Competition/Antitrust

King & Wood Mallesons fields a well-staffed, comprehensive competition/antitrust offering with global reach and a particularly impressive, fully integrated regional network, noted for its engagement with large, complex mandates. The firm's merger clearance experience extends to the representation of major multinational clients on the acquisition of Australian targets, and the litigation practice frequently acts on high-profile prosecutions, including cartel cases. The team is notably active on behalf of blue-chip clients from the financial services, pharmaceutical, resources and telecommunications sectors and adept in the handling of access issues and other matters in the energy and infrastructure spaces. A conspicuously loyal clientele benefits from the firm's in-depth knowledge of the ACCC, state and Commonwealth regulatory bodies and industry associations.

"KWM has significant depth in its practice. All its lawyers have experience handling complex and sophisticated matters."

"KWM is adept at handling complex and sophisticated matters, often under tight deadlines. It is able to partner well with different stakeholders and provide advice which is pragmatic and to the point."

King & Wood Mallesons advised Healius on its defence of a hostile takeover bid by Australian Clinical Labs.

Caroline Coops, based in Melbourne, advises across the competition and consumer law spectrum, being particularly well known for her handling of challenging mandates involving ACCC investigation or prosecution. "Caroline's strength is her well-considered strategic advice." "Caroline Coops is top tier."

Luke Woodward is active across the contentious, regulatory and transactional spaces, advising global clients on major criminal cartel prosecutions, ACCC investigations and merger control. He is based in Sydney and leads the King & Wood Mallesons competition team. "Luke Woodward is brilliant."

Peta Stevenson is based in Sydney and frequently assists clients with complex, high-profile regulatory disputes and enforcement proceedings. "Peta has an immense amount of experience and knowledge and distils complex issues into simple updates. Peta is very commercially-minded and is a pleasure to work with." "A strong performer, Peta delivers excellent client service. She excels in particular in disputes negotiation."

Wayne Leach is based in the Sydney office and advises a diverse, frequently blue-chip client base on major regulatory inquiries and merger clearance mandates. "He provides excellent client care and responsiveness. Wayne has strong analytic skills and clear communication." "Wayne is a strong performer; demonstrating consistently high levels of client service."

Lisa Huett combines a busy ACCC investigatory and consumer protection practice with well-honed global merger control capabilities. "Lisa provides excellent customer service, is strong on her specialist areas of practice and provides pragmatic and commercially-balanced advice." "Lisa a pleasure to work with. She is technically strong, very commercial and pragmatic in her approach and can always be relied upon to meet business needs regarding timing and output."