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M&A experts join top-tier Melbourne office
Two new partners have joined the Melbourne M&A team of a leading international law firm.
Melissa Coade
M&A partners John Brewster and Shane Kyriakou (pictured) have been hired to push Ashurst’s “market-leading results” further. In an article outlining the pair’s poaching this week, The Australian described the move as a “raid on rivals” by the firm.
According to global managing partner Paul Jenkins, the new partners will broaden the skill set of an already “strong” M&A team. Ashurst also confirmed plans to hire an additional 10 lawyers by early 2017, with a view to expanding its M&A business under the direction of Mark Stanbridge.
“These partners will play a key role in contributing to the strength of our practice, working with our practice group lead Mark Stanbridge to deliver outstanding client results,” Mr Jenkins said.
“Our M&A, and infrastructure M&A team in particular, compete at the top end of the market, and these partners will further enhance our offering and the market-leading results we produce for our clients,” he said.
Mr Brewster was a partner at national firm Clayton Utz for just over two years. The corporate and M&A specialist has worked for local and foreign companies, including major investment banks in the Australian market.
Former HSF partner Shane Kyriakou is a qualified lawyer in both Australia and England, with 18 years’ experience under his belt. He has particular expertise working on large energy, mining and infrastructure projects and associated M&A aspects.
Commenting on the latest appointments, Mr Stanbridge took the opportunity to take a dig at other firms’ M&A teams.
“I am delighted to welcome John and Shane to Ashurst. They will play a key role in contributing to the strength of our top-tier M&A team, which is, unlike many of our competitors, a truly national practice,” Mr Stanbridge said.
