Banking & Finance: Acquisition Finance
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : Australia
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+61 2 9230 4000About
Provided by Allens
Allens has one of the largest and most dynamic groups of banking specialists in the region, with incredible bench strength – we have more specialist partners in this area than any other top tier firm in Australia. We are one of the few firms to feature on every major legal panel in the Australian finance market and advise some of the world's leading financial institutions, as well as regularly act for a large number of corporate borrowers from a range of industries.
Our practice extends across project finance, acquisition and leveraged finance, securitisation and debt capital markets, asset finance and corporate and property finance. We consistently work on the highest profile financing transactions in Australia, offering a highly commercial service. We regularly lead the charge on financings involving new and innovative structures and alternative sources of funding.
Already the leading banking and finance firm in Australia, our presence in Asia continues to strengthen through our international alliance with Linklaters where we can service the banks, their clients and our own corporate clients, in multi-jurisdictional transactions and with multi-level funding arrangements.
Our approach is to apply a commercial and practical rationale to transactions. We have a focus on efficient and responsive service, enabling our clients to get deals done when opportunities arise.
Chambers Review
Allens is noted for its leading full-service practice with top-tier domestic and international bank clients, as well as global corporates and funds. The firm possesses a market-leading acquisition finance practice with notable strengths in the areas of defence and logistics acquisitions, and is very well regarded for property financing and large syndicated corporate financing. The team is prominent in asset finance and leasing, operating across all major asset classes, notably including aircraft and automotive. Allens is also able to leverage its alliance with the global Linklaters network to further assist clients. Its key clients include Woolworths, IFM Investors and Zenith Energy.
Work Highlights
- Allens advised Star Entertainment on its AUD1.1 billion debt facilities, including the establishment of the lending platform, ongoing debt facilities and the bank waivers to facilitate the AUD800 million equity raise announced in February 2023.
- Allens advised a syndicate of domestic and international financiers on its portfolio debt financing package to Squadron Energy as part of its approximately AUD4 billion acquisition of CWP Renewables.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Allens team can coordinate a large number of relationships in a dynamic fashion. Their actions are always constructive to allow for a satisfactory commercial outcome for both sides to eventuate."
"They are across industry and market practices. They consistently meet deadlines and provide guidance on critical issues."
"The Allens team can coordinate a large number of relationships in a dynamic fashion. Their actions are always constructive to allow for a satisfactory commercial outcome for both sides to eventuate."
"They are across industry and market practices. They consistently meet deadlines and provide guidance on critical issues."
Notable Practitioners
Alan Maxton is one of Australia's leading figures in corporate and asset finance, with an impressive track record advising some of Australia's largest companies on their financing transactions and asset-backed lending.
"He's top-notch – highly experienced, responsive and commercial."
"He is extremely knowledgeable, with an excellent ability to distil complex legal matters and make them easy to understand by putting them into plain English."
Mark Kidston is a respected acquisition finance practitioner who also handles property financing matters and leads Allens' leveraged finance practice.
"Mark is very user-friendly and easy to work with. He's well respected on both sides by sponsors and banks and very thorough and solutions-focused."
Tom Highnam is active on corporate and acquisition finance, and is particularly noted for his work in the funds finance area.
"Tom always takes the time to step back and look at the bigger picture, applying a commercial lens to ensure the legal advice given is practical and relevant."
"He's very good when it comes to more complex issues. I engage him when it's not plain vanilla and I need an extra layer of experience and expertise."
Jo Folan heads the property finance practice and is known for representing borrowers, lenders and sponsors on significant mandates.
"Jo Folan seamlessly integrates into our team. She can come in and be a value-add on any deal."
Renee Boundy specialises in asset finance and handles a range of matters including aircraft, airport and automotive financing.