Allens has announced the appointment of five new partners across the firm’s Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth offices following a wave of new technology and privatisation work. The announcement follows the appointment of two partners earlier this year.
“Australia is seeing a wave of reform and privatisations, which will also fund significant infrastructure projects - our firm is very well placed for all of that,” said chairman Ian Wallace. “The firm also sees opportunities in the disruption to many businesses, which is being largely driven by technology and data.”
Two of the appointments fall within the Sydney office’s Banking & Finance practice area, as well as an Energy & Resources appointment in Brisbane and M&A and Commercial Litigation practice area appointments in Melbourne and Perth.
“These appointments are focused on the core practices and strengths of our firm – but each new partner has a strong focus on sectors we believe represent growth opportunities,” Wallace added.
Emin Altiparmak has been appointed into the M&A team in Melbourne. Having worked in both London and New York, Altiparmakhas particular experience advising on competitive sale processes and Australian foreign investment by offshore funds, fund managers, private equity sponsors and other investors.
“Emin Altiparmak has significant expertise advising on M&A in the infrastructure sector and is working with a range of international investors who are keen to bid as these assets come to market, while Tim Stewart might also get involved in these kind of projects, from a finance perspective,” said Wallace.
Tim Stewart has been appointed partner in the Sydney office’s banking & finance team, focussing on infrastructure and acquisition finance as well as general lending, acting for both borrowers and lenders across a number of sectors.
John Hedge in Brisbane has been appointed partner in the Energy and Resources team, indicating that there is still life in the sector. Wallace said that resources companies want to do more with their existing assets.
“John Hedge continues to work with mining clients of all sizes as they adjust to the current commodity price cycle – including on issues such as infrastructure access which can be a big commercial driver for them,” said Wallace. “Equally, Jeremy Quan-Sing, as a disputes specialist, is working with a range of mining and oil & gas sector clients, helping them navigate the disputes that naturally occur at this stage of the lifecycle, and on other issues that arise, such as commodity pricing arbitrations.”
Jo Folan has been appointed partner in the banking and financial services and works primarily in property finance. Wallace said that he expects Allens to continue to work with property investors in Asia in the next financial year.
“We are still seeing significant investment from Asia, especially from China, Singapore and Japan, flow into Australia, especially in the area of infrastructure and real estate. We expect to see those levels of investment continue,” he said.
