Michael specialises in corporate, mergers and acquisitions, equity capital markets, foreign investment and energy and resources law.
He has extensive experience advising on a broad range of transactions including takeovers, schemes of arrangement, demergers, share and asset acquisitions and disposals, Takeovers Panel proceedings, ASX listings, initial public offers, rights issues, placements, share purchase plans, underwriting arrangements and general corporate matters involving the Corporations Act, ASX Listing Rules and Australia’s foreign investment laws. He also advises on joint venture, farm-in, mineral rights, royalty, marketing and commodity sale agreements.
Michael was the recipient of the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Award for Projects, Energy and Resources and has also been recognised in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Australia in Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law.
He is also Co-President of the Western Australian Branch of the Energy and Resources Law Association.
Key deals
Spartan Resources Limited
Advised on its A$4.2 billion merger with Ramelius Resources Limited by way of dual-track scheme of arrangement and off-market takeover bid.
Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.
Advised on its A$1.7 billion joint bid with Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd to acquire Azure Minerals Limited by way of dual-track scheme of arrangement and off-market takeover bid as well as its US$110 million acquisition of a 50% interest in the Mt Holland Lithium Project and the formation of its joint venture with Kidman Resources Limited for the development of the project and a lithium hydroxide refinery.
BHP Limited
Advised on the development of its A$4.6 billion South Flank Iron Ore Project.
IGO Limited
Advised on its A$1.8 billion acquisition of Sirius Resources NL by way of scheme of arrangement and its A$1.4 billion bid to acquire the CSA Copper Mine from Glencore Plc.
SCF Partners
Advised the private equity firm on its A$95 million leveraged acquisition of Callidus Process Solutions Pty Ltd, a leading provider of valve management, specialist welding and maintenance services to the critical minerals and LNG sectors.
Tulla Resources Plc
Advised the gold exploration and development company on its A$78 million initial public offer of CHESS depositary interests and listing on the ASX.
Iluka Resources Limited
Advised on the demerger of its mineral sands mining business in Sierra Leone into a new company, Sierra Rutile Holdings Limited, and the listing of the demerged group on the ASX.
Neometals Limited
Advised on its formation of a joint venture with SMS Group GmbH, a German company specialising in plant construction and mechanical engineering, in relation to the development of lithium-ion battery recycling technology, its strategic alliance with Critical Metals Ltd in relation to the development of a hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of vanadium from steel slag, and the demerger of its Mt Edwards Nickel Project.
Hastings Technology Metals Limited
Advised on its corporate restructure, its acquisition of a 30% interest in the Yangibana Rare Earths Project joint venture from Cadence Plc and its mixed rare earth carbonate offtake agreements.
Genmin Limited
Advised on its A$30 million initial public offer and listing on the ASX, over A$70 million of secondary raisings and various matters in relation to its Baniaka Iron Ore Project in Gabon.