Overview

Foreign investment into Australia

Freehills has the legal expertise and track record to help make any international investment in Australian assets a smooth and efficient process. Our knowledge of the relevant issues across a variety of industry sectors allows you to navigate through the regulatory framework and achieve your commercial objectives.

From oil and gas, the mining and power sectors through to financial services, manufacturing and property, we have assisted in closing foreign investment deals. We have demonstrated expertise in acquisitions and acquisition finance, intellectual property, tax, portfolio development in Australian assets, debt issuance into Australia, and media and broadcasting operations in Australia. Freehills' team also has experience in greenfields and brownfields resources and infrastructure development projects and in obtaining financial services licences.

We assist clients with foreign investment approvals including their obligations under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act.  We also assist with the preparation of formal notices and submissions, and liaise with relevant public officials during consideration of foreign investment proposals. If required, we can act as an intermediary in negotiations with appropriate government bodies during the approval process. For example, when competition law issues are considered as part of the foreign investment proposal.

We have significant experience on a large number of foreign investment proposals.

Click here to view details of our track record.

Australian organisations investing offshore

A successful offshore acquisition or investment not only requires excellent local legal knowledge and technical know-how, but also requires effective partnering with advisers in the target’s jurisdiction to ensure that your commercial objectives are met. The efficient project management of international transactions is one of Freehills’ key strengths and frees up executive time. As trusted domestic legal advisers we bring our knowledge of the client's key commercial concerns and proven solutions to the deal team. At rates which compare very favourably with other international law firms, we provide world-class advice on all the legal aspects of offshore acquisitions, including managing the output of local advisers, overseeing and engaging in due diligence processes, and documenting and negotiating the key terms of a deal.

Click here to view details of our past achievements.