowledge that affords him a very commercial view on all matters legal. He has a strong ability to clearly articulate the key issues in any situation and provide balanced and informed counsel on how best to navigate this.’
Key clients
CIMIC Group
Village Roadshow
Cromwell Property Group
Crown Resorts
Select Harvests
WPP
Ceridian HCM Holding
Steinhoff International/GreenLit Brands
Amplifon S.p.A
Essity Aktiebolag
Centerbridge Partners
Carlyle Group
Livingbridge
Quadrant
Bain Capital
TripADeal
Visy Industries Australia Pty
Work highlights
- Advised CIMIC on its A$2.2bn divestment of a 50% interest in Thiess Pty Ltd to Quarry Services Holdings Ltd, a fund managed by New York investment management firm Elliott Management Corporation.
- Advising on Essity’s take private acquisition of ASX-listed Asaleo Care Limited by way of scheme of arrangement.
- Advised Visy on its A$733m acquisition of Owens-Illinois’ Australian and New Zealand bottle manufacturing operations.
Allen & Overy LLP
Allen & Overy LLP advises on blue-chip public M&A and private equity deals with strong capabilities in the energy and TMT sectors, alongside a successful track record in cross-border transactions, particularly within Asia. The team is led by Aaron Kenavan, who focuses on major corporate transactions across Asia, the Middle East and North America, while Michael Parshall is a senior practitioner with experience in public and private M&A, capital raisings, restructurings and corporate advisory matters. Jamie Palmer leads on the firm’s private equity work, including buyouts and venture capital investments. Lawyers mentioned are in Sydney.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A&O Corporate and M&A has deep experience in high value and complex M&A, is highly responsive and reliable, and offers practical solutions that balance the needs of clients as well as market considerations for transactions. This is a team of high performers with solid experience and practicality.’
‘The Allen & Overy Sydney team provides an exceptional breadth of experience and expertise in the M&A space. The way they can get their minds around complex issues and turn this into concise documentation is a credit to the team. Their understanding of how the M&A space works means you are never caught out. The preparedness to meet deadlines through their allocation of resources is very good.’
‘Jamie Palmer has an exceptional mind and the speed at which he can take in complex situations and find a commercially workable solution is outstanding, whilst at the same time very attentive in listening to the client’s point of view. His intensity when it is required at critical points of a project is a standout feature.’
‘Simone Lowes is a very conscientious, detail orientated team member that is solution orientated, determined to achieve the best outcome for the client along with getting a deal across the line. Is also very helpful after a deal is over when a particular detail comes up.’
‘Comparing this practice to others, it is clear that A&O are extremely experienced and are subject matter experts. Therefore, it is able to use a smaller and more efficient team to provide a better service. The depth of experience at A&O results in being able to provide much strategic advice which has been appreciated.’
‘The individuals are very much hands on and experienced in the specific areas. This means they provide more accurate advice and direction and can create documents faster. They team is also extremely dedicated.’
Key clients
Asahi
IOOF Holdings
Crescent Capital Partners
Pilbara Minerals
Credit Corp Group Limited (Credit Corp)
Verlinvest
Orange Hire
Mitsubishi Materials Corp
Mineral Resources
Osaka Gas
Schroders Investment Management
Mineral Resources Limited
Dexus
Work highlights
- Advised Asahi on its acquisition of Carlton & United Breweries from Anheuser-Busch InBev for A$16bn.
- Advised IOOF on its A$1.44bn acquisition of superannuation and wealth management business MLC Wealth from National Australia Bank.
- Advised Pilbara Minerals on the acquisition of Altura Mining’s lithium operations.
Arnold Bloch Leibler
Arnold Bloch Leibler prioritises high-level corporate transactions, working on a multi-disciplinary basis on complex deals, with particular expertise in cross-border matters in regulated industries, such as the financial services sector. The team also handles shareholder activism issues such as defending against hostile takeovers. The team is led from Melbourne by Jonathan Wenig, who advises public and private clients on M&A, takeovers and wider corporate issues; and Jeremy Leibler, who combines high-profile transactional expertise with standout work on takeovers and shareholder activism. Senior associate Vidushee Deora is an increasingly integral part of the team, handling M&A and capital markets work.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team works with you and takes initiatives rather than waiting for instructions. They build a relationship with you and partner with you and take responsibility.’
‘Christine Fleer is the partner that I worked with and did an excellent job with the legal advice and contributed over and above the legal by assisting with advice on consequences around certain decisions and initiating thought processes and strategy. She kept me ahead of others thinking on the transaction we worked on.’
‘Nimble, responsive and trying to get to a solution for the client.’
Key clients
Members Equity Bank Limited
ARA Asset Management
Nufarm Limited
Hume Partners
Zip Co Limited
Seek Limited
Sleeping Duck
Kogan.com Limited
BGH Capital
Probiotec
Spotlight Group
Delta Drone International Limited
Tom Organic
Work highlights
- Advised ME Bank on the A$1.3bn sale of its business to the Bank of Queensland.
- Advised buy-now-pay-later provider, ASX-listed Zip Co. Limited, in connection with its A$400m acquisition of New York-based QuadPay Inc.
- Advised ARA Asset Management on its circa $500m hostile proportional takeover bid for ASX-listed Cromwell Property Group.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper combines a strong private equity offering with an increasing share of high-value public and private M&A, particularly within the energy and resources sectors, alongside public markets and ECM capabilities. The team is led from Sydney by Grant Koch, who is particularly active within the private equity space, and has secured a number of new major funds clients. In Melbourne, Joel Cox specialises in public M&A, while James Stewart handles M&A and ECM work, with a particular specialism in takeover-related issues.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Corporate and M&A practice is very strong with quality partners and lawyers who are able to deal with large, complex international transactions. The firm is financially integrated so we find it easier to deal with across jurisdictions.’
‘Shane Bilardi from the DLA Corporate and M&A practice is very capable, commercial and strategic. He understands our business and what our objectives are and is able to offer creative solutions.’
‘Very deep knowledge of the data centre market. Strong commercial practice. Very efficient.’
‘Shane Bilardi (Partner) is very commercial. Understands what’s important to his clients, what’s likely to be received well and what will work well in a competitive situation. He has a very good understanding of the data centre industry, was always contactable and was across the detail.’
Key clients
360 Capital
Access Platform Systems
AirTrunk
Arcaris
Alinta Energy
Asahi
Assurant
ATI Global
Banpu Energy Australia
Cox Automotive
Canadian Solar
Downer
Gladstone Ports Corporation
HCL Australia Services Pty Ltd
HKI Biotechnology Limited
Iberdrola, S.A.
Intermediate Capital Group
Link Group
LyondellBasell
mCloud Technologies Corp
Nord Gold
POSCO
Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited
Speedcast International Limited
Washington H. Soul Pattinson
Wipro
Worldline SA/NV
Xero Limited
Zip Co
Work highlights
- Advising advised Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited on its A$16bn merger with Northern Star Resources Limited.
- Advised Worldline on its acquisition of 51% of the merchant acquiring business of ANZ Bank with EV of $925m and related 10 year strategic alliance arrangements.
- Advising Iberdrola on its A$893m takeover of Infigen Energy.
Johnson Winter & Slattery
Johnson Winter & Slattery fields an independent, bespoke transactional team, with strong domestic and international involvement across public M&A, private equity and venture capital deals. The firm enjoys productive relationships with a number of major funds, and has also advised corporate clients on high-profile deals and innovative structures. The team is led by Jeremy Davis, who heads up the corporate M&A offering and advises on a number of cross-border deals, and James Rozsa, who specialises in private equity and venture capital investments. Damian Reichel is an experienced practitioner with expertise across public and private M&A and corporate governance work, and regularly handles complex deal structures. Richard Graham has broad sector expertise, working in key areas such as the IT, telecoms and resources industries. All lawyers mentioned are in Sydney.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Team with broad experience in many sectors with good understanding of the specific industry segment (asset management) and of business. Very practical approach to problems.’
‘Jeremy Davis, partner, is very practical, goal oriented lawyer and a straight shooter in negotiation.’
‘Damian Reichel: Direct, fearless, persuasive, contrarian.’
Key clients
AB InBev/ Carlton & United Breweries
Blackmores Limited
Liquefied Natural Gas Limited
Virgin Group
Flight Centre Travel Group
The a2 Milk Company
Aspire 42 Group
Novo Resources Corp.
Macmahon Holdings Ltd
Beach Energy Limited
Tantalus Media
Veritas Capital
Lineage Logistics
Liverpool Partners Group
Potentia Capital
Employment Hero Holdings Pty Ltd
Archer Capital
BayGrove Capital and Lineage Logistics
Accel-KKR
Marlin Equity Partners
Insight Partners
OneVentures
MH Carnegie & Co
Work highlights
- Advising Veritas on its deal with Evergreen to acquire 100% of the stock in Cubic.
- Advised Michigan-based cold storage provider Lineage Logistics on all legal aspects of its acquisition of Emergent Cold.
- Advising Liverpool Partners on the acquisition of Melbourne Consulting Business’ division of PS&C Limited.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright advises on significant public and private M&A transactions, private equity deals and broader corporate issues, with strong expertise in cross-border work and the regulatory aspects of complex deals. The team has a notable focus on the energy and resources sectors, advising on sector-critical transactions within the space, and also has a growing technology practice. The Sydney-based team is led by Bryan Pointon and Michael Greene, and includes senior practitioner John Elliott, who remains active in high-profile transactions, and Richard Lewis , who handles cross-border M&A and private equity transactions. The practice has been boosted with the addition of Julian Traill who has joined from the firm's Moscow office.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
John Elliott; Richard Lewis ; Julian Traill; Stephen Iu
Testimonials
‘Stephen Lu and his team are excellent in providing practical and very timely advice and support in M&A transactions.’
‘Stephen Lu is a real trusted adviser. He understands your business and offers you the right level of support needed.’
‘Team is commercial, understand client’s strategic intent well and provide advice accordingly.’
Key clients
Vodafone Hutchison Australia Pty Ltd
Shell Australia
ESR Group
Sumitomo Chemical Company Limited
Talison Lithium
Longmoat
Retail Financial Intelligence Group
Faethm Holdings
Spotless Group
Golden Energy and Resources
Ord Minnett Management
Loan Market Group
Petstock
Objective Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Vodafone Hutchison Australia on its A$16.6bn merger with TPG Telecom.
- Advised Shell on its sale to Global Infrastructure Partners of a 26.25% interest in the Queensland Curtis LNG Common Facilities for $2.5bn.
- Advising ESR on its conditional agreement to purchase Blackstone’s A$3.8bn Milestone Logistics Portfolio.
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance has an international M&A offering, advising on cross-border transactions on behalf of domestic and international clients, working in close collaboration with its international offices. Areas of strength include the energy and resources sectors (oil and gas co-head Nadia Kalic is a key player) alongside private equity expertise, with the team advising funds on formations, investments and exits. The practice is also integrated with the competition and antitrust team. Other leaders in the team include Andrew Crook, Mark Currell and Dave Poddar.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The practice has a clear niche strategy, they employ some of the best lawyers and provide outstanding service. They very quickly grasp your business and requirements and the relationship becomes long term.’
Key clients
The Bikini Body Training Company Pty Ltd
I-Med Radiology Network Limited
Quintet Yorkway
ATF Services Pty Ltd
Pemba Capital
Work highlights
- Advised two entrepreneurs and their start-up The Bikini Body Training Company on the Series A investment by US private equity firm Norwest Equity Partners.
- Advised I-MED Radiology Network (I-MED), which is backed by global private equity firm Permira, on its entry into an agreement to acquire Alfred Medical Imaging from existing shareholders.
- Advised Quintet Partners and Quintet Yorkway on the acquisition of a majority stake in Talent International.
Hogan Lovells
Hogan Lovells advises domestic and international companies on M&A, capital raisings and other corporate issues, with strong capabilities in cross-border work thanks to the firm’s integrated global platform. Key sector focuses include the energy and minerals, life sciences and technology industries, alongside regular work on private equity investments. The team is led by Perth’s Matthew Johnson, a specialist in mining work, alongside the Sydney-based trio of Charles Bogle, who has notable fund relationships, David Holland, who maintains a diverse portfolio of corporate clients, and James Wood, an active player in private equity work.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Charles Bogle is very responsive and extremely easy to work with. He is a very safe and steady set of hands.’
Key clients
Allied Gold Corp
Aware Super (previously First State Super)
Emeco Holdings
HomeCo
HT&E
Work highlights
- Advising Allied on its acquisition of Société d’Exploitation des Mines d’Or de Sadiola S.A.
- Advising Aware Super on the acquisition of ASX listed Vocus Group Limited with Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets pursuant to a scheme of arrangement.
Jones Day
Jones Day focuses on cross-border transactions, with particular strength in the energy and resources, private equity, technology and real estate spaces, working with corporates and investment funds, including REITs, on a combination of mid-market and large-cap deals. The team is led by experienced dealmaker Mark Crean, with Shannon Finch also active in M&A and capital markets transactions. Hemang Shah has a strong track record in both public and private M&A, while Brisbane’s of counsel Benny Sham plays a key role in broad corporate, commercial and transactional work. Counsel Matthew Latham specialises in private equity transactions. Lawyers are in Sydney unless otherwise stated.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Strong M&A practice.’
‘Mark Crean leads Jones Day’s Australian M&A team. Mark is renowned in M&A circles and has a track record of successfully leading complex cross border and domestic deals across a range of sectors.’
Key clients
Queensland Investment Corporation
SSR Mining
Cyrus Capital Partners
Sheffield Resources Limited
GetSwift Limited
PRP Diagnostic Imaging
Ansarada NewCo Pty Ltd
Alfred Medical Imaging
Pepper Group
Bank of Queensland
Work highlights
- Advised the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) on its A$200m combined debt and equity investment and participation in the A$3.5bn recapitalisation and acquisition out of administration of Australia’s second-largest airline, Virgin Australia, by Bain Capital.
- Advised SSR Mining Inc. on its scrip for scrip merger-of-equals with Alacer Gold Corp. to create a A$6.4bn group and associated foreign exempt listing on ASX, by a Plan of Arrangement under the Business Corporations Act.
- Advised Pepper Global Topco Limited on a major restructure of its corporate group.
K&L Gates
K&L Gates combines board advisory and corporate governance work with a strong mid-market M&A capability, alongside notable work for venture capital investors and target companies. The geographically diverse team has a range of sector focuses, including in the energy and resources, sport, technology and life sciences industries. The team is led by Melbourne-based Cameron Abbott, while Tom Young in Brisbane focuses on aviation and transport work, and Sydney-based Richard Chew advises technology and IT clients.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Cannatrek Ltd
CAPGEMINI SE
Cluey Learning Pty Ltd
EdApp Pty Ltd
The Optical Company Pty Ltd
Pioneer Credit Limited
Poko Holdings Pty Ltd
Radio Rentals SA
United Global Logistics Pty Ltd (VISA Global Logistics)
Work highlights
- Advised Swedish company, Sinch Holding AB, on its A$1.7bn Melbourne-based SMS marketing technology company MessageMedia.
- Advised the shareholders of VISA Global Logistic on the sale of its shares to New Zealand company, Milan FF Group Limited.
- Advised Pioneer Credit on its A$120m acquisition by the Carlyle Group.
Lander & Rogers
Lander & Rogers is noted for its partner-led approach and strong mid-market record, which has seen it record consistent deal numbers as well as increasing its involvement in higher-value transactions. Alongside advising companies from a diverse range of industries, the team also works with repeat clients on acquisitions and growth strategies. The team is led by Jackie Solakovski in Melbourne, a trusted transactional adviser to a wide range of clients.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘This is one of the very few legal firms where the junior lawyers are well supervised and produce high quality work in a timely manner under the guidance of their supervising partners.’
‘We use Lander & Rogers for our corporate and M&A work. Landers is commercially-focused, solutions-based, and a terrific partner to work with in the space. Their use of technology for due diligence processes is excellent and a time-saving wonder.’
‘Highly skilled yet brilliantly commercial with the interests of the client at the fore – rare to find that balance in other firms.’
‘Not only are the people we work with experts in their field they are fantastic individuals who can read the mood of a room, the personality of a client and a situation perfectly.’
‘Efficient. Very reactive.’
Key clients
Uniti Group Limited
Invictus Biopharma Limited
ReadCloud Limited
Abacus Property
Quadient Oceania Pty Ltd
Joordens’ Zaadhandel B.V.
B.C.A Logic Pty Ltd
QMS Media Limited (QMS)
ARA LOGOS Logistics Trust (ALOG)
Lancemore Group
Work highlights
- Advised ASX listed Uniti Group Limited on its acquisition of OptiComm Ltd – $695m via scheme of arrangement.
- Advised QMS Media Limited (QMS) on all aspects of its sale by scheme of arrangement to Quadrant for approximately A$571.6m.
- Advised ARA LOGOS Logistics Trust on the simultaneous purchase of interests in a total of 11 properties from two vendors (Ivanhoe Cambridge and Partners Group).
McCullough Robertson
The team at McCullough Robertson combines long-standing strength in the energy and resources spaces with continued growth in financial services, technology and life sciences deals, working on a number of sector-critical transactions nationally and at the state level. Damien Clarke leads the team from Brisbane, with a strong focus on resources and minerals work, with Reece Walker also an active dealmaker. The firm’s Sydney office continues to flourish, with Ben Mortimer and Adrian Smith making great strides in technology and financial services work.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Damien Clarke is a standout because of his considered, rational, and common sense outcomes focus.’
‘McCulloughs have the most commercial approach to the law of any law firm, where they acknowledge and reflect on commercial aspects of advice, and don’t just provide the bare advice that sometimes one doesn’t understand the implications of. They are extremely efficient. They are very user friendly. They are always available.’
‘Smart and capable group who understand the business side of what we do – not just the legal.’
Key clients
Over the Wire Holdings Limited
OneVue Holdings Limited
OneConfig Pty Limited
Sungrow Power Australia Pty Limited
Tag Oil Limited
Malabar Resources Limited
NQ Mineral PLC
Intuit Technologies Pty Limited
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.; Gallagher Bassett Services and Gallagher Benefit Services
Sensera Limited
Cludo Pty Limited
Technology One Limited
Lindsay Australia Transport Limited
Work highlights
- Advised OTW on its $27m acquisition of Digital Sense Hosting.
- Advised OneVue on its successful acquisition by Iress Limited by scheme of arrangement.
- Advised Maropost on its acquisition of Neto.
Mills Oakley
Mills Oakley is noted for its client-focused approach, prioritising an agile service for mid-market deals including public M&A, joint ventures, investments and private mergers. The firm has a broad client base, including investment funds and healthcare, agriculture and financial services companies. The national team features a number of leading figures, including Melbourne’s Warren Scott and Daniel Livingston, Sydney-based Gavin Douglas and Danny Simmons, who is a recent arrival from PwC LLP, Brisbane’s Tim Cox, and Simon Panegryres and Andrew Crean in Perth. The firm has been further boosted since the merger of Clarendon Lawyers with the firm. Tony Symons, Nick Manuell and David Bryant are now part of the enlarged practice.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Livingston; Warren Scott; Gavin Douglas; Danny Simmons; Tim Cox; Simon Panegryres; Andrew Crean
Other key lawyers:
Tony Symons; Nick Manuell; David Bryant
Testimonials
‘A great leader with unrivalled commercial savvy, right-sized and technically proficient team who work tirelessly to achieve the client’s goal.’
‘Dan Livingston is the best commercial and corporate Partner we’ve worked with. Clear, concise, no-fuss and has stood in our shoes as clients.’
‘Have always been able to put a very capable and professional person to deal with issues that arise outside my core dealings. Have a breadth of resources that provides responsive action and allows issues to be well handled from the beginning.’
Key clients
Link Administration Holdings Limited
WAM Capital Limited
ELMO Software Limited
Honan Insurance Group
Frew Foods International
Volpara Health Technologies Limited
UCW Limited
Bendon management team
Naked Brands Group Limited
Qube Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the Link Group on the proposed sale of its 44.2% interest in Property Exchange Australia.
- Advising WAM on its unanimously recommended scrip and cash takeover offer for all of the ordinary shares of amaysim Australia Limited.
- Advising WAM on its hostile scrip takeover offer for all of the ordinary shares of Contango Income Generator Limited.
Colin Biggers & Paisley
The team at Colin Biggers & Paisley specialises in mid-market M&A, acting for SMEs, and has a number of sector focuses, including the resources, agriculture (particularly commercial cannabis), health, and logistics industries. The team is led by Brisbane-based Jon Meadmore, an active dealmaker with a broad commercial practice, while Sydney’s Connie Chen has standout expertise in advising Chinese companies investing in Australia and vice versa.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Colin Biggers & Paisley understands their clients, the challenges clients face and what would be in the clients’ best interest. Colin Biggers & Paisley makes legal issues easy to understand and manage, provides straight and simple to understand answers. Colin Biggers & Paisley does not try to make small matters bigger than they should be to create more workload for themselves.’
Key clients
Poly Global
Ecofibre Limited
Equifax
IPD Group Limited
Easton Investments Limited
Neogen
U Be Fit Pty Ltd trading as Pinnacle Health Clubs
Work highlights
- Advising Poly Global on the $270m acquisition of a 26-storey office tower on 59 Goulburn Street, Sydney via a unit sale structure.
- Advised Ecofibre Limited on its acquisition of a portfolio of five businesses.
- Advised Neogen Corporation on the acquisition of Cell BioSciences.
Dentons
Dentons advises on M&A in a number of key industries, particularly the financial services, consumer goods, fintech and energy spheres, and has strong cross-border capabilities, regularly collaborating with the firm’s international network on multijurisdictional deals. The team is now led by Melbourne’s John Mollard, who is a strong international performer, with Sydney’s Kym Livesely highly praised by clients and noted for his energy and resources work.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team are able to work seamlessly with their US colleagues to provide cross-border services with minimal double handling.’
Key clients
Kina Securities Limited
Dye & Durham Limited
Nubian Resources Ltd
Ardonagh Group
Windlab
Montem Resources Limited
CBH Resources
Carnarvon Petroleum Limited
GFL International Co. Ltd
Score Group Limited
Motorola Solutions Inc
Diploma PLC / Fitt Resources
MAXIMUS Australia Holding Company Pty Ltd
Groupe Lactalis
Canaccord Genuity
International Finance Corporation
Work highlights
- Advising Kina Bank on its acquisition of Westpac’s Pacific business in Papua New Guinea and Fiji consolidating Kina as Papua New Guinea’s second largest bank.
- Advising TSX listed Dye & Durham on its acquisition of SAI Global’s Property Division for A$91m, and the subsequent acquisition of GlobalX for A$170m which is subject to ACCC approval.
- Advised Ardonagh Group on the acquisition of Resilium.
Gadens Lawyers
Gadens Lawyers has a strong track record in the mid-market, advising a diverse range of businesses on M&A, private equity investments, and cross-border work, alongside broad corporate governance and commercial matters. Areas of focus for the Melbourne-based team include the retail, IT and agribusiness sectors. The team is led by Jeremy Smith, who specialises in M&A and corporate advisory work, with Richard Partridge also a key team member, advising on joint ventures, partnerships and corporate restructures alongside an active transactional practice.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very cohesive service and very professional and commercial approach.’
‘Richard Partridge is a very good practitioner – very commercial, pragmatic and very fair.’
‘The people are excellent – top notch skills, approachable & commercial attitude.’
‘Dedicated and experienced M&A team that is very responsive is key in these situations and Gadens provide just that to us.’
‘Availability is key for us. When we need to speak to someone, we need them available in short notice. This is what we find with Gadens.’
Key clients
The Citadel Group Ltd
Optus Viva Leisure Ltd
Civica Pty Ltd
3P Learning Ltd
Mach7 Technologies Ltd
DCF Asset Management
WOTSO Property
Kathmandu Australia and New Zealand Banking Group
Work highlights
- Advised The Citadel Group on its sale to Pacific Group Bidco.
- Advised WOTSO on its combination with Blackwall Property Trust and Planloc.
- Advising 3P Learning on its rejection of a takeover bid from IXL and its ensuing merger with Blake eLearning.
Hall & Wilcox
Hall & Wilcox maintains an active mid-to-large market M&A practice, combining strong domestic work with focused cross-border capabilities, particularly in China and South East Asia. The team advises a wide range of high-profile clients within a number of industries, and also offers integrated tax and regulatory expertise. The team is led by Oliver Jankowsky , Martin Ross and South East Asia lead Ed Paton in Melbourne, alongside US and UK desk heads Chris Brown and Jacqui Barrett in Sydney. Ranny Fan joined the Sydney office as head of the firm’s China desk from Allens in mid-2021, while Michelle Eastwell joined the Queensland office from HopgoodGanim.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Jankowsky ; Christopher Brown ; Jacqui Barrett ; Ed Paton; Martin Ross
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Perfectly pitched team for mid-market M&A and mid-cap ECM work. They have exactly the right mix of sector expertise for our clients and they are far more competitive in pricing than the bulk of Australian firms.’
‘Stand-out partners for M&A are Ed Paton, Chris Brown and, especially for German clients, Oliver Jankowsky. Always on it and extremely good to work with. Have no hesitation in recommending them to clients. Very hot on inward investment and on PE.’
‘John Hutchinson as the team leader is very experienced and practical. His advice is commercial and efficient.‘
Key clients
Powerwrap Limited
Channel Capital Pty Ltd
Pharmalex
Big Ant Group
Australian Botanical Products
Arborsafe
Maggie Beer Holdings
RetPro/Moelis
Annex Products Pty Ltd
Cortina Holdings Limited
Focus Financial Partners (including Aspiri)
Tata Consumer Products
Stone and Chalk Limited
Allianz Australia Insurance Limited
Attvest Finance Pty Ltd
UNSW Global P/L
United Super Pty Ltd as trustees of Cbus
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
Isuzu Australia Pty Ltd
AusNet Services Holding Pty Ltd
Aussie Broadband
Victorian Government Legal Services Panel
Westpac Bank Corporation
Victorian Pride Centre
Note Printing Australia Limited
Work highlights
- Advised PharmaLex GmbH on its acquisition of a majority interest in Australian health science consultancy Brandwood CKC.
- Advised the founders of Quad Lock on the sale of a majority interest in the company to Quadrant Growth Fund.
- Advised Maggie Beer Holdings on its $40m acquisition of e-commerce company Hampers & Gifts Australia.
Maddocks
Maddocks is noted for its prolific mid-market work, including technically complex transactions in a variety of sectors, including the healthcare, technology, and agriculture industries, alongside its standout founder practice, which secures the sales of a number of businesses to private equity investors. The team is led by Sydney-based corporate head Duncan Hall and Melbourne-based M&A leader Damien Wurzel . Melbourne’s Catherine Debreceny has notable cross-border expertise, and is dual-qualified in Australia and New York.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘High skilled.’
‘Duncan Hall, very professional and timely.’
‘Pragmatism and connectedness to market and industry insights.’
Key clients
Greencross
Samsung Electronics Australia
Macquarie Bank
ORIX Australia
Regis Aged Care
Adventist Healthcare
Diageo Australia
Mercury Capital
CBG Capital Limited
Broadspectrum Australia
Dentsu Aegis Network Australia
Capitol Health Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Mainstream Holdings on its scheme of arrangement with Vistra, where Vistra is bidding to fully acquire the equity interests in Mainstream Group Holdings for $178m.
- Advising Direct Capital on the acquisition of its stake in Mondiale Freight Services Limited and advising Mondiale Freight Services on its acquisition of VISA Global Logistics.
- Advising the shareholders of GlobalX on the sale to Dye & Durham Limited for $170m.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Led by Ewan Robertson, the Melbourne-based team at Pinsent Masons LLP advises domestic and international clients on M&A, joint ventures and private equity transactions, with focuses on the energy and resources, technology and healthcare sectors. The team is integrated with the firm's international offices and regularly handles the Australian elements of cross-border deals.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Very proactive team, with high availability. Commercial understanding.’
‘Ewan Robertson – pragmatic approach. Commercially focused. Excellent partner.’
Key clients
GFG Alliance
Epiroc
Orica
SR Smith LLC
Bunge LLC
Suez
Lamb Weston
Travel Counsellors
Clean Energy Partners
Lendlease
PT EmpatKali
Centennial Property Group
Delorean
Red Nose
Best Practice Software
Rocky Brands Inc
Amber Australia
Sage Global Services
Work highlights
- Advised Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG Alliance on the demerger of elements of the SIMEC Zen Energy Group, GFG’s renewable energy development and retail businesses in Australia.
- Advised Lamb Weston on the restructure of its Australian businesses following acquisitions.
- Advised Travel Counsellors on the transfer of its Australian business to Express Travel Group and its subsequent exit from the Australian market.
Piper Alderman
Piper Alderman has expanded its M&A footprint with the opening of a new Perth-based office, giving the firm a national offering. Additionally, the team was bolstered by the addition of Sydney-based Lis Boyce from Dentons, giving the firm new capabilities within healthcare and life sciences. Elsewhere, the team advises a variety of clients, including mid-sized companies, family offices and investment funds, focusing on areas such as the energy, financial services, private equity and agribusiness arenas. The team is led by Adelaide’s James Dickson and Melbourne’s James Macdonald , both experienced in M&A and broader corporate advice, including hostile takeover matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very commercial and pragmatic. More like advisers with a legal lens than pure lawyers.’
‘James Macdonald is very good and is supported by capable associates.’
‘Knowledgeable and hands-on.’
‘Big enough to have deep niche expertise but small enough to provide personal service.’
‘Very extensive experience in the Resources sector and has a deep understanding of the critical issues. This is especially important with the legal construction of joint venture agreements and ensuring one’s interests are protected.’
‘Reliable and efficient. They are well versed in the area and often come up with inventive and intelligent solutions. They are timely with all advice and often complete work before the required time.’
‘Intelligent, personable and reliable. They go above and beyond to service their client’s needs.’
‘I worked very closely with Bianca Jennings on multiple transactions. Her expertise with the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act and familiarity with the Foreign Investment Review Board were absolutely critical to the successful completion of our transactions. Her ability to educate me and our transaction team on the issues was absolutely fantastic.‘
‘I work with with Josh Steele and find him to be excellent – Josh solves problems, he doesn’t cause them! This is the most important attribute a lawyer can possess.‘
Key clients
Archer Materials
Brandwood CKC Australia Pty Ltd
Catalyst Metals Limited
Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers Ltd
Kingspan Water & Energy Pty Ltd
Leigh Creek Energy Limited
Matrak Industries Pty Ltd
Pegasus Management Pty Ltd
PepinNini Minerals Limited
Price Industries Limited
Santana Minerals
Syncsort Inc
Work highlights
- Advising Pegasus Management Pty Ltd and its current shareholders on the sale of all the shares in Pegasus Management Pty Ltd to a wholly owned subsidiary of Avetta, LLC.
- Advised Brandwood CKC on its merger with international life sciences consultancy, PharmaLex Group.
- Advised KPT on all aspects of the response to an unsolicited, hostile on-market takeover bid by its major shareholder to acquire all of the shares in KPT.
Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs has continued to expand its Australian presence, with the hire of Sydney-based Michael Gajic from Minter Ellison deepening the office’s private equity and public M&A capabilities. Broadly, the firm specialises in cross-border transactions, early-stage investments and venture capital transactions, and technology work. Key names in Sydney include managing partner Campbell Davidson , who primarily advises on public M&A, and Ashley Rose, who has a notable financial services focus. In Perth, Simon Rear , Simon Adams, and Caroline Brown are noted practitioners.
Other key lawyers:
Michael Gajic; Campbell Davidson ; Ashley Rose; Simon Rear ; Simon Adams; Caroline Brown
Testimonials
‘The team are pragmatic, quick and efficient – available at all hours and understand our business drivers. Amazing to work with, understand that CEO does not want or need chapter and verse during verbal briefings.’
‘Ashley Rose is driven yet relaxed, pragmatic yet has excellent attention to detail, responsive and commercial.’
Key clients
Ahuit Holdings Pty Ltd
Biarri Holdings / Biarri Rail
Capitary No. 3 Pty Ltd
Fox
Go West
Government of the Republic of Fiji
ITOCHU Corporation
Ligentia
Janison Education Group Ltd
Luco Energy Pty Ltd
Live Nation
McKay Drilling Pty Ltd
Pilot Energy Ltd
Pine Island Capital Partners
Sherwin Williams
Sine Group
Southernpec (Australia) Pty Ltd
Tamboran Resources Ltd
Thiess Pty Ltd
Vmoto Ltd
Vortiv Ltd
YGH Australia Investments Pty Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Pine Island Capital Partners on its acquisition of Meggitt Training Systems.
- Advised YGH Australia Investment on a number of Australian transactions, complicated by changes to foreign investment rules.
- Advised a consortium comprising Fini Group, Linc Property and Birchmead on its acquisition of the business and the assets of Midland Brick from Boral Bricks Western Australia.
Thomson Geer
Thomson Geer expanded its offering in Western Australia with the addition of a resources-focused team from DLA Piper, strengthening the office led by Michael Bowen. Elsewhere, the firm has continued to record consistent deal numbers in public M&A and private equity transactions, with Melbourne’s Loretta Reynolds a standout performer within the space. Alongside transactions, the firm also regularly advises boards and executives on corporate governance and strategic considerations. Key names in the team include Melbourne-based Adam Brooks, Brisbane’s Eugene Fung, and the Sydney-based pair of Dan Kramer and David Zwi.
Practice head(s):
David Zwi; Dan Kramer; Eugene Fung; Adam Brooks; Michael Bowen
Other key lawyers:
White & Case
White & Case‘s Melbourne-based team is a strong choice for cross-border M&A, and energy and infrastructure work, advising a combination of domestic companies and international investors, including private equity houses, on acquisitions, investments, disposals and joint ventures. The team is led by energy and resources specialist John Tivey alongside Nirangjan Nagarajah, who has a strong record in cross-border public M&A and private equity deals.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Good global coverage and industry knowledge.’
‘John Tivey – experienced resources professional.’
Key clients
Future Global Resources Limited
China Molybdenum (CMOC)
First Sentier Investors
Electrum Strategic Opportunities Fund II LP (Electrum)
Starlight Investment Company
MMG
Brookfield
Orion Resource Partners
INPEX
QIC
Unisuper
Work highlights
- Advised Australian fund manager First Sentier Investors as successful bidder on a competitive sale process to acquire infrastructure investor John Laing’s Australian wind farm portfolio.
- Advising CMOC on its acquisition of the Kisanfu copper-cobalt deposit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from Freeport-McMoran Inc.
- Advised UniSuper on the acquisition of a minority investment (10%) in Transurban’s toll roads in the US.
Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird advises primarily on cross-border transactions in close collaboration with its Asia-Pacific and global teams. The practice focuses on key sectors, including the life sciences, healthcare, technology and retail industries, using sector groups to provide specialised expertise in each area. The firm also advises mid-sized domestic businesses on transactions. The team is led from Sydney by Shane Barber, who focuses on the communications and media industries.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Very commercial and have access to offices across Europe which make cross-jurisdictional matters very easy to manage.‘
Key clients
9Spokes International Limited
Regius Resources
Bacchus Resources Pty Ltd
Experience Co Ltd
Vevo
Elixinol Global Limited
Wagestream Holdings Limited (UK)
Wirecard AG
SPX Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised SPX Corporation on its acquisition of the Sealite Group.
- Advised Australian Wirecard entities (one solvent, one insolvent) on the complex corporate and regulatory issues affecting them in light of the parent’s insolvency.
- Advised Elixinol Global Limited on the agreement to acquire Cannacare Health GmbH.
Hamilton Locke
Hamilton Locke has developed its transactional offering, advising a number of domestic and international businesses on M&A, as well as working with a growing number of private equity funds on investments. Cross-border work is a notable strength for the firm, which has expanded from its Sydney base into Brisbane. Key names in the team include Cristin McCoy, who advises on corporate and M&A issues for clients in the retail, mining services, technology and manufacturing sectors; private equity specialist Gordon McCann, and James Delesclefs, who has a broad practice encompassing transactional and corporate advice. All lawyers mentioned are in Sydney.
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team was smart, sophisticated and responsive, and they have consistently provided top-notch support on Australian matters (including with respect to some very challenging and nuanced issues).’
‘James Delesclefs is fantastic. He is the primary person with whom we have worked and has consistently provided top-notch support on Australian matters.‘
‘Hamilton Locke provide practical advice, which is on point and fit for purpose. For a business that works with early stage start-ups, Hamilton Locke allowed us to managing external legal costs in a cost effective way.‘
‘James Delesclefs is our key point of contact and is always available, approachable and extremely knowledgeable. James will go out of his way to help in any way he can.‘
‘The Hamilton Locke team appear to have a slightly different DNA than other firms, with a real focus on providing specialist commercial legal advice. The technical output is excellent and the ability to quickly identify what the issues are and how best to approach them in a commercial and realistic manner. Each member of the firm that I am introduced to is easy to work with and seems to really enjoy the client service aspect of the role, not just the technical component.‘
‘Hamilton Locke lawyers are proactive in communications and thinking ahead of any potential legal issues. They truly understand what the client needs and able to strike a balance between dealing with counter party and legal protection for their clients. Their responsive time is extremely fast and the quality of work is outstanding. They are always on top of what they are doing and make you feel confidence and comfortable working with them.‘
Key clients
J.C. Flowers & Co.
Climate Friendly Holdings Pty Ltd
Xplore Wealth Ltd
Telstra Limited
Integrated Payment Technology Limited
Komatsu
Rhipe Limited
Anacacia Capital
Honan Insurance Brokers
myHomecare Group Pty Ltd
Merchant Place Investments
Primewest Agrichain Management Pty Ltd
Primewest
Refratechnik Holding GmbH
Inflazome Ltd
The shareholders of Precision Marketing Holdings Pty Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised the Shareholders of Precision Marketing Holdings Pty Ltd on the acquisition of 75% of the shares in the company by Arch Financial Holdings Europe III.
- Advised Honan Insurance Group on the acquisition of Bovill Risk and Insurance Consultants.
- Advised Climate Friendly and its shareholders on all legal aspects of the company’s acquisition by Adamantem Capital.
Kain Lawyers
Kain Lawyers has developed a specialist mid-market transactional offering, advising clients on domestic and cross border M&A, private equity investments and capital markets work. The firm has key offices in Adelaide and Sydney, with managing director John Kain leading the team from Sydney, and handling a wide range of standout deals. Other key names include Adelaide-based Michael Garry, James Burchnall and Gerry Cawson, who have experience from leading firms and offer a partner-led service to corporates and fund managers on deals and capital raisings.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very committed to supporting the client’s outcome, highly detail orientated.‘
‘Will do whatever it takes to achieve client’s preferred outcome.’
‘Strong partners – Gerry Cawson and James Burchnall.’
‘This practice provides the breadth and expertise in M&A that matches the larger firms whilst maintaining the close interest in a file that normally only smaller firms can. Kain Lawyers’ understanding of the M&A space is very strong and they can support well on related issues. Attention to the critical fine details whilst maintaining a very commercial approach.’
‘Gerry Cawson is a very astute M&A lawyer, very quickly separating the noise from the real issues. His ability to quickly read what the other side is driving at means that key issues can be focused on early. Gerry is very commercial but at the same time ensuring there is no undue exposure to unacceptable risk. Gerry will always listen to the client’s ideas and work with them to ensure the best possible outcome.’
Key clients
ROC Partners
Light Warrior Group
Adore Beauty
WelleCo
Silk Laser Clinics
Zen Energy
ResourceCo Pty Ltd
Nash Advisory
Jumbuck Pastoral
Stilmark Holdings
TPorts
Inheritance Capital Asset Management
Engage Marine
Pharmacy Platform
SeaLink Travel Group
Humanihut
Planet Innovation Holdings Limited
7 Eleven Group
SC Capital Partners
ADM Capital
Zen Shareholdings Pty Ltd
BDO
Work highlights
- Advised Roc Partners on its $350m+ competitive takeover bid for the Vitalharvest Freehold Trust.
- Advised ResourceCo Group on the investment by private equity group Mercury Capital which valued Resourceco group at approximately $300m.
- Advised Zen Energy on its business sale to Sunshot Energy Pty Ltd.
Sparke Helmore Lawyers
Sparke Helmore Lawyers advises a wide range of clients from SMEs to blue-chip companies on transactions and broader corporate issues, including governance work and restructurings. The team also works on private equity investments, distressed situations and fund management issues. The team is led by Sydney-based Sally Weatherstone.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Tartana Resources Limited
PNG Sustainable Development Program (PNGSDP)
NET Modular
ACM Group Pty Ltd
Attune Hearing
Envest Pty Ltd
Partner Now
Work highlights
- Advising the shareholders of Net Modular on its acquisition by UK-based Algeco Global.
- Advised ACM Group on the sale of its A$400m debt ledger and assets to Collection House Limited.
- Advised Envest on an investment into the client by Macquarie Capital.