Allens, Banking & Finance | Chambers Asia-Pacific Profile

About

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

Provided by Chambers

Banking & Finance: Corporate Finance - Australia

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

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.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Allens

Allens advised a syndicate of 12 lenders, led by HSBC and Westpac, on Northern Star's sustainability-linked corporate financing, which included a AUD1.5 billion syndicated loan facility.
The Allens team advised Brookfield Asset Management and MidOcean Energy on the proposed acquisition of Origin Energy.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Allens has multiple skilful local partners, with key relationships offshore where needed. Partners are very responsive, thoughtful, and always willing to debate ideas and challenge the status quo.

Banking & Finance: Corporate Finance respondent
Asia-Pacific

They are extremely capable of handling complex matters, with service levels that are second to none.

Banking & Finance: Corporate Finance respondent
Asia-Pacific

Allens has multiple skilful local partners, with key relationships offshore where needed. Partners are very responsive, thoughtful, and always willing to debate ideas and challenge the status quo.

Banking & Finance: Corporate Finance respondent
Asia-Pacific

They are extremely capable of handling complex matters, with service levels that are second to none.

Banking & Finance: Corporate Finance respondent
Asia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Alan Maxton

Band 1

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.

Alan Maxton is a leader in his field.

I have found him to be effective, commercial and reasonable in his dealings.

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Mark Kidston

Band 2

Mark Kidston is a respected acquisition finance practitioner who also handles property financing matters and leads Allens' leveraged finance practice.

He is pragmatic and gets things done efficiently and, when required, creatively.

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Tom Highnam

Band 2

Tom Highnam is active on corporate and acquisition finance, and is particularly noted for his work in the funds finance area.

Tom Highnam has been great. He is well trusted within our business across our product, coverage, credit and legal teams.

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Jo Folan

Band 3

Jo Folan heads the property finance practice and is known for representing borrowers, lenders and sponsors in significant mandates.

Jo Folan provides accurate, timely advice that takes into consideration the commercial priorities of the transaction while ensuring lenders are adequately protected

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