Baker McKenzie is well known in the market for advising corporates, investment funds and hotels on issues including acquisitions, disposals, funding structures, joint acquisitions, fund-through deals and disputes. Sydney-based Sebastian Busa, who spearheads the practice, has a high level of experience and knowledge in the retail, warehouse, logistics and digital infrastructure industries. Roy Melick is well regarded in the market for advising on structured transactions with multi-layered offshore and onshore tax structures. Sarah Merrett covers the full array of leasing and licensing transactions, while Dora Stilianos provides specialist expertise in advising on commercial leasing for purpose-built facilities, development agreements and renewable energy projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Strong and diverse team. Collaborative approach, trustful, and focused; we have been impressed with Caroline Ho and her key team.’
‘What really sets this team apart is the stability of its people which means clients get the benefit of consistent relationships and a deep understanding of their business.'
'They cover an impressive range of practice areas, so even complex matters can be handled in-house without the need to bring in multiple firms. Their experience running large transactions for cross border clients is a real strength. ’
‘The individuals we work with are refreshingly honest and transparent, which makes for a relationship built on trust. They focus on solutions that are genuinely in the client’s best interests, even when that means taking a pragmatic rather than purely legalistic approach.'
'One of their real strengths is the calm, assured way they manage matters — even in high-pressure situations, they project complete control, which inspires confidence and keeps projects on track.’
‘Sebastian Busa is a technical expert and has the ability to explain complex matters in a suitable manner for a client. His broader team such as Rebecca Tan is great to deal with and responsive.’
‘A capable and experienced team with strong industry knowledge, across sectors.'
'Sarah Merrett stands out as an exceptional lawyer within Baker McKenzie’s real estate practice. She combines deep technical knowledge with an ability to explain complex matters in a clear and practical way, which I found invaluable throughout the process. Her patience in managing multiple stakeholders, including challenging counterparties, was critical in keeping the transaction on track and avoiding unnecessary escalation.'
Key clients
- Global Power Generation Australia
- Yu Long Investments
- SIG Group
- Model
- TFE Hotels
- HMC Capital Limited
- HCW Funds Management Limited
- Ernst & Young
- PIA Hines Quantum Landmarktower Busan General Real Estate Investment Co
- EG Funds
- GAW Capital Partners in partnership with Box Capital
- APT Residential
Work highlights
Advised a consortium formed by MAM and PSP on the sale of its interests totalling 88% of AirTrunk, an APAC data centre company, to a consortium of investors led by Blackstone in a transaction with an implied enterprise value of over AUD 24 billion.
Advised Orora on the sale of its North American packaging solutions business, Orora Packaging Solutions, OPS to Veritiv Corporation, a portfolio company of US private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier LLC.
Assisted HMC Capital to agree terms to acquire 100% of Global Switch for upfront consideration of AUD 1.937 bn, supported by a contemporaneous placement of AUD 300 million by HMC Capital.
Lawyers
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
Sebastian Busa
Other key lawyers
Roy Melick; Sarah Merrett; Dora Stilianos; Caroline Ho; Rebecca Tan; Emily Peverill