Competition/Antitrust
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : Australia
Band 3
Contact number
+61 293 737 700Chambers Review
A&O Shearman fields a respected competition law team with high cross-border capability, backed by a worldwide network and frequently acting on behalf of high-profile clients from the Australian and international financial services, energy and technology sectors. The firm offers proven expertise advising global clients on multi-jurisdictional merger filings throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The practice is also noted for its competition litigation and investigation-related capabilities, complemented by in-depth, experience-based understanding of ACCC processes and constructive relations with the Commission. The team provides regulatory counsel to major multinationals in connection with ACCC inquiries into markets such as gas and electricity supply and digital platforms. Notable clients include Singtel, Dulux and Alinta Energy. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.
Work Highlights
- The firm advised Google on the ACCC's five-year Digital Platform Services Inquiry, under which the ACCC is required to prepare bi-annual reports.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm offers excellent service levels and outstanding commercial awareness."
"They have the ability to stay informed about a complex industry and structure and provide important advice in short turnarounds. The advice considers the commercial context, is digestible and demonstrates awareness of our business and operations."
"The firm offers excellent service levels and outstanding commercial awareness."
"They have the ability to stay informed about a complex industry and structure and provide important advice in short turnarounds. The advice considers the commercial context, is digestible and demonstrates awareness of our business and operations."
Notable Practitioners
Peter McDonald advises across the competition spectrum from the Sydney office, standing out for his experience of managing high-value merger clearance mandates and sensitive antitrust issues.
"Peter manages all of our competition and regulatory requirements with solid commercial awareness. Peter also supports our need to engage with other practice areas at the firm."
"Peter is fantastic and very commercial. A lot of competition lawyers are very risk-averse, whereas Peter is much more commercial in the way he views risk. He has great knowledge of consumer law and the ACCC."
"Peter is an outstanding practitioner and a known expert in the field. He understands our business very well and it is comfort and a pleasure to have him in our corner."