The first choice for strategic M&A and complex transactions
In the face of dynamic change, our corporate clients value our expertise in domestic and cross-border transactions, and the integrated knowledge of our specialist lawyers. Our clients are some of the world’s largest companies, private equity firms and investors, and we work side-by-side with them on control transactions, negotiated M&A deals, joint ventures, restructures and private equity transactions. With our global perspective, strength advising foreign investors and the reach of our international network, we support clients in realising their ambitions.
As the firm of choice for strategically important and complex transactions, we build long term relationships with our clients, who turn to us when it matters. We work closely and seamlessly with boards and management teams, as well as other advisers, to help set up clients for the future and be agile in response to rapid developments.
With a comprehensive grasp of our clients’ needs and good relationships with regulators, we have critical insight into the issues that may arise during a complex transaction and are well-used to working at pace with our clients.
Our large, experienced team works seamlessly together, to deliver the best of King & Wood Mallesons. With diverse market and sector expertise and experience advising on some of the most transformative deals, we collaborate with our clients to deliver novel solutions and get deals done.
When it comes to deal making, we know what to look for - and where - to deliver your objectives and take your business forward.
Recent highlights:
- Square Inc: on the A$39 billion acquisition of all of the issued shares in Afterpay Ltd
- EMR Capital: on the A$1 billion IPO of 29Metals
- Telstra: on its strategic partnership with a consortium, comprising the Future Fund, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation and Sunsuper, which acquired a 49% interest in Telstra InfraCo Towers, whose assets are amongst the most strategic infrastructure assets in Australia
- Brookfield: on the A$4.5 billion take-private of Healthscope
- Endeavour Group: on the newly ASX-listed company’s A$12 billion demerger from Woolworths Group
- Transurban and Sydney Transport Partners consortium: on its acquisition of 100% of RRIPLs interest in WestConnex, taking full control of the Sydney motorways company
- Woodside Petroleum: on its merger with BHP's oil and gas business, BHP Petroleum International
- AMP: strategic advice on portfolio review and business restructure including the sale of AMP LIFE and the separation and demerger of the AMP Capital private markets business
- SEEK Limited: on the sale of early-stage ventures portfolio and Online Education Services
- Bank of Queensland: on its acquisition of ME Bank and associated capital raising
- National Australia Bank: on the sale of its superannuation, platforms and asset management businesses, MLC Wealth, to IOOF Holdings Ltd
- Westpac Banking Corporation: on the sale its life insurance business to TAL Dai-ichi Life Australia Pty Ltd and the sale of its general insurance business to Allianz through the sale of Westpac General Insurance and Westpac General Insurance Services
- Vontier: on its minority investment in Tritium (an Australian private electric vehicle charging station manufacturer) and subsequent waiver to a call option to acquire, on reverse takeover by NASDAQ-listed SPAC DCRN II
- National Australia Bank: on the acquisition of the fintech 86 400 Holdings by scheme of arrangement involving significant regulatory complexity
- Lion: on the sale of its Dairy & Drinks business. The proposed transaction was originally announced in late 2018 and proceeded via a competitive sale process, culminating in two separate completed sales - first, the sale of the Specialty Cheese business to Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd (completed October 2019), and then the sale of the remaining Dairy & Drinks business to Bega Cheese Limited (completed January 2021). The complex project went through multiple iterations including one sale which failed to complete due to an inability to obtain Australian foreign investment approval
- QSuper Board: on the merger of QSuper and Sunsuper to create one of the largest superannuation funds in Australia
- Are Media / Mercury Capital: on the acquisition of Ovato’s magazine distribution business
- EQT Partners: on the A$1.2 billion take-private of Metlifecare
- KKR: on the acquisitions of Australian Venue Co, GenesisCare and Pepper Group
- Affinity Equity Partners: on the acquisitions and divestments TEG/Ticketek and Velocity Frequent Flyer and the take-private of Scottish Pacific
