Ashurst delivers standout expertise as a ‘leading practice’ in high-value public and private M&A, private equity deals, and cross-border transactions in the energy, resources, and technology sectors. Practice head John Brewster leads corporate transactions for listed companies on acquisitions, with Anton Harris heading private capital for private equity funds on investments, and Neil Pathak, co-head of M&A, overseeing listed company schemes of arrangement. Tony Damian, who joined from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP in June 2025 as co-head of the M&A department, advises multinationals on takeovers. Phil Breden handles governance for listed corporates on international M&A, while Susannah Macknay focuses on private equity acquisitions by scheme, and Stuart Dullard leads tech M&A for venture capital funds on investments.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Leading practice in M&A in Sydney and Melbourne, with global reach.’
‘Tony Damian is undoubtedly Australia's leading M&A lawyer and Ashurst have pulled off a coup in snaring him. Technically superb, but commercially very astute and a pleasure to work with. Neil Pathak in Melbourne office is also a leading M&A lawyer.’
‘The Ashurst M&A Team knows our business really well - they provide practical and commercial advice and generally know what we can/can't accept in line with our risk appetite. The team is very responsive and always meets deadlines.’
‘The Ashurst M&A team is the best in the market based on their commerciality and high levels of client service. They are very strong at collaborator with clients, other service providers and internally. When I use Ashurst I know they have my best interests in mind and will always get me the best possible outcome.’
‘Anton Harris is one of the best M&A lawyers in Australia. He is highly commercial, great technically and very easy to work with. John Brewster is an excellent deal maker with great relationships and always think beyond the legal aspects of the deal.'
‘Highly competent team that has great technical ability and is highly responsive and commercial.’
Key clients
- Woolworths Group
- Endeavour Group
- AGL Energy
- Ansell
- Cleanaway Waste Management Limited
- Rio Tinto
- Nippon Life Insurance
- Alcoa
- SAS Trustee
- Envest
- 7-Eleven Stores
- Toll Holdings
Work highlights
Advised Nippon Life Insurance on its acquisition of shares in Resolution Life Group for USD8.2bn.
Advised Alcoa Corporation on its acquisition of 100% of Alumina Limited in an all-scrip transaction by way of a scheme of arrangement valued at AUD5.56bn.
Advising Soul Patts on its proposed $14bn merger with Brickworks through two separate and inter-conditional schemes of arrangement.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
John Brewster; Anton Harris; Neil Pathak
Other key lawyers
Tony Damian; Phil Breden; Susannah Macknay; Stuart Dullard