Corporate/M&A

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.

"The team are extremely responsive to client needs. They provide concise and clear advice. They are personable and easy to communicate with."

"They have fantastic client service, excellent output and are highly responsive."

"The firm brings a wealth of experience to issues, as well as technical skills, which leads to good practical and commercial advice. They are excellent communicators and a pleasure to deal with."

Clayton Utz advised Blackstone on its approximately AUD500 million acquisition of Student One, a portfolio of purpose-built student accommodation in Brisbane and the related operating business.

Clayton Utz advised Marcus Blackmore, the major controlling shareholder of Blackmores, on its takeover by Kirin.

Rod Halstead has advised leading companies on a comprehensive range of corporate transaction types for over 30 years and continues to provide strategic insights acquired during this period to several of Clayton Utz's current clients. He is based in Sydney.

Niro Ananda, based in Sydney, acts for domestic and international private equity clients across the full range of private equity acquisitions and divestments. "He is able to solve complex problems in a short timeframe and takes a commercial lens to his advice. He is also extremely responsive to client needs - you feel he is always contactable." "He is highly responsive and dedicated to client services, with highly commercial advice and a hands-on approach." "Niro provides practical advice and a very good demeanour with clients and opposing counsel. His knowledge of market terms in Australian M&A and commercial matters is strong and appreciated."

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. "He is very responsive and commercially-minded. He knows exactly what we need. He's very adaptive." "Rory is responsive and a strong advocate on our behalf. He is also focussed on achieving commercial and pragmatic outcomes."

Andrew Walker has practised in the corporate space for nearly 30 years and 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. "He is easy to work with, responsive, has a great sense of humour and a wealth of practical experience."

Jonathan Algar, who is based in Sydney, advises ASX-listed and international organisations on a variety of transactions, drawing on over 20 years of experience in the corporate space to advise across a broad range of strategic issues.