Mergers and Acquisitions

As an elite Corporate M&A practice, we are valued by our clients for our expertise and market-leading execution capabilities, gained from advising on some of the most significant, complex and novel M&A transactions.

Overview

We act for the full range of market participants including bidder companies, target companies and major shareholders, including: ASX-listed and unlisted companies, international clients who wish to invest in Australian-based companies, leading investment banks and other financial advisers and our international partner firms to ensure our clients receive seamless, quality advice on major cross-border transactions.

Our team has a thorough understanding of the strategies and objectives that will be used by bidders to acquire both public and private companies and are adept at working on the buy and sell side of transactions.

Commerciality of advice. Results focused

Whether public company or private treaty M&A deals, our lawyers provide constructive commercial advice to help clients cut through the complexities and focus on the key business and transactional drivers. With a results-driven approach, we work hard to creatively structure deals to meet clients' commercial objectives and minimise risk.

Understanding the tactics of bidders and targets

Our lawyers' diverse experience advising on both the bidder and target side on a broad range of transactions means we can provide insight into the tactics adopted by all parties to a transaction. We identify and understand the risks early in the process to ensure they are dealt with or engaged in the most effective way possible from the outset.

Seamless support from multidisciplinary specialists

Transactions often require more than just a team of M&A lawyers working at the coalface. Our lawyers are backed up by regulatory specialists, including some of the best competition and tax lawyers in the country, as well as a range of other legal disciplines. Our ability to draw upon a broader team of lawyers, particularly during the due diligence phase, enables us to deliver a comprehensive, seamless service to clients.

Unparalleled bench strength

Our Corporate M&A specialists have market-leading execution capabilities, gained from advising on some of the most significant, complex and novel strategic corporate transactions in the Australian market. We have a proven track record in providing a range of seamlessly integrated commercial and corporate legal services, for large and small public and private organisations, across a number of market leadings, commercially significant and strategically important matters.

Strong working relationships with key government bodies and regulators

Our experience has shown us that the key to a smooth project or transaction is engaging with our contacts at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Our strong relationships with regulators and policy-makers gives us better insight into their decision-making and allows us to consistently achieve the best results for clients.

Our team to support you

Toolkits

Insights
Foreign investment into Australia FYE 30 June 2024: trends and implications
21 Nov 2024 | Article
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Change of control: When is it unreasonable to withhold consent?
4 Nov 2024 | Article
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Merger control Bill improves some elements of exposure draft, but concerns for business remain
10 Oct 2024 | Article
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Consultation opens a new front door for investors into Australia
25 Sep 2024 | Article
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Corporate 5 Minute Fix 11: climate reporting, JORC Code, AGM season, investor presentations, pre-emptive media releases
25 Sep 2024 | Article
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Consultation begins on new mandatory ACCC merger notification thresholds
2 Sep 2024 | Article
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Government releases exposure draft legislation on merger reforms, with impact on future acquisition strategy
24 Jul 2024 | Article
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Media release: Clayton Utz advises Asahi Shokuhin Co., Ltd. on its first acquisition in Australia
18 Jul 2024 | Media Release
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Foreign investment into Australia in October-December 2023; trends and implications
11 Jul 2024 | Article
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Media Release: Clayton Utz advises Mitsui Fudosan on its largest acquisition in Australia
10 Jul 2024 | Media Release
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Media release: Clayton Utz advises Invesco Real Estate on its strategic partnership with Stockland to deliver greater housing supply in Australia
12 Jun 2024 | Media Release
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Market dynamics prevail over blackletter principles in SGH / Boral "Best and Final" takeover offer
5 Jun 2024 | Article
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