Corporate/M&A

The Ashurst corporate and M&A team represents the Australian arm of a global corporate practice that is respected for its proven track record in the handling of large-scale transactions for household-name multinationals. The team regularly advises leading private equity houses and financial institutions across a range of issues from initial investments to exits. It is prized for its innovative transaction structures, in-depth knowledge of key industrial and business sectors, and a comprehensive international and regional service which includes a noted focus on China and Japan-related work. Key clients include ANZ, Brookfield Infrastructure and Macquarie Capital.

"The Ashurst team is able to handle complex issues and focus on key areas for investors."

"Ashurst involves many lawyers with appropriate levels of experience in our transactions, and we consider that they have a strong roster of capabilities."

Ashurst provided counsel to Consolidated Press Holdings, the largest shareholder in Crown Resorts, in the matter of Blackstone's AUD8.9 billion acquisition of Crown Resorts.

Garry Besson is a hugely respected, Sydney-based senior adviser who continues to provide insights drawn from his years of experience in the corporate space to clients engaged in high-profile transactions and reorganisations.

Neil Pathak heads Ashurst's Australian corporate and M&A offering from the firm's Melbourne office and is an experienced handler of multibillion-dollar takeovers and other acquisitions. "He is insightful and practical; a true adviser and counsellor." "Neil is a leader of M&A in Australia. He is very practical and gives solid commercial legal advice."

Philip Breden regularly advises on multibillion-dollar transactions for major ASX-listed and international clients across a variety of industries, including the construction, energy and manufacturing spheres. He is based in Ashurst's Sydney office. "Phil is a fantastic lawyer who we trust with our most complicated projects."

Greg Golding, based in Sydney, offers long experience of involvement in some of Australia's most noteworthy transactions, maintaining a specialisation in the oversight of listed company takeovers.

Anton Harris maintains a busy M&A practice across an impressive range of business sectors, acting recently for players from sectors as diverse as those of finance, healthcare, integrated services and retail. He is co-head of the Ashurst corporate/M&A group in Australia. "He provides outstanding advice, service and responsiveness, and is a great person to work with." "Anton is very pragmatic, and so he is very helpful in terms of suggestions without pushing things too much. I find him very easy to deal with." "Anton has a great feel for the key commercial points in a transaction, providing a high-level strategic view of things."

John Brewster is co-head of Ashurst's Australian corporate/M&A team and is well-versed in advising on major public M&A matters and private equity transactions, as well as corporate reorganisations. "He is very accommodating and eager to assist, often going above and beyond the call of duty."

Mark Stanbridge is based in Sydney and operates across the corporate and M&A spectrum, devoting a significant part of his practice to private equity work, acting frequently both for leading players in this sector and for household-name companies and financial services providers. "Mark Stanbridge is an impressive lawyer with an incredible breadth of experience."

Natsuko Ogawa is the head of Ashurst's Japan practice in Australia and focuses principally on advising Japanese clients from a variety of business sectors on establishing themselves, investing or embarking on joint ventures in Australia. "Nat has been our go to person when dealing with large and complex Japanese corporations. Her legal skills combined with her cultural insights have given us a special advantage in negotiations."