Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

“I have dealt with Allens Arthur Robinson over many years and have been satisfied with the calibre of advice I receive from its practitioners,” says one long time client.The firm’s tax team has built a reputation for offering accurate, commercially informed ... [more]

“I have dealt with Allens Arthur Robinson over many years and have been satisfied with the calibre of advice I receive from its practitioners,” says one long time client.

The firm’s tax team has built a reputation for offering accurate, commercially informed advice on both direct and indirect tax matters. “I deal with Charles Armitage,” says another client. “He is an excellent strategist and a person we rate highly.”

The past year saw the team provide extensive tax advice for Australian dual-listed companies Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Brambles GKN. The team familiarised Australian regulators with the difficult issues that arose and advised on new financing arrangements. Allens continues to offer BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto advice on tax related matters.

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Greenwoods & Freehills’ tax team “does what’s required and makes sure the work is done in an appropriate timeframe”, says a client.A highlight for the firm was advising Commonwealth Bank of Australia in a deal that created a new structure with the Westfield ... [more]

Greenwoods & Freehills’ tax team “does what’s required and makes sure the work is done in an appropriate timeframe”, says a client.

A highlight for the firm was advising Commonwealth Bank of Australia in a deal that created a new structure with the Westfield Trust, a 50% joint venture partner in 54 of the Westfield Group’s centres in Australia and New Zealand. This was a first ‘demerger’ by a listed Australian stapled group using a new trust cloning tax relief concession.

The team acted as tax adviser to BHP Billiton on its proposed Western Australian iron ore joint venture with Rio Tinto. The project was eventually terminated due to unfavourable business conditions but it would have been the largest M&A deal in Australian corporate history.

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“I would recommend Mallesons Stephen Jaques because the individuals that I have directly engaged with are conscientious and provide a service that is recognisable in value and experience,” says a client.The Mallesons team is led by practice leader Justin ... [more]

“I would recommend Mallesons Stephen Jaques because the individuals that I have directly engaged with are conscientious and provide a service that is recognisable in value and experience,” says a client.

The Mallesons team is led by practice leader Justin Cherrington. Meanwhile, partner Michael Clough has been noted by competitors for “his knowledge and expertise in tax controversy and litigation matters”.

The firm acted for AXA Asia Pacific in the successful outcome to a dispute with the ATO over the tax consequences arising from the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary AXA Health Insurance Australia.

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“I would recommend Blake Dawson’s tax team,” says one client. “Its service and advice has fit our purpose, and the firm is timely and pays great attention to details.”The past year saw the team welcome the experience of Peter McCullough as partner from ... [more]

“I would recommend Blake Dawson’s tax team,” says one client. “Its service and advice has fit our purpose, and the firm is timely and pays great attention to details.”

The past year saw the team welcome the experience of Peter McCullough as partner from accounting firm Ernst & Young.

The firm served as advisers to BHP Billiton on the establishment of an iron ore production and exploration joint venture with Rio Tinto. The tax team was closely involved with the structuring of the transaction and the drafting and negotiation of project documents.

Another notable transaction was advising TOWER Australia Group in relation to the US$1.9 billion offer by its key shareholder, the Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, to acquire the shares in TOWER Australia that it does not own by way of a scheme of arrangement.

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“I would recommend Corrs Chambers Westgarth as it has skilled lawyers and has assembled a great team for what I require,” says one client.Last year saw major movement in personnel within the firm. The team saw the departure of partner Dixon Hearder to ... [more]

“I would recommend Corrs Chambers Westgarth as it has skilled lawyers and has assembled a great team for what I require,” says one client.

Last year saw major movement in personnel within the firm. The team saw the departure of partner Dixon Hearder to Baker McKenzie and David Pratley to Minter Ellison. But it hired Stewart Grieve, a tax director from Foster’s Group.

The firm advised Foster’s in the US$11.9 billion demerger of Foster’s Group’s beer and wine businesses. This gave rise to complex structuring issues including in relation to partly-paid shares. Amendments to the dividend provisions of the Corporations Act mid transaction added further complexity.

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“DLA Piper continues to give me first class advice and representation. The firm is highly skilled and very knowledgeable on Australian tax matters,” says one client. Partner and head of tax Jock McCormack “anticipates my needs and always delivers, even ... [more]

“DLA Piper continues to give me first class advice and representation. The firm is highly skilled and very knowledgeable on Australian tax matters,” says one client. Partner and head of tax Jock McCormack “anticipates my needs and always delivers, even in the very tightest of timetables”, says another client.

The firm advised Public Infrastructure Partners on all aspects of its 49.9% investment in the Melbourne Convention Centre. This US$540 million public private partnership was a complex transaction involving both debt and equity components in a heavily tax focused structure.

Another notable transaction was advising Whitefield and Sylvastate in respect to their merger. The team provided the tax framework to structure the acquisition, and obtained a class ruling from the Australian Taxation Office regarding tax issues for shareholders.

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