Department profile
Clayton Utz

Corporate/M&A

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Australia

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Clayton Utz

Rankings

About

Provided by Clayton Utz

Clayton Utz's Corporate & M&A team stands as a cornerstone practice group, consistently advising on major transactions across Australia and internationally. The partners, have experience in public and private M&A (including obtaining FIRB approvals and ASX and ASIC waivers relevant to mergers or acquisitions), joint ventures, executing and defending takeover bids, implementing agreed mergers by scheme of arrangement, IPOs, and general corporate and commercial contracts and advisory. The team has a strong proficiency in collaborating productively with crucial corporate regulatory bodies such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), and the Takeovers Panel. This ensures seamless engagement and compliance throughout the entirety of our clients' transactions, safeguarding their interests and enhancing the efficiency of the process.

Industries (8)

  • Energy & Resources
  • Government
  • Financial & Insurance Services
  • Telecommunications
  • Media & Technology
  • Health
  • Transport & Logistics
  • Government

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - Australia

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Clayton Utz maintains an exceptional offering of skills across Australia and is well-equipped due to its close relationships with international firms to represent offshore clients on inbound mandates. The firm is prominent in the energy and resources and financial services sectors and is widely acknowledged for its excellent handling of interactions with state and Commonwealth government agencies. It is also strong on private equity matters and able to draw on capabilities in related areas such as capital markets, investment funds and tax to provide a comprehensive offering for private equity firms. The firm is additionally noted for its ability to provide the fullest suite of supporting disciplines, particularly where assistance with the navigation of the regulatory environment is concerned. It is proficient on both the bidder and target sides of public M&A transactions as well as global joint ventures.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Clayton Utz advised TOPPAN on its USD1.8 billion acquisition of Sonoco Products’ thermoformed and flexible packaging business.

  • Clayton Utz advised Kohlberg & Company on their proposed acquisition of Novotech from TPG, who were running a competitive sale process.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Clayton Utz has the ability to quickly address arising and unforeseen complexities and complications with the depth of its team and expertise across various corporate and commercial legal questions.

    Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific

  • They delivered with exceptional professionalism and efficiency. We were in very safe hands with the M&A team. Their expertise and commercial skills were critical to achieving the outcome that we did.

    Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific

  • One of their outstanding qualities is the speed with which they handle drafts and respond to comments. They have a large number of talented people who are able to handle complex projects efficiently.

    Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Rod Halstead
    Rod Halstead

    Rod Halstead

    Rod Halstead has advised leading companies on a comprehensive range of corporate transaction types for over 40 years and continues to provide strategic insights acquired during this period to several of Clayton Utz's current clients. He is based in Sydney.

    • Rod is an incredibly experienced lawyer who has provided us with an outstanding level of service.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Rod is the senior statesman of the Australian M&A bar. He is extremely experienced.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Rory Moriarty
    Rory Moriarty

    Rory Moriarty

    Rory Moriarty is the Sydney-based head of Clayton Utz's combined corporate, M&A and capital markets practice. He stands out for his extensive experience of a variety of domestic and cross-border transaction types and is also well-equipped to advise authoritatively on their regulatory implications.

    • Rory is an outstanding lawyer with a high level of experience and expertise, and he consistently provides us with efficient and commercially-focused advice.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Andrew Walker
    Andrew Walker

    Andrew Walker

    Andrew Walker is a well-regarded figure in the Melbourne market who often advises in relation to substantial corporate acquisitions, takeovers and divestments. He counts both leading Australian companies and major international corporates among his clients.

    • Andrew Walker is responsive and always accessible. He is a collegiate team player with first class knowledge of law.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Jonathan Algar
    Jonathan Algar

    Jonathan Algar

    Jonathan Algar, who is based in Sydney, advises ASX-listed and international organisations on a variety of transactions, drawing on his extensive experience in the corporate space to advise across a broad range of strategic issues.

    • I have highly valued the input that Jonathan has given on my transaction.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Jonathan quickly gets to the important matters. He is keen to build and maintain long-term relationships.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Mark Malinas
    Mark Malinas

    Mark Malinas

    Mark Malinas acts principally on private equity transactions from the Melbourne office and is frequently instructed by prominent private equity outfits.

    • Mark is an excellent legal and commercial operator. He's constantly thinking about the client, the matter and how he can add value.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at Clayton Utz (5)

Australia

Members

Provided by Clayton Utz

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