Mills Oakley delivers practical corporate and M&A advice across its national offices, specialising in mid-market and international deals in technology, food and beverage, and professional services industries. Clients praise the team for housing ‘trusted advisors who go the extra mile’, valuing their seamless blend of sharp legal insight and ’commercial approach’. Tony Symons, noted as ‘available when you need him and absolutely best in field,’ guides founders through manufacturing business sales. Grant Koch navigates private equity acquisitions in healthcare, and Tim Cox, recognised for his ’strong emphasis on client experience,’ manages share market transactions. In April 2025, Greg Smith joined from Baker McKenzie and Brendan Wykes from Kain Lawyers, enhancing the group’s cross-border technology-focused deal expertise. Yannis Vrodos joined from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP in June 2025, bolstering its capabilities in private equity transactions. Gaurav de Fontgalland departed in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Trusted advisors who go the extra mile - always two steps ahead, with negotiating with planning with key dates - on every level. Very happy with the level of service, knowledge and skills.’
‘Brendan Sheehan genuinely cares about outcomes for clients and goes the extra mile, often thinking strategically for the longevity of the business and its future success. He is a trusted advisor, gives succinct advice, he has solid technical skills and an ability to apply this through a commercial lens.'
- 'Tony Symons is available when you need him. Always gives succinct commercial advice, is a problem solver, and uses the right resources to keep billing to a minimum. Absolutely best in field for knowledge of area.’
‘The team as a whole is very strong on the black letter law but what sets them apart is the pragmatic and commercial approach to the issues.’
‘Tim Cox puts a strong emphasis on client experience. Deadlines are always met and there are no billing surprises. Where input is required from other teams, Tim stays across the matter. Access to partners and general responsiveness is very good.’
'Mills Oakley partners are hands on involved at all stages of a transaction, ensuring clients get timely and commercial advice at all times.'
'They are very commercial and draw upon their experience to solve problems and get to a sensible outcome.'
'Grant Koch has built a quality team around him while maintaining his commercially astute, full commitment and high availability style.'
Key clients
- Zero Carbon Investek AG
- Auctus Investment Group Limited
- Australian Pacific Coal Limited
- WAM Leaders Limited
- WAM Capital Limited
- WAM Global Limited
- Intermediate Capital Group
- Perfection Fresh Australia Pty Limited
- Naked Brand Group Inc
- ELMO Software Limited
- Eurofins Scientific SE
- PPK Group Limited
Work highlights
Advised Bureau Veritas, a global leader in a variety of sectors, including building and infrastructure services, with over 80,000 employees and 1,500 offices across the globe, on all legal aspects of its acquisition of The APP Group from Five V Capital.
Advised Virtual IT Group, a leading Australian IT managed service provider, on its partnership with global mid-market private equity firm, The Riverside Company, and its co-investors.
Acted for foundU, a cloud-based workforce management platform available to Australian and New Zealand businesses, on The Citation Group's seeking to acquire foundU in order to create an end-to-end software solution combined with expert service support.
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; Grant Koch; Tim Cox; Andrew Crean; Jeremy Rees; Lachlan Drew; Mark North
Other key lawyers
Greg Smith; Brendan Wykes; Yannis Vrodos; Brendan Sheehan