Private Equity

The year to get creative

2025 is the year to get creative as pressure builds on sponsors to deliver promised returns to investors. 

This year will test sponsors to think outside the box to deliver promised returns to investors. Despite some notable exceptions and a strong finish, 2024 saw a series of (particularly large) exits fail to transact. As a result, sponsors are increasingly looking for creative solutions to deliver improved DPI to LPs beyond the traditional auction process or dual track playbook. Increased use of minority sell downs and continuation vehicles are just some of the liquidity strategies we expect to see deployed this year.

How we can help

Assisting in every aspect of your investment strategy

Our highly regarded private equity team has significant experience advising global and domestic private equity sponsors across the investment lifecycle, from establishment, complex buyouts, distressed investments, minority stakes, bolt-on acquisitions, take-privates, leveraged and syndicated financing, through to eventual exit, whether that be through initial public offering or divestment.

We also work closely with clients to structure tax-efficient and regulatory-compliant investment vehicles, raise capital and manage portfolios.

Focused advisers to the private equity sector

We have a team of lawyers dedicated to advising private equity sponsors. Our multi-disciplinary team understands the motivations and strategies of sponsors, investors and financiers, and our deal management approach reflects this, ensuring efficient service, executed with precision and in accordance with your timetable. We understand business cycles and investor risks and bring real value in formulating innovative and commercial solutions to manage these risks and meet your investment needs.

Bench strength to manage the most complex transactions

In response to the higher entry‑level valuations for quality businesses, we are continuing to see sponsors turn their sights to ASX‑listed targets. Our market-leading experience in public company takeovers and schemes of arrangement has seen our team advise on some of the largest and most complex PE take-privates and consortium bids in Australian history.

Leveraged finance 

Leveraged buyout deals often involve various layers of debt and complex inter-creditor issues. We work with financiers, borrowers/acquirers, agents and arrangers to develop innovative solutions. Having advised on the first unitranche loan in Australia, and since advised on the majority of such financings in the market, our clients can confidently navigate market terms, deal structures and ‘hot points’ which are often critical to the success of a bid.

Bringing a strong understanding of investor needs to our work for you

In addition to our strong practice advising sponsors, we also have a strong investor practice enabling us to bring investor insights and a deeper understanding of investor needs to our work for you.