The firm also welcomed a new partner to help lead its employment group in Australia
Squire Patton Boggs (SPB) has helped Tokyo-based automotive retailer IDOM Inc to divest its automotive operations in Australia to a consortium in a management buyout valued at approximately $150m.
“It is always a pleasure to work on a management buy-out as there is no greater endorsement of an organisation than when its employees and partners invest in its future,” lead partner Chris Rosario said.
Rosario worked on the transaction alongside senior associate Blair Strickland and associate Marcus Edwards. SPB’s labour and employment and property teams also pitched in.
The consortium of managers and dealer principals received advice from Macpherson Kelley.
New employment partner
SPB also welcomed employment specialist Kim Hodge (pictured below) to the partnership earlier this month. He brings over two decades of experience in industrial relations, human resources, unfair and unlawful terminations, and workplace investigations to the firm.
Hodge is also knowledgeable on matters involving general protection claims, unfair dismissals, enterprise bargaining and equal opportunity. He has worked across the mining and resources, engineering, utilities, retail, health care, education, not-for profit and local government sectors.
He has a particular interest in complex performance management issues and workplace investigations. He has tackled discrimination, harassment and bullying issues.
“The Australian legislative regime for employment and labour matters is unique to Australia. However, Australian employers now operate in an increasingly connected global marketplace,” Hodge explained. “To name a few developing areas global employers need to consider the geographical differences around employee data protection laws, COVID-19 vaccination requirements and pandemic working arrangements. These evolving areas of employment law require different considerations across multiple jurisdictions.”
He commenced in SPB’s Perth office on 4 April.
“We are very excited to bring Kim on board. It is a recognition that in this highly competitive market for talent we continue to attract people of such high calibre. Kim has previously worked with Nicola Martin, who leads our Sydney employment team, and it is great to see that both of them will now work together to lead the labour and employment practice in Australia,” Perth managing partner Tony Chong said.