Allens 'differentiates itself on depth and breadth of experience', including across high-value, complex transactions, leveraging deep sector knowledge in infrastructure, mining, and the energy transition. Vijay Cugati, head of the M&A and capital markets team, specialises in public company takeovers, schemes of arrangement, and corporate governance, while Guy Alexander leads the market in sectors critical to the energy transition. Tom Story and Richard Kriedemann demonstrate versatility when driving major private equity transactions and when pushing public company takeovers and schemes of arrangement in the resources sector. Wendy Rae’s expertise in Australia’s foreign investment rules ensures seamless regulatory approvals for cross-border deals, Emin Altiparmak’s private capital leadership navigates intricate consortium arrangements, and Noah Obraadovic also advises financial investor clients on public and private M&A.

Ashurst delivers standout expertise as a ‘leading practice’ in high-value public and private M&A, private equity deals, and cross-border transactions in the energy, resources, and technology sectors. Practice head John Brewster leads corporate transactions for listed companies on acquisitions, with Anton Harris heading private capital for private equity funds on investments, and Neil Pathak, co-head of M&A, overseeing listed company schemes of arrangement. Tony Damian, who joined from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP in June 2025 as co-head of the M&A department, advises multinationals on takeovers. Phil Breden handles governance for listed corporates on international M&A, while Susannah Macknay focuses on private equity acquisitions by scheme, and Stuart Dullard leads tech M&A for venture capital funds on investments.

Gilbert + Tobin holds a commanding presence in Australia’s corporate and M&A market, excelling in high-value public and private deals, particularly in private equity, healthcare, and infrastructure. Within the team,  Alex Kauye leads on private equity investments for global funds. Costas Condoleon‘s expertise impressively spans public and private M&A, corporate and securities law, and directors’ duties, and he frequently acts for both bidders and targets in takeovers. Rachael Bassil navigates healthcare and infrastructure acquisitions with sharp market expertise, while Peter Cook manages private equity takeovers with precision. Perth-based Sarah Turner provides expert guidance on corporate governance and advisory work, and Sydney-based Karen Evans-Cullen guides clients through complex, high-value transactions, particularly in takeovers. Rachel Walker, who joined from Dentons in January 2025, further bolsters the firm’s M&A offering with notable expertise in cross-border joint ventures and equity raises in energy and resources. The team is noted for its ‘service, partnering, collaboration’ and ‘solution focus’, with its tight cross-practice coordination delivering effective solutions for high-stakes deals.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP distinguishes itself in Australia’s corporate and M&A market with its adept handling of high-value public and private transactions in private equity, mining, and healthcare, with a particular strength in navigating complex regulatory and cross-border deals. Practice head Matthew FitzGerald drives major acquisitions for listed companies, while Raji Azzam anchors private equity investments, steering major funds through healthcare and insurance-related deals. Baden Furphy excels in public company takeovers, particularly in industrial sectors, and Rebecca Maslen-Stannage delivers sharp schemes of arrangement for landmark mergers. Rodd Levy specialises in takeovers and schemes of arrangement and is noted as a trusted adviser to company directors, and Andrew Rich boasts significant experience in major domestic and cross-border transactions. Philippa Stone routinely leads on hostile takeovers and cross-border mining acquisitions, with Nicole Pedler shining in healthcare and construction industry M&A sales. Tony Damian, a key figure with extensive public M&A experience, departed in January 2025.

King & Wood Mallesons shines in Australia’s corporate and M&A market, delivering standout expertise in high-value public and private deals, with a keen ability to navigate complex cross-border and regulatory challenges. Practice head David Eliakim leads transformative acquisitions for listed companies, while Rachael Lewis steers public M&A and governance matters. Mark McNamara, co-head of the firms private capital practice, drives high-profile private equity investments with deep market knowledge. David Friedlander acts for both bidders and targets in takeovers, as well as issuers and underwriters in securities offerings. Peter Stirling excels in financial services M&A, Henrik Moritz specialises in M&A transactions, with a particular focus on financial services and funds management, and Jason Watts handles public company restructures with seasoned experience. Nicola Charlston navigates multi-jurisdictional deals in the healthcare and resources sectors, while Niro Ananda, having joined the practice from Clayton Utz in May 2025, bolsters the firm’s private equity offering, bringing extensive experience in fund-led acquisitions.

Praised for its ‘strong commercial acumen and proficient collaboration with clients and co-counsel’, Clayton Utz commands a strong presence in Australia’s corporate and M&A market, delivering sharp advice on high-value public and private transactions across financial services, healthcare, and technology. Renowned for navigating complex cross-border deals and regulatory challenges, the team serves listed companies, private equity funds, and global investors. Practice head Rory Moriarty brings exceptional expertise to cross-border M&A and takeovers. Stephanie Daveson drives major acquisitions and restructurings, with Jonathan Algar fueling technology companies’ growth through strategic capital raisings, complementing Samy Mansour's navigation of complex M&A for multinationals in the energy and infrastructure industries.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth delivers incisive expertise in Australia’s corporate and M&A market, adeptly handling high-value public and private transactions in the technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors. Well-known for its cross-border agility and practical approach, the team guides listed companies, private equity funds, and global investors through complex regulatory mazes. Sandy Mak, practice head, leads transformative M&A and private equity deals with sharp commercial insight. Ricky Casali, a private equity powerhouse, steers top-tier funds through high-stakes buyouts and exits, while Robert Clarke brings deep regulatory know-how to infrastructure and technology transactions. Adam Foreman and Shabarika Ajitkumar routinely navigate complex media and real estate acquisitions, while Glen Sauer shines in private equity deals.

MinterEllison carves a distinct edge in Australia’s corporate and M&A market, and the team is lauded as a ‘practical, commercially savvy team that knows how to navigate clients through the intricacies of public and private market deals’. The department delivers high-value transactions across the energy, real estate, and technology sectors, guiding listed companies, private equity funds, and global investors through complex cross-border and regulatory challenges. Co-head Con Boulougouris drives public M&A and takeovers, while co-head Joseph Pace focuses on private M&A, crafting corporate strategies to support client growth. Kimberley Low, heading up private equity, advises on high-profile buyouts and exits in technology and healthcare, leveraging her global experience. Bart Oude-Vrielink shines in M&A transactions across a diverse range of industries. Jeremy Blackshaw tackles financial services and infrastructure M&A with deep market insight, while Nick Kipriotis and Kate Koidl deliver on technology and infrastructure deals, complementing Louella Stone’s expertise in financial services and real estate M&A transactions.

Arnold Bloch Leibler delivers sharp expertise in Australia’s corporate and M&A market and lauded for its ‘ethical people’, ‘great work ethic and outcome-focused approach’. The team excels in complex public and private transactions across the retail, real estate, and technology industries, guiding ASX-listed companies and global dealmakers through sophisticated deals. Co-head Jonathan Wenig drives high-stakes M&A transactions with strategic precision, while co-head Jeremy Leibler, a private equity standout, routinely navigates takeovers and shareholder activism. Christine Fleer is another ket name in the department and frequently advises high-net-worth clients and listed entities on strategic M&A.

Baker McKenzie delivers tailored expertise in Australia’s corporate and M&A market, and it is praised as a team that is ‘very accommodating in the way they do deals’ and strives for client-driven results beyond transactional relationships. The team excels in high-value public and private transactions across the energy, healthcare, and digital infrastructure sectors, guiding listed companies, private equity funds, and global investors through complex cross-border deals. Co-head Lance Sacks drives public and private M&A with strategic precision, while co-head Simon De Young leads private equity buyouts and exits, focusing on financial sponsors. Richard Lustig focuses on international transactions, including public mergers and acquisitions, takeovers, and schemes of arrangement. Aylin Cunsolo and Andrea Kennedy departed in June and February 2025 respectively.

DLA Piper handles complex private M&A, equity raisings, and cross-border transactions, focusing on the technology, energy, infrastructure, and consumer goods sectors. Head of corporate Jyoti Singh advises on private M&A and warranty and indemnity insurance underwriting for financial institutions and agribusiness clients, while Shane Bilardi manages digital infrastructure M&A, including data centre deals. David Ryan oversees public M&A and IPOs in technology and financial services, and Chris Mitchell focuses on energy and infrastructure acquisitions, while Lyndon Masters handles joint ventures and restructurings in the infrastructure and technology industries. Sarah Wilson is another notable name and advises on private M&A in consumer goods and data centres. David Holland joined from Hogan Lovells in February 2025, bolstering expertise in private equity acquisitions and public M&A, with a focus on the technology and financial services sectors.

Johnson Winter Slattery advises private equity sponsors and corporates on cross-border acquisitions and public-to-private transactions from its Sydney and Perth offices, with a focus on the technology and defence sectors. Paul Vinci heads up the corporate and finance practice, advising ASX-listed entities on mergers and equity capital markets. James Rozsa, noted as ‘the perfect choice for cross-border US/AU growth equity and private equity deals, given his extensive background in both jurisdictions’, handles contested schemes of arrangement and software company sales. Andrew Turner advises US funds on growth equity investments in SaaS businesses. Andrew Williams manages acquisitions in the consumer goods industry. David Moore focuses on defence sector acquisitions and Damian Reichel oversees joint ventures and stakebuilding in the resources sector.

Jones Day delivers cross-border M&A expertise from its Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne offices, routinely advising on public takeovers, schemes of arrangement, and private equity transactions in the resources, technology, and infrastructure sectors. Clients praise the firm’s ‘great understanding of the subtleties of negotiations and complexities of an ASX listed company’s requirements’. Hemang Shah expertly manages public company acquisitions and IPOs, leveraging extensive mining and financial services experience, while Isaac West oversees complex resources sector acquisitions, including coal mine purchases. Simon Brown handles energy and mining deals across the Asia-Pacific, and Charles Bogle, who joined from Hogan Lovells in February 2025, advises financial investors on infrastructure and technology acquisitions. Courtney Dixon navigates contested public takeovers and schemes whilst Andrew Felton focuses on detailed business division sales.

Thomson Geer offers practical corporate and M&A advice from its national offices, specialising in cross-border transactions across the resources, technology, and logistics industries. Clients praise the team’s ‘big picture thinking overarching the legal detail’, combining deep technical expertise with sound commercial overlay to achieve practicable outcomes. Scott Gibson advises mining companies on acquisitions and IPOs, drawing on geology knowledge for tenement deals. Michael Bowen handles public takeovers and capital raisings in energy, integrating ASX compliance, while David Schiavello manages technology company sales, focusing on share purchase agreements. Adam Brooks, who is lauded as ‘exceptional in cutting through details’, oversees matters arising from the entertainment sector, including M&A and joint ventures, and David Church navigates international acquisitions with regulatory precision.

White & Case delivers expert corporate and M&A advice, excelling in cross-border deals within the infrastructure, energy transition, and mining sectors, leveraging its global network for seamless coordination. John Tivey, global head of mining and metals, leads high-value resource acquisitions with extensive Asia-Pacific experience. He is ably supported by Caroline Sherrell, who drives infrastructure deals with deep expertise in private equity and fund transactions. In January 2025, Aaron Kenavan, who spearheads public and private M&A across the healthcare industry, and Jamie Palmer, who focuses on private equity transactions in industrials, joined the group from A&O Shearman, enhancing its expertise in public M&A and private equity.

A&O Shearman delivers incisive expertise in Australia’s corporate and M&A market, and the team is lauded as ‘very knowledgeable but also very commercial in the way it approaches the provision of legal advice’. The team navigates high-value transactions across energy, mining, and TMT, guiding listed companies, private equity funds, and global investors through complex cross-border deals. Michael Parshall, practice head, drives public and private M&A with strategic precision, and he is ably supported by Matthew Johnson, who advises on governance and foreign investment in mining, and Tony Sparks, who steers equity capital raisings and IPOs with skill. Simone Lowes and Jackie Donald deliver on private equity acquisitions and energy-focused M&A respectively. Meredith Campion and Gilbert Li departed in April and March 2025.

Clifford Chance routinely advises financial sponsors and corporates on private equity takeovers, schemes of arrangement, and cross-border M&A transactions from its Sydney office, with expertise in the healthcare, energy, real estate, and digital infrastructure industries. David Clee routinely handles private equity acquisitions and public M&A deals, Mark Currell focuses on distressed debt acquisitions in energy and healthcare, and Nadia Kalic advises on renewable energy platform sales and digital infrastructure deals. Elizabeth Hill guides corporates through IPOs and debt-for-equity swaps, while Jacob Kahwaji manages joint ventures in real estate and consumer goods. Reuben Van Werkum, another name to note, is adept at handling cross-border infrastructure auctions.

Gadens Lawyers delivers dynamic corporate and M&A advice, focusing on mid-market public and private transactions, equity capital raisings, and governance matters across the TMT, health, financial services, and energy sectors. The team, which is well-known for its commercial service, has expertise in on-market takeovers. Jol Rogers, co-practice leader, routinely structures takeovers and equity raises. Clare Miller advises on joint ventures in the hotel and food sectors, while Mark Pistilli is skilled in oversees high-value mining acquisitions and Jeremy Smith manages real estate fund M&A. Co-head James Beckley often advises on technology acquisitions, and Michael Kenny leads takeover bids.

Hall & Wilcox delivers targeted corporate and M&A advice from its Melbourne and Sydney offices, focusing on middle-market private acquisitions and cross-border deals in the technology, financial services, and consumer goods sectors. Oliver Jankowsky, head of the international team, advises foreign acquirers on Australian asset purchases. Other key members of the practice include Christopher Brown, who handles financial services acquisitions and is praised as ‘excellent, pragmatic, solutions-oriented, and client-focussed’, James Morvell, who routinely manages public company takeovers and schemes of arrangement, and Sevan Gore, who advises on mining sector acquisitions and joint ventures. Nicole Tumiati oversees retail business sales and restructurings, and Scott Harris, who joined the firm from Hogan Lovells in April 2025, has bolstered its expertise in debt restructurings and asset management deals.

Hamilton Locke routinely advises private equity sponsors and corporates on high-value acquisitions and public-to-private deals from its Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, and Brisbane offices, focusing on the technology, mining, and hospitality sectors. The team is jointly led by national co-heads, Shaun Hardcastle, who often manages mining sector schemes of arrangement, and Gaynor Tracey, who expertly handles industrial services acquisitions. Justin Fox oversees cross-border hospitality M&A, while James Delesclefs navigates complex infrastructure acquisitions and is praised as ‘savvy, technical and business minded’. In February 2025, James Nicholls joined from DLA Piper, enhancing the group’s technology sector M&A expertise, Andrea Kennedy joined from Baker McKenzie, strengthening its private equity acquisitions offering, and Mark Payne joined from Corrs Chambers Westgarth, bolstering its public company takeover capabilities.

K&L Gates provides sophisticated M&A and venture capital advice, focusing on mid-market transactions across  the technology, financial services, and agribusiness industries. The team, led by Chris Nikou, is skilled in private equity acquisitions, seamlessly integrating cross-border deals with a client-praised ‘pragmatic, business-oriented approach reflecting strong legal and commercial understanding’. Daniel Atkin drives high-volume venture capital transactions, leveraging deep market knowledge, and Harry Kingsley navigates technology and financial services acquisitions with precision. Naomi Philp manages complex property fund acquisitions, while Adam Levine handles mining and logistics deals. In April 2025, Natalya Hards departed the firm.

Lander & Rogers provides pragmatic corporate and M&A advice, focusing on mid-market and cross-border transactions in the technology, financial services, and real estate sectors. The team, praised for its ‘practical legal advice that enables clients to achieve their objectives’, builds trusted relationships with founders and strategic buyers to guide complex acquisitions with seamless coordination. Led by David Morris, the practice handles public and private M&A with an emphasis on founder-led exits. Jackie Solakovski manages acquisitions in infrastructure and consumer goods, leveraging deep deal experience. Gregg McConnell oversees real estate fund transactions, targeting high-value portfolio deals, while Deanna Constable advises on international joint ventures in the resources and technology sectors, informed by in-house expertise. Jared Smith navigates cross-border technology acquisitions, drawing on global market knowledge to ensure deal success.

Mills Oakley delivers practical corporate and M&A advice across its national offices, specialising in mid-market and international deals in technology, food and beverage, and professional services industries. Clients praise the team for housing ‘trusted advisors who go the extra mile’, valuing their seamless blend of sharp legal insight and ‘commercial approach’. Tony Symons, noted as ‘available when you need him and absolutely best in field,’ guides founders through manufacturing business sales. Grant Koch navigates private equity acquisitions in healthcare, and Tim Cox, recognised for his ‘strong emphasis on client experience,’ manages share market transactions. In April 2025, Greg Smith joined from Baker McKenzie and Brendan Wykes from Kain Lawyers, enhancing the group’s cross-border technology-focused deal expertise. Yannis Vrodos joined from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP in June 2025, bolstering its capabilities in private equity transactions. Gaurav de Fontgalland departed in January 2025.

Colin Biggers & Paisley specialises in mid-market M&A, offering tailored advice for small and medium-sized businesses across the manufacturing, property, and automotive sectors. The team excels in transaction management, risk analysis, and regulatory compliance. Practice head Jon Meadmore structures complex acquisitions and advises on corporate governance. Simone Whetton leads share and business sales, joint ventures, and governance for international clients, Andrew Logie-Smith advises on governance and fundraising, and Connie Chen handles cross-border deals. In March 2025, Michael Bracken departed the firm.

Kain Lawyers’corporate and M&A team specialises in mid-market transactions, advising on acquisitions, capital raisings, and fund establishments in the agribusiness, infrastructure, and technology sectors. Clients praise the team’s ‘clear, prompt advice’. Michael Garry leads on private equity deals, while James Burchnall, who is noted for ‘outstanding knowledge of takeover provisions,’ advises on public M&A schemes. David Mitchell, another notable member of the group, focuses on agritech investments. James Tannock and Stephen Vrettos joined the firm from Hamilton Locke in January and April of 2025, and Brendan Wykes departed in April.

KHQ Lawyers routinely provides advice on M&A, restructures, and capital raisings across the technology, healthcare, and renewables industries. Andrew Walker drives complex deals, crafting strategic deal solutions, and Toby Norgate’s cross-border acumen navigates high-stakes transactions. Ashleigh Le’s dual in-house and private practice perspective delivers practical solutions when advising on acquisitions and joint ventures. Venn King’s investment structuring expertise enhances fund-related deals.

The team at Macpherson Kelley, which is praised as ‘truly partner led, with deep industry expertise and technical proficiency’, stands out for its national coverage and expertise in complex, innovative deals across the aged care, manufacturing, and testing and compliance sectors. Grant Guenther leads on M&A  transactions for aged care and manufacturing clients in particular, and Terry Kokkinos, ‘an outstanding transaction adviser,’ also handles manufacturing deals. Cathy Russo oversees Queensland corporate restructures and John Ridgway advises on Pacific jurisdiction acquisitions.

Maddocks advises on acquisitions, schemes of arrangement, and joint ventures for clients that are active in the healthcare, financial services, and food and beverage sectors. Clients highlight the team’s ‘strong commercial understanding, responsiveness, and pragmatic problem-solving’. Ron Smooker leads on schemes, including diagnostics mergers, while Andrew McNee routinely handles private equity deals for funds. Julian Law is another notable name and advises on cross-border M&A transactions. Alex Worner joined from EY Law in July 2025. Rosamond Sayer departed in March.

McCullough Robertson advises on acquisitions, capital raisings, and joint ventures in the resources, renewables, and technology sectors. Damien Clarke leads resources-related M&A with taxation expertise. Ben Wood handles technology transactions, including IPOs and takeovers for startups, while Reece Walker advises on public M&A and capital markets for ASX-listed companies. Lucy Adamson joined the team in June 2025.

Pinsent Masons LLP advises on cross-border, mid-market M&A transactions and capital market matters emanating from the renewable energy, technology, and infrastructure industries. Clients commend the team’s ‘superlative market experience and proactive approach’, Ewan Robertson leads on cross-border M&A transactions, Joni Henry focuses on energy and infrastructure deals, and James Stewart, noted for ‘exceptional commercial understanding,’ handles public M&A takeovers.

Piper Alderman delivers sharp advice on acquisitions, schemes of arrangement, and joint ventures across the mining, manufacturing, and transport sectors, earning client praise for its ‘responsiveness and deep industry expertise’. James Dickson, who is recognised for his ‘pragmatic advice’, spearheads healthcare-related M&A, while James Macdonald manages manufacturing transactions. Josh Steele navigates complex mining M&A schemes for ASX-listed entities and Maria Capati drives transport sector deals. Richard Horton and Olena Brodovska joined from Squire Patton Boggs in March 2025.

Squire Patton Boggs’s team advises on cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and private equity in automotive, chemicals, and technology sectors. Daniel F Roules coordinates Asia-Pacific deals across jurisdictions, while Lindsay Zhu focuses on cross-border M&A and trade compliance. In March 2025, Alex Zhang joined from White & Case, and he is praised for ‘exceptional expertise’ in leading M&A and private equity transactions.

Holding Redlich advises on middle-market M&A, delivering solutions for complex cross-border transactions with deep sector knowledge across healthcare, renewable energy, and agribusiness. Darren Pereira spearheads on dealmaking across acquisitions and restructures, and William Khong’s technical expertise drives sophisticated capital raisings. Jeanne Vallade strengthens the group’s foreign investment capabilities, and recent arrival Ben Constance, who joined from The Petra Group in May 2025, brings experience in cross-border M&A, private equity, joint ventures, and complex commercial transactions.

Sparke Helmore Lawyers advises on public and private M&A transactions, capital raisings, and restructurings in the financial services, technology, and insurance sectors, with clients praise its ‘responsiveness, professionalism, and commercial awareness’. Sally Weatherstone leads public and private M&A matters for listed companies, Brad Vinning handles start-up capital raisings and private M&A, and John Toigo routinely advises on resources transactions.