Mills Oakley continues to lead high-stakes matters and challenging commercial transactions on behalf of listed, private and family-owned entities. The team is expanding, with several partner-level hires, including Grant Koch, who joined from DLA Piper in February 2024, and Brendan Wykes and Greg Smith, who joined in April 2025. Tony Symons frequently advises clients on full or partial exits. Gavin Douglas specialises in fundraising, acquisitions and restructuring. Tim Cox has extensive M&A capabilities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have found the team to be incredibly commercial and pragmatic in their approach. The focus is on getting the deal done. They have good bench strength and can resource deals well.’
‘Communication, experience, expertise. Were kept informed at every step of the process.’
‘Tim Cox is the king of 'customer experience'. Always available with a positive attitude. Tim is great in front of the business.'
‘Tim Downing was very responsive. The transaction was quite complex and acrimonious and he had a very level approach, seeking commercially appropriate outcomes to these situations and driving the transaction forward. Excellent process and was effective in managing responsiveness of the counterparty and driving them toward a good outcome.’
‘Very strong technical skills. Always available, worked outside hours to complete engagement. Always kept us abreast of material issues.’
Key clients
- Auctus Investment Group
- Australian Pacific Coal
- Intermediate Capital Group
- Perfection Fresh Australia
- Naked Brand Group
- Navalo Financial Services Group
- Eurofins Scientific
- PPK Group Limited
Work highlights
Acted for key management personnel of Honan Insurance Group concerning the sale of their shares to Marsh in a transaction with a deal value of circa AUD$700m.
Acting for ICG in connection with the acquisition of the Cura Private Hospital Group.
Assisted in the acquisition of QV Equities by WAM Leaders.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Tony Symons; Gavin Douglas; Tim Cox; Mark North; Jeremy Rees
Other key lawyers
Brendan Wykes; Greg Smith