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Corporate and M&A

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K&L Gates

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K&L Gates provides sophisticated M&A and venture capital advice, focusing on mid-market transactions across  the technology, financial services, and agribusiness industries. The team, led by Chris Nikou, is skilled in private equity acquisitions, seamlessly integrating cross-border deals with a client-praised ‘pragmatic, business-oriented approach reflecting strong legal and commercial understanding’. Daniel Atkin drives high-volume venture capital transactions, leveraging deep market knowledge, and Harry Kingsley navigates technology and financial services acquisitions with precision. Naomi Philp manages complex property fund acquisitions, while Adam Levine handles mining and logistics deals. In April 2025, Natalya Hards departed the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘In our experience K&L Gates’ M&A practice stands out for its commerciality, deep transactional expertise and unwavering client service. The team consistently delivers pragmatic, business-oriented advice that reflects a strong understanding of both legal and commercial considerations.'

  • 'They have particular strength and experience in venture capital exits. K&L Gates brings a sophisticated understanding of the dynamics between founders, investors, and strategic acquirers, offering clear and strategic guidance throughout the exit process.’

  • ‘Simon Leslie is an outstanding partner and my go-to advisor for Australian VC/M&A transactions. He combines deep technical expertise with a sharp commercial mindset, consistently providing clear, pragmatic guidance that reflects a strong understanding of the venture capital landscape. He has the busiest VC practice in Australia and is a trusted adviser to all of the largest Australian VC funds.'

  • ‘The team were extremely responsive, professional and guided us through our first m&a process efficiently and effectively. They made a stressful process easier and more straightforward. The team were able to leverage internal areas within K&L gates to provide review and external input on any matters and queries that came up during the due diligence process which was invaluable.’

  • ‘Nick Ramage and his team were effective communicators and were able to explain each step of the process with us anytime we needed help. They were extremely willing to help and assist with anything we needed to try and get a successful result.’

  • ‘We use the corporate team for venture investments. They are one of the best teams in Australia. Excelllent knowledge, great risk assessment and commercial.’

Key clients

  • AirTree Ventures
  • All G Foods Pty Ltd
  • Aus Pie Co Pty Ltd
  • Australian Professional Leagues
  • Blackbird Ventures
  • Braavos Corporation Pty Ltd
  • Centuria Industrial REIT
  • Comestri
  • Exoflare
  • Fat Zebra
  • Fogarty Hall Pty Ltd
  • Fortive Corporation

Practice head

Chris Nikou; Daniel Atkin

Other key lawyers

Nick Ramage; Harry Kingsley; Naomi Philp; Adam Levine; Simon Leslie