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Allens Arthur Robinson goes global in M&A

4 January 2006

Leading law firm Allens Arthur Robinson (AAR) has shown its international experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the Thomson Financial 2005 M&A Legal Advisor Review, being the only Australian-based firm to feature in the European, UK, Asia-Pacific and Australasian league tables.

Reflecting its cross-border expertise, AAR was ranked second by Thomson in announced and completed M&A deals in Australasia and the Asia-Pacific (ex. Japan), ninth in completed deals in Europe and third in completed deals in the United Kingdom (19th in announced deals). No other Australian-based firm appeared in the European or UK tables.

According to Bloomberg L.P. using different transaction parameters, AAR was ranked number one in the Australian and New Zealand markets in 2005.

'The M&A league tables reflect the internationalisation of the business community. M&A is now a global game, with global players,' said Guy Alexander, a senior partner in AAR's M&A practice group.

'It is rare now when a deal does not have some sort of international component.

'Our results across the different region's league tables emphasise our cross-border experience and skills.'

According to Thomson, AAR handled 111 announced deals in the Asia-Pacific (ex. Japan) region in 2005 at a total value of US$35.1 billion (A$47.2 billion), giving an average value per deal of A$425million.

'The average size of the deals that we have worked on in 2005 was far in excess of any of our competitors. On major transactions, we have the depth of knowledge and breadth of legal skills to act quickly,' Mr Alexander said.

'In 2005 we acted on such significant deals as GPT, the WMC takeover defence and for Southcorp during its takeover by Foster's, the Coopers defence, Patrick in relation to the Toll takeover and Brambles' recently announced proposed restructure' [The successful GPT defence, led by Co-head of M&A, Ewen Crouch, are not counted in the tables].

Mr Alexander said he expects 2006 to continue the trend of buoyant merger activity.

'The pipeline of deals is looking strong, encouraged by continuing low interest rates and companies looking for more than organic rates of growth.

'AAR is confident that we will again be involved in the landmark deals.'

Ends

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Notes for editors.

Allens Arthur Robinson was Best Large Professional Services Firm of the Year and Best Large Law Firm in the 2006 BRW-St.George Client Choice awards, and the Chambers and Partners 2005 Australasian Law Firm of the Year. AAR has been awarded an EOWA Employer of Choice for Women citation by the Federal Government's Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA). Allens Arthur Robinson offers one of the most comprehensive legal networks in Australia and Asia with staff based in 14 cities and eight countries across the region. It was founded in 1822.