Corporate/M&A

Herbert Smith Freehills has a standout team for oil and gas M&A across the region, with an illustrious client roster which also features global corporate heavyweights in mining, as well as regional telecoms giants and major financial institutions. The firm's acclaimed Australian offering handles M&A transactions as well as private equity deals, with proficiency across key Asian markets. It is also very active in the India market, where it works with established domestic corporates and is particularly engaged in the pharmaceutical sphere. A notable corporate team in Hong Kong and Mainland China handles transactions across the region. The firm boasts a respected transactional practice in Japan and an established reputation in South-East Asia, especially for M&A in the energy sector, with able practices in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. 

"Herbert Smith Freehills has some very strong M&A partners who are responsive, highly intelligent and hard-working, and all of the work they produce is of a high quality."

"The team are well aware of key commercial issues and can advise clients accordingly, focusing on key risks."

"The HSF team are very commercially aware and in tune with their clients' priorities, strategies and concerns."

Herbert Smith Freehills advised BHP on its merger with Woodside Petroleum, creating an oil company with an estimated market capital of USD30 billion.

Herbert Smith Freehills advised Blackstone on its USD9.5 billion acquisition of a majority stake in Emerson's Climate Technologies.

Herbert Smith Freehills advised Unity on its acquisition of 650 telecommunications towers in the Philippines from PLDT through its subsidiaries Smart Communications and Digitel Mobile Philippines.

Herbert Smith Freehills advised Mitsui on all aspects of its agreement with Aker Horizons to acquire a stake in Aker's subsidiary, Mainstream Renewable Power.

Caroline Pugsley is a key contact in Australia and head of the practice. Matt Emsley and Jason Sung are key contacts and practice heads in Hong Kong. Alan Montgomery is a key contact for the India group. Other key contacts include David Dawborn in Indonesia and Graeme Preston, who is also the regional head of corporate, in Japan.