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HSF eyes M&A activity, tops out leagues tables
Herbert Smith Freehills has bolstered its position as one of the go-to law firms for M&A matters, with no plans to slow down in 2021.
Emma Musgrave
The global law firm has topped three M&A leagues tables in terms of both deal volume and total deal value for the 2020 calendar year: Bloomberg for AU/NZ deals, Mergermarket for Australiasian deals and Refinitiv for AU/NZ deals.
Some of the firm’s largest and most complex M&A transactions in the past 12 months include its work with Coca-Cola Amatil on the proposed $10.9 billion acquisition by Coca-Cola European Partners; IGO Limited on its $1.95 billion acquisition of 49 per cent of Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia; and CBA on the $3.3 billion sale of Colonial First State.
Herbert Smith Freehills corporate M&A partner Paul Branston noted while 2020 saw its fair share of challenges, the firm remained committed to securing excellent results for clients.
“2020 saw many sectors facing challenging market conditions, and we’re grateful to all of our clients for continuing to give us the opportunity to work alongside them on their milestone transactions throughout the year,” Mr Branston said.
“While M&A in 2020 initially had a slow start and then experienced a significant decline as the COVID-19 global pandemic hit in February and March, activity levels returned in the second half of the year with a mix of both public and private deals being announced in that period, including the vast majority of the year’s largest deals.”
Looking ahead, Mr Branston said the firm expects M&A activity to be high in 2021.
“The Australian economy has fared well relative to many other countries during the pandemic and there is a strong pipeline of deals, showing companies have adapted and are now focused on pursuing their growth strategies,” he explained.
“Private equity will continue to feature, and interest from overseas should increase as the global situation improves.”
Emma Musgrave
Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University.
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