Current practice

Brendan specialises in negotiated business transactions, particularly:

• buying and selling businesses and companies
• joint ventures, including private equity investments
• corporate reorganisations and restructures
• general commercial legal advice.

In recent times, Brendan has advised on projects across a broad range of industry sectors including:

• property trusts, including ownership, management and syndication
• retirement villages and aged care facilities
• clothing and apparel, including proprietary and licensed brands and off-shore manufacturing
• industrial manufacturing, including textiles, car parts and household products including furniture and bedding
• private health insurance
• financial services, including life insurance and general insurance.

Brendan is interested in the commercial reasons that underlie business combinations. He focuses on understanding the 'why' and the 'how' of his clients’ operations so he can give timely and relevant advice and project manage transactions as efficiently as possible.

Industry experience

Brendan acts for a wide range of companies, including American International Group, ANZ Banking Group, Centro Properties Group, MFS Limited, Hastings Private Equity, Davey Products, Invista Australia and Pacific Brands.

Recent transactions include:

• ARC Knowles’ sale of its portfolio of retirement villages and villages under construction to Stockland for $330 million
• Gresham Private Equity’s acquisition of the Witchery retail chain
• Wesley Mission’s acquisition of aged care facilities from Retirement Services Australia
• MFS Living & Leisure Group’s acquisition of the Mt Hotham and Falls Creek ski resorts.

Since 2002, Brendan has advised ANZ Capital on eight new investment transactions (most recently, Blue Circle Transport and Homyped) and several successful exits (including Lonely Planet). He also provides strategic legal advice to ANZ Capital’s investee companies.

Professional background

Brendan was admitted to practice in Victoria in 1996 after graduating from the University of Melbourne with Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts degrees.

He regularly presents to clients on topical legal issues arising in negotiated mergers and acquisitions transactions.