The partners and staff will make the transition at the end of the year
Mills Oakley has announced a merger with Clarendons that will see the latter providing services under the Mills Oakley umbrella.
“At Clarendons, we are proudly independent and until now have been resistant to any movement, but as our deal size has matured, we recognise the necessity to expand our offering within a full-service firm,” Clarendons managing director Tony Symons said. “Alignment was key to evaluating the right partner and we have found that in Mills Oakley: a dynamic full-service national firm with a boutique soul.”
With the merger, Mills Oakley will expand its partnership with the addition of Symons and of directors Nick Manuell, David Bryant, Brendan Sheehan and Andrew Chan. Clarendons’ 20-strong team of staff will also make the jump.
“The move comes at a time of strength for the M&A market and will allow Mills Oakley to bolster its corporate and M&A practice in Melbourne with the dynamic and highly regarded Clarendons’ team. Meanwhile, Clarendons’ staff and clients will now have access to the opportunities and services found in a full service, national commercial firm,” Mills Oakley said.
The Clarendons team will be making the transition to Mills Oakley over November and December.
“Cultural alignment is often elusive, but it was clear from the very outset of our talks that our two firms share a genuine sense of common purpose. We have known and respected each other for many years and it is wonderful to see that relationship come to fruition,” Mills Oakley CEO John Nerurker said.
Symons added that he was eager to continue growing the team’s client base as part of Mills Oakley.
“I am so proud of the amazing contributions made by every member of the Clarendons team, in building such a well-respected brand, recognised as one of the strongest M&A teams in the market,” he said. “Additionally, I am grateful for all our fantastic clients and partners that have loyally supported us, and we look forward to building on these relationships under the Mills Oakley banner.”
