Mergers and Acquisitions

At HopgoodGanim, we understand that a merger or acquisition can be a major turning point for an organisation, and that businesses need the advice of experts who can make things happen efficiently and effectively.

We have significant experience and expertise acting on both large and small M&A transactions. Whether friendly or hostile, we work to ensure that the transaction has the best possible outcome for you and your business.

We bring together a sharp knowledge of corporate law with a team of engaged, determined lawyers. We have extensive industry and local knowledge, providing a premium service to our clients involved in takeovers, mergers, joint ventures and large-scale asset acquisitions. In simple terms, we focus on delivering outstanding results for our clients.

In all M&A transactions, the HopgoodGanim team works together with our clients and other professional advisers to provide a complete service, from initial due diligence through to the finalisation of matters after the completion of the deal. 

HopgoodGanim was recommended for corporate and M&A in the 2012 Asia Pacific Legal 500, and was named a leading Queensland firm for mergers and acquisitions in Doyle's Guide to the Australian Legal Professional 2010.

Areas of Expertise

• On market and off market takeovers and defence strategies
• Schemes of arrangement
• Mergers and demergers
• Divestments and acquisitions of shares and assets
• Joint venture arrangements
• Innovative structuring
• Due diligence
• FIRB requirements
• Regulatory compliance

Our Experience

• Advising a major Australian mining company on due diligence ahead of a potential 'change of control' transaction with a value of $5 billion.
• Advising Bow Energy in relation to the $535 million takeover bid by Shell and PetroChina subsidiary, Arrow Energy.
• Advising AIM-listed Solomon Gold plc on the acquisition of two Australian gold exploration companies, Acapulco Mining and Central Minerals.
• Advising Arrow Energy on an option agreement and other transactions whereby it increased its ownership of the Braemar 2 Power Station.
• Advising on the merger of Queensland Turf Club and Brisbane Turf Club to form one thoroughbred racing club for the Brisbane Metropolitan area, with combined assets worth $73 million.
• Advising Volga Elderberry on the sale of the Lorena Gold Project in North West Queensland to ASX-listed Malachite Resources.
• Advising Northern Energy Corporation on the takeover bid by New Hope Corporation.
• Advising Waratah Coal on its $126 million acquisition by Mineralogy (controlled by Clive Palmer).
• Advising BeMax Resources Limited on its $301.5 million acquisition by Cristal Australia, which was recommended to BeMax shareholders.
• Advising Whitehaven Coal (formerly Pecten Corporation) on its $318 million scrip takeover of Whitehaven Coal Holdings.
• Advising Dark Blue Sea on its successful defence of an unsolicited $85 million takeover bid by Photon Group. We also advised Dark Blue Sea in 2009, when Photon Group made a further and ultimately successful bid for the company.
• Advising SCV Group on its $22 million takeover offer for Village Life.
• Advising Norton Gold Fields on its successful $17.6 million scrip takeover bid for Bellamel Mining.