Backed by a robust acquisition finance practice, Ashurst has played a key role in some of the market’s largest private equity deals and regularly advises major sponsor clients. Neil Pathak, who joined from Gilbert + Tobin in July 2023, brings deep expertise in public and private M&A transactions, capital raisings and corporate governance. Investment banks and senior executives frequently rely on John Brewster to steer their most complex transactions. Phil Breden’s recent achievements include leading several major M&A deals and a high-profile response to shareholder activism. Susannah Macknay joined from Gilbert + Tobin in June 2023 and continues to act for numerous private equity clients in their strategic acquisitions and major transactions. Anton Harris is integral to the firm’s continued private equity activity.

Gilbert + Tobin has a sizeable and dedicated corporate advisory team, handling a wide array of complex M&A deals. Its client base spans from emerging start-ups to established blue-chip companies. The team is also a frequent advisor to private equity clients, offering support at any stage of the investment life cycle. Strategic M&A and securities work are key features of Costas Condoleon‘s busy practice. Peter Cook is recognised as an authority in high-profile corporate transactions, while Rachael Bassil‘s M&A expertise is highly sought after by leading private equity clients. Tim Gordon regularly advises listed companies on capital raisings, FDI, corporate governance and restructurings. Chris Flynn and Nirangjan Nagarajah joined the practice from White & Case in January 2024.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP remains a leading player in high-profile M&A transactions and related issues. The team is highly esteemed in the private and venture capital sectors, which continue to be significant sources of work for the firm. Baden Furphy specialises in public takeovers, privatisations and joint ventures, and Philippa Stone, who is well respected in the M&A market, focuses on public company transactions and corporate reconstructions. Rodd Levy is regularly engaged by boards for major corporate transactions, and Rebecca Maslen-Stannage is adept at managing complex and innovative corporate deals. Damien Hazard is a key name in private equity transactions, while Andrew Rich brings extensive experience in public company mergers and joint ventures. Tony Damian left the firm in January 2024.

King & Wood Mallesons has continued to lead some of Australia’s largest recent M&A deals across a range of industries. David Friedlander combines his M&A expertise with specialist knowledge of securities offerings and shareholder activism. With over 30 years of experience, Jason Watts is an expert in public company acquisitions, restructures and corporate governance, while Nicola Charlston brings commercial insight into deals in the healthcare, resources, energy and insurance sectors. Peter Stirling is especially active in financial services, energy and infrastructure, and Will Heath is a prominent figure in M&A transactions and corporate advisory work. Henrik Moritz strengthens the team with his expertise in asset management transactions, while Jennifer Cheung is a key contact for negotiated deals and governance matters.

Clayton Utz is highly esteemed for its extensive M&A expertise, representing both bidders and target companies in public and private transactions. The team has earned a strong reputation among private equity firms, offering support with acquisitions, exit strategies, restructurings and fundraisings. The firm also has a deep knowledge of Australia’s energy and natural resources sectors. Team head Stephanie Daveson is frequently entrusted with major acquisitions, takeovers and corporate restructurings. Rory Moriarty manages a broad spectrum of corporate transactions, including cross-border M&A and capital raisings. Niro Ananda, a leading private equity specialist, expertly navigates clients through a multitude of industries. Jonathan Algar has supported numerous tech companies in executing their growth strategies through successful capital raisings.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth regularly advises foreign investors on corporate takeovers, often involving both domestic and international private equity firms. The team’s strong regulatory expertise has been a key driver of its M&A success. Sandy Mak pairs her M&A knowledge with deep expertise in securities regulation, FDI rules and corporate governance. Andrew Lumsden‘s work spans cross-border M&A deals and both contested and negotiated takeovers, and Ricky Casali is highly experienced in handling buyouts and exit transactions for private equity clients. Glen Sauer enhances the team with his deep understanding of the venture capital sector, and Robert Clarke has advised private equity sponsors and investors for over 25 years.

The lawyers at Minter Ellison consistently handle high-profile and complex M&A deals across the private equity, healthcare, natural resources and agriculture sectors. Bart Oude-Vrielink is a prominent figure in regulated M&A and capital markets, frequently advising on intricate transactions. With over 30 years of experience, Jeremy Blackshaw is well versed in all aspects of public and private M&A law. The firm’s dynamic M&A and capital markets practice is co-led by Con Boulougouris and Joseph Pace, while Kimberley Low oversees the team’s robust private equity portfolio.

A&O Shearman’s global reach and expertise in leveraged buyouts and venture investments have made it a top choice for private equity clients. Global corporates, capital providers and investment banks regularly seek Aaron Kenavan’s advice on listed M&A transactions, joint ventures and capital raisings. Michael Parshall excels in both routine corporate advisory work and complex, innovative M&A and capital-raising transactions. Gilbert Li, who joined from Linklaters in February 2023, further strengthens the team.

Innovative M&A transactions and complex shareholder activism matters are pillars of Arnold Bloch Leibler‘s busy corporate practice. Jonathan Wenig’s extensive expertise encompasses the entire spectrum of commercial and corporate law. Jeremy Leibler has recently led several high-profile acquisitions in the private equity space, and Christine Fleer provides strategic counsel to high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and global hedge funds on corporate matters. Jeremy Lanzer and Jason van Grieken both offer specialised expertise in M&A and shareholder activism.

Baker McKenzie frequently leverages its extensive M&A expertise in the consumer goods, retail and healthcare sectors. Energy transition and digital infrastructure have become key areas of growth for the team. The practice is bolstered by Simon De Young’s expertise in private equity and experience acting for financial sponsors. Lance Sacks is recognised by peers for his strength in both public and private M&A transactions. With over 25 years of experience, Richard Lustig has represented both bidders and target companies.

Clifford Chance offers comprehensive support to sponsors at every stage of the investment life cycle, from acquisition financing to investments and exits. The team’s expertise is often tapped by clients investing in or acquiring assets within the energy and infrastructure sectors. Mark Currell is highly sought after for his skill in navigating complex, cross-border transactions. Public and private M&A, restructuring and capital raising are key pillars of David Clee’s active practice. Nadia Kalic enhances the team with her deep understanding of infrastructure and projects.

DLA Piper‘s cross-border capabilities are evidenced by its frequent activity on multi-jurisdictional commercial transactions. The technology sector is a key area of focus for the team, in which it acts for corporate, private equity and venture capital clients. Team head Shane Bilardi is noted for his activity on large-scale private M&A transactions in the digital infrastructure and agriculture sectors. Grant Koch departed the practice in January 2024.

Johnson Winter Slattery has recently handled complex M&A transactions, such as unsolicited contested takeovers and the development of innovative voting structures. The firm’s strong technology focus continues to attract active private equity and venture capital clients. Notably, James Rozsa is frequently engaged by private equity clients for cross-border M&A transactions. ASX-listed entities and investors rely on Paul Vinci for guidance in intricate transactions and corporate governance challenges. Damian Reichel has established himself as a key player by advising on scrip bids and acquisitions by sovereign wealth consortiums.

Norton Rose Fulbright stands out for its specialist warranty and indemnity insurance practice, providing critical support to global insurers in commercial transactions. The firm also maintains a strong private equity presence. Bryan Pointon is a highly respected figure in M&A and private equity. Marshall Bromwich, an expert in consumer markets, has been instrumental in bolstering the firm’s reputation in the insurance sector. Ben Smits frequently leads cross-border transactions across various sectors, while David Jewkes is a key advisor to clients in the energy and natural resources industries.

Hall & Wilcox‘s emphasis on middle-market deals has allowed the firm to develop a strong understanding of medium to large enterprises. Oliver Jankowsky brings decades of experience in M&A and foreign investment transactions. Jacqui Barrett is a prominent advisor to clients in the insurance, education and tech sectors. Christopher Brown frequently assists asset managers, insurers and financial groups. Ed Paton regularly represents buyers and sellers in M&A transactions, share sales and comprehensive due diligence projects.

Hamilton Locke‘s commercial practice is well versed in joint ventures, acquisitions, disposals and acquisition finance. Shaun Hardcastle is recognised for his expertise in managing complex commercial transactions. With 25 years of experience, Justin Fox is a trusted adviser on strategic transactions, regularly providing counsel on disclosure and compliance matters. Brett Heading has built his career around major transactions, including prominent IPOs and significant M&A deals.

Jones Day regularly handles public company takeovers and arrangement schemes for domestic and international clients. Hemang Shah brings substantial expertise in public and private M&A, equity capital markets and IPOs. Isaac West offers a strong commercial understanding of the resources and agriculture sectors. Simon Brown joined the practice from Ashurst in September 2023.

K&L Gates offers a broad range of services, covering corporate governance issues, mid-market M&A and capital raisings. The team is recognised for its global reach and strong representation of start-ups and venture capital firms. Chris Nikou leads the practice, bringing extensive experience in M&A, private equity and corporate governance. Daniel Atkin plays a key role as an adviser to many of the firm’s venture capital clients.

Lander & Rogers routinely assists its corporate clients in managing their investments or realising exit and liquidity opportunities. The team has a strong presence in the technology, financial services and real estate sectors. Jackie Solakovski heads the practice and continues to skilfully lead a variety of corporate and M&A transactions. David Morris and Peter Monk have led a significant number of major acquisitions in recent months.

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. Tony Symons frequently advises clients on full or partial exits. Gavin Douglas specialises in fundraising, acquisitions and restructuring. Tim Cox and Simon Panegyres both have extensive M&A capabilities.

Thomson Geer is skilled in all forms of M&A, regularly advising on cash offers, combinations, hostile takeovers and schemes of arrangement. Adam Brooks‘ versatility is demonstrated by his involvement on multiple sides of transactions. Matthew Reynolds has a strong track record in strategic M&A deals, and Michael Bowen and Dan Kramer both lead cross-border transactions across a wide range of sectors.

White & Case‘s corporate practice is particularly active in the infrastructure and energy sectors, with a strong focus on renewables. The team’s international reach is a significant asset, enabling it to secure cross-border M&A mandates. John Tivey plays a pivotal role in the firm’s successful M&A transactions within the energy and natural resources sectors. Caroline Sherrell has been instrumental in the firm’s engagements with private equity houses, infrastructure funds and financial sponsors.

Colin Biggers & Paisley acts as a trusted advisor to SMEs on mid-market transactions, drawing on the firm's strong employment, property, tax and financial capabilities to provide comprehensive advice. Representative work for the firm includes share sales and purchases, IPOs, IP licensing and transitional services agreements. Team head Jon Meadmore supports his clients through a range of commercial activities, including M&A transactions and corporate structures.

Thanks to its global reach, Dentons is particularly notable for its strong connections with clients in Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. Kym Livesley has established strong ties with mining, natural resources and energy companies. John Mollard frequently facilitates foreign direct investment into major energy and resources projects. Alex Eyre and Caroline Snow are also key members of the team.

Gadens Lawyers‘ corporate team is a key point of contact for clients in the TMT and real estate sectors, among others. The group regularly advises on the full spectrum of M&A, equity capital markets and private equity transactions. Jol Rogers enhances his corporate practice with a deep understanding of tax law. James Beckley  is a key figure in the negotiation and establishment of project and corporate structures.

As a specialised transactional firm, Kain Lawyers is regularly sought out by private equity, venture capital and corporate clients for commercial advice. Managing director John Kain has over 25 years of experience in M&A and capital markets. Gerry Cawson and James Burchnall co-head the firm's M&A practice, with Cawson taking the lead on private M&A and ECM transactions, while Burchnall focuses on public deals.

Maddocks is a popular choice for clients seeking to exit the whole or part of their businesses, often to private equity buyers. Damien Wurzel specialises in public and private M&A transactions across a variety of industries. Duncan Hall continues to advise on high-profile M&A transactions, capital raisings, joint ventures and corporate governance matters.

McCullough Robertson continues to handle a range of public and private deals in the small to mid-market space. Damien Clarke‘s specialist knowledge of tax law is highly valued by his clients in the energy and natural resources sectors. Ben Wood‘s strong understanding of securities is regularly applied to capital raisings and M&A transactions.

Pinsent Masons LLP‘s expanding practice offers comprehensive advice to buyers and sellers on M&A, divestments, joint ventures, capital markets and corporate governance matters. The renewable energy and natural resources sectors have proven to be a fruitful source of work for the team. Ewan Robertson brings over 30 years of experience in M&A and other corporate transactions. In recent months, Joni Henry has been involved in several significant deals within the energy and natural resources sectors.

Piper Alderman has maintained a high level of activity in both buyer and seller-side M&A matters, with the team recently catering to numerous early-stage businesses. Co-head James Dickson is an expert in commercial transactions and the Corporations Act. James Macdonald, who also co-heads the team, brings substantial experience in corporate and commercial law.

From start-ups to listed companies, Squire Patton Boggs advises on the full life cycle of corporate activity. The team’s versatility is reflected in the wide range of sectors it serves. Tony Chong caters to a diverse clientele, including domestic and international corporations and high-net-worth individuals.

Hogan Lovells‘ corporate practice has strong expertise in foreign investment regulations affecting M&A and private equity transactions. David Holland‘s broad practice spans M&A, securities, capital raisings and IPOs. Charles Bogle is integral to the firm’s relationships with financial investors, including private equity and fund clients.

Macpherson Kelley‘s active corporate practice specialises in M&A transactions, reorganisations and restructurings. Grant Guenther handles a broad array of tasks, from due diligence to negotiation and regulatory approvals. Terry Kokkinos brings specialist knowledge of the professional services and automotive sectors, and Cathy Russo has represented both listed and unlisted corporate entities in a variety of significant transactions.

Sparke Helmore Lawyers continues to serve blue-chip and growing companies across a diverse range of sectors. The expanding team is led by Sally Weatherstone, who brings substantial expertise in the Corporations Act and public and private M&A transactions. Brad Vinning is recognised as a skilled contract negotiator.