Banking & Finance: Acquisition Finance

Ashurst maintains a highly respected lender-side practice with panel appointments for all of the major Australian banks and frequent engagements from international financial institutions operating in Australia. The team is highly regarded for its expertise in the handling of large syndicated corporate transactions and leveraged acquisitions, adeptly handling cross-border and domestic matters. Ashurst is well reputed for property finance and offers notable experience in the areas of asset finance and leasing, and in advising corporate borrowers on high-value and complex refinancing matters. The law firm offers clients a full and global service, drawing on expertise in other practice areas, such as M&A, real estate and tax, with additional benefit from the firm's international presence. Its key clients include ANZ, MUFG and Fletcher Building.

"Ashurst has a very experienced team who make themselves available at all times, under tight timeframes. The team has the ability to assess both commercial issues as well as legal issues."

"The team has a great depth and breadth of experience and offers more than just legal advice. They understand us as a client and tailor their advice to our unique structure. Their market knowledge is very valuable to us."

Ashurst acted for NAB, CBA, and HSBC as the lenders and agents for Australian Grain Export's AUD290 million syndicated asset-backed facility. 

Ashurst advised the lenders and ESG structuring coordinators on the senior secured syndicated and bilateral club sustainability-linked loan facilities provided to the Charter Hall Office Trust.

Martin Coleman has a strong reputation for advising on property and infrastructure finance. He is also sought out by major banks and financiers for complex corporate finance issues. "Martin is astonishingly affable, but below that approachable surface, he is a formidable lawyer with an ability to crush in negotiation, but only when necessary. He has a finely tuned awareness of which buttons to push and when to push them."

Shawn Wytenburg is a leading figure in the space with significant experience in both corporate and acquisition finance matters. "Shawn is one of the leading lending counsel lawyers in the Australian market."

Jock O'Shea is singled out by sources for his expertise in asset and property financing, with experience across a range of real estate and asset classes. "Jock is efficient, professional and commercial."

Steve Smith has a practice that encompasses a broad range of corporate financing matters. He has particular experience in complex cross-border financing, senior and mezzanine debt packages and hybrid instruments. "Steve is extremely sharp but not brash about it. His ability to see the big picture makes him a great asset."

Brenton Key focuses principally on property finance issues, acting for leading Australian and international banks on transactions across the commercial, residential, industrial and hospitality property spectrum.

Kenneth Nguyen is head of the Ashurst global loans team and is best known for his adept handling of real estate financings. He advises financiers, including banks and private credit funds, as well as corporate borrowers and developers. "Kenneth is well known and has a strong market presence."