Best Private Equity Lawyers in Sydney

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Owen Hodge Lawyers
Sydney, Australia

Founded in 1951
55 people in their team
English
Owen Hodge Lawyers is a top tier law firm that Sydney residents rely on. We commenced providing legal services to the St George and Sutherland communities in 1951. Since then our firm has grown considerably, developing a reputation for quality legal services, value for money and a strong...
Harris Gomez Group
Sydney, Australia

Founded in 1997
50 people in their team
About UsHGG opened its doors in 1997 as a legal and commercial firm.  In 2001, we took the step to expand our practice to the international market with the establishment of our office in Santiago, Chile. This international expansion meant we could provide an essential bridge for Australian...
Themis Partner
Sydney, Australia

Founded in 2017
30 people in their team
English
Chinese
Themis Partner is a full-service law firm with a strong presence across Southeast Asia. Our team is known for delivering comprehensive legal services to businesses of all sizes, with a focus on providing practical and innovative legal solutions. With extensive experience in sectors like corporate...
Maatouks Law Group
Sydney, Australia

Founded in 2000
20 people in their team
Arabic
Russian
English
Sydney’s Most Experienced LawyersIf you are looking for an experienced team of lawyers, there is no looking past Maatouks Law Group. Having been in the legal industry for almost 30 years, Peter has the experience that people in Sydney and the surrounding areas need in order to sort out a range of...
Anb Lawyer
Sydney, Australia

Founded in 2007
25 people in their team
English
ABOUTSPECIALIST ADVICE YOU CAN RELY UPON.ANB Lawyers is a Sydney based boutique law firm practicing in a range of areas including property, commercial and corporations law and dispute resolution.The firm’s principal, Nabil Ajaje, is an Accredited Specialist in Business Law and is an experienced...
Austin Haworth & Lexon Legal
Sydney, Australia

Founded in 1994
200 people in their team
English
About us30 Years of Expertise in Australian and Chinese Law History showcases expertise. Established in 1994, the largest Chinese Law Firm based in Australia. We pride ourselves on being able to provide top-quality service for clients who require assistance in navigating the legal systems of...

Founded in 2002
100 people in their team
English
LexGlobal is a full service law firm in Kabul, Afghanistan and Sydney & Brisbane Australia. LexGlobal Partners is a leading corporate and commercial law firm and offers a team of professional lawyers with cross-border expertise and multi-jurisdictional capabilities to provide clients with...
ClarkeKann
Sydney, Australia

Founded in 1965
79 people in their team
English
Founded on a culture of authenticity, ClarkeKann commits people and know how to help our clients make the right decisions and grow in what can be a challenging business environment.Clever thinking, flexibility and a passion for practical business minded solutions inform every aspect of our...
Shore Lawyers
Sydney, Australia

Founded in 2014
25 people in their team
English
Shore Lawyers is recognised as one of the best law firms in Sydney with offices in North Sydney and Sydney CBD. Our team of highly experienced legal professionals specialises in Litigation, Commercial and Corporate Law, Property, Wills and Estates, Family, Employment and Criminal Law. We are...
Rockliffs
Sydney, Australia

Founded in 1970
10 people in their team
English
OUR STORYThe firm has been established since the early 1970’s and the former Managing Partner, Stephen Rockliff, has been associated with the firm since then. Stephen Rockliff has had vast experience in most areas of law over the course of his legal career spanning more than 4 decades. Stephen...
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About Private Equity Law in Sydney, Australia

Private equity involves investing capital in private companies or buying out public companies to make them private, often with the goal of improving performance and reselling them at a profit. In Sydney, private equity transactions are a significant part of the local investment landscape, underpinned by a sophisticated legal and regulatory framework. These transactions commonly include leveraged buyouts, venture capital investments, management buyouts, and growth capital deals. Given Sydney’s position as Australia’s primary financial hub, the city attracts major private equity firms, investors, and advisors from both domestic and international markets.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Private equity transactions are highly complex and carry significant financial and legal implications. Here are some common situations where legal assistance is crucial:

  • You are considering raising capital for your business through a private equity firm.
  • You are looking to invest in a private equity fund or wish to become a partner in such investments.
  • You are an entrepreneur or shareholder facing a company buyout or merger proposal.
  • You need help structuring or negotiating the terms of a transaction or investment.
  • You require due diligence to assess potential risks and liabilities associated with a deal.
  • You are concerned about regulatory compliance or tax implications of a private equity arrangement.
  • You need to address disputes or disagreements relating to ownership, management, or exit strategies.
  • Your company is expanding into Australia and needs to ensure compliance with local private equity laws.

Local Laws Overview

Private equity in Sydney is governed by a complex mix of federal, state, and local laws. The most relevant legal considerations include:

  • Corporations Act 2001 (Cth): Regulates the formation, operation, and management of companies in Australia, including disclosure obligations and directors’ duties.
  • Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB): Oversees foreign investment in Australian companies and must approve certain transactions involving overseas investors.
  • Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC): Regulates fundraising, financial services, and investment products, ensuring investor protection and legal compliance.
  • Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): Reviews mergers and acquisitions to prevent anti-competitive outcomes.
  • Taxation: The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) sets out the tax considerations relevant to private equity, including capital gains tax and income tax.
  • Employment Law: Changes in ownership can impact employees, triggering compliance with Australia’s labor laws.

Navigating these laws can be challenging, particularly with cross-border transactions or complex company structures. Legal advice ensures deals proceed smoothly, assets are protected, and regulatory risks are managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is private equity?

Private equity refers to capital investment in private companies or buyouts of public companies to make them private, usually with the aim to improve, grow, or restructure and ultimately sell for a profit.

What are the main legal risks in private equity transactions?

Key legal risks include breaches of directors’ duties, inaccurate disclosures, regulatory non-compliance, tax liabilities, and potential disputes between stakeholders or with third parties.

Do I need FIRB approval for a private equity investment?

FIRB approval is required for certain transactions involving foreign investors, particularly if the investment is into sensitive sectors or exceeds specified financial thresholds.

What documents are typically involved in a private equity deal?

Common documents include confidentiality agreements, term sheets or heads of agreement, share sale or subscription agreements, shareholder agreements, and due diligence reports.

What is legal due diligence in a private equity transaction?

Legal due diligence is a comprehensive review of the target company’s legal affairs to identify risks, including contractual, compliance, employment, intellectual property, and litigation issues.

How are private equity deals typically structured?

Deals may involve direct investments, joint ventures, syndicates, management buyouts, or the use of complex funding structures involving debt and equity.

What are the obligations of directors and shareholders in a private equity-backed company?

Directors owe fiduciary duties under the Corporations Act, including acting in good faith and in the company’s best interests. Shareholders often have specific rights and obligations set out in the shareholder agreement.

How are employees affected by a private equity transaction?

Transactions can trigger changes to employment arrangements, redundancy obligations, or alter incentive schemes, all subject to Australian labor laws and employment contracts.

What tax considerations apply to private equity transactions?

Common tax considerations include capital gains tax on the sale of shares, income tax implications for distributions, and the need for effective tax structuring to minimize liabilities.

How can a lawyer help me with my private equity transaction?

A lawyer can assist with deal structuring, legal due diligence, drafting and negotiating contracts, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing risks throughout the transaction.

Additional Resources

If you need more information about private equity in Sydney, consider the following resources:

  • Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
  • Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB)
  • Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
  • Australian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association Limited (AVCAL)
  • Business.gov.au for guides on starting and growing a business with private capital
  • Local law societies for referrals to qualified private equity lawyers in Sydney

Next Steps

If you are considering a private equity transaction or face legal questions in this area, it is important to seek professional legal advice tailored to your situation. Here are recommended next steps:

  • Consult with a legal expert specializing in private equity in Sydney for an initial assessment of your situation.
  • Prepare all relevant documents and information to streamline the advisory process.
  • Identify your key objectives and potential risks before meeting with a legal advisor.
  • Consider engaging with accounting and tax professionals for a comprehensive understanding of the financial implications.
  • Stay informed about current developments and regulatory changes that may impact your investment or business.

Taking early legal advice helps protect your interests, minimizes risk, and ensures compliance throughout your private equity journey in Sydney, Australia.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Sydney through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Private Equity, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Sydney, Australia - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.