Banking & Finance: Acquisition Finance

King & Wood Mallesons stands out for its leading banking group which is active on sophisticated financing arrangements for borrowers, lenders and sponsors. The firm boasts an enviable client list, including major domestic and multinational financial institutions, property and infrastructure developers, and investment funds. The team has a sterling reputation in all banking and finance disciplines, including asset, property, acquisition and corporate finance. It also deals with major cross-border aviation and shipping transactions and advises on innovative corporate finance products. The banking team is supported by King & Wood Mallesons' strong practice in financial services regulation to provide clients with a comprehensive service, as well as top-tier corporate and restructuring service offerings.

"The team are extremely commercially aware in taking the time to understand the relevant business and its commercial imperatives."

"The firm has best-in-class technical expertise in real estate finance, combined with a deep bench strength in supporting areas of expertise."

King & Wood Mallesons advised Westpac on the financing of six AW139 helicopters to be leased to Ambulance Victoria for use in airborne ambulance services in Victoria.

King & Wood Mallesons advised the lenders for Brookfield Asset Management in connection with the financing raised to support the USD18.7 billion takeover of Origin Energy.

Ken Astridge is one of the leading figures in the property finance sphere, where he has an impressive track record advising on funding major residential and infrastructure developments. "Ken Astridge is world class. He cuts through the noise and gets to a workable solution right away, and his market colour is second to none."

Yuen-Yee Cho is a leading acquisition and corporate finance lawyer and regularly advises major corporates, banks and private equity funds on complex debt structures. "Yuen-Yee Cho is detail-oriented and results-driven. She is very focused on delivering precedence for her clients."

Dale Rayner is frequently engaged by major domestic and international banks. He has considerable experience in the asset finance sphere, advising on leasing platforms and structured financing arrangements. "Dale Rayner provides technically excellent and commercially focused advice in a timely manner."

Aaron Bourke has an established reputation for corporate finance matters and frequently acts on the arrangement of cross-border facilities. "Aaron Bourke is a great asset for our business to utilise. He is held in high regard by our internal legal and c-suite."

Andrew Maynes heads King & Wood Mallesons' Sydney office and is regularly called on by both banks and borrowers to advise on a range of corporate financings, from sizeable syndicated borrowing arrangements to green sustainability-linked loans to acquisition financing. "Andrew Maynes provides an outstanding level of knowledge and service for secured lending transactions."

Ian Solomon is a distinguished practitioner in the property finance space and is particularly relied upon for complex transactions.

Jonathan Oldham is based in Melbourne and is co-head of the firm's banking and finance department. He is mandated by both lenders and borrowers to advise on a range of corporate financings, as well as the refinancing of existing debt. "Jonathan Oldham is technically very good but also very personable and available."

Will Stawell is a specialist in acquisition finance and is based in the firm's Sydney office. His work spans the full gamut of acquisition financing, recently including holdco financings and the refinancing of acquisition facilities. "Will Stawell is extremely commercial and highly proficient." "Will is a great all-around lawyer who is fantastic to deal with on complex cross-border deals."