Known for his commercial sensibility and insightful advice, Rhys specialises in advising private sector and government clients on tax issues associated with large and complex transactions. He is recognised locally and internationally as an expert in his field.
With an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructures, infrastructure projects (public private partnerships) capital raisings and inbound investment, he has advised on significant deals for high profile clients including Coca Cola European Partners, REA Group, Accenture, National Australia Bank, Wesfarmers, Macquarie and the Victorian and Queensland Governments.
Rhys is a Tax Committee member for the Law Council of Australia and a fellow at The Tax Institute. He is also a board member at Very Special Kids, a Children's charity providing professional family support services and Victoria's only children's hospice.
Key deals
Coca-Cola European Partners
Advised Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) on Australian tax aspects of CCEP’s A$10.9 billion acquisition of Coca-Cola Amatil.
Macquarie Consortium
Advised a consortium comprising China Resources (Holdings) Company Limited, Macquarie Capital and Asia Pacific Healthcare Investments Limited on the acquisition of a significant interest in Genesis Care Limited, Australia’s largest cancer and cardiac services provider.
Genstar Capital
Advised Genstar Capital and its portfolio company Clarience Technologies/Truck-Lite on the Australian tax aspects of the global acquisition of the ECCO Safety Group (ESG), including tax due diligence and structuring.
CCMP Capital Advisors
Advised on all Australian tax aspects, including tax due diligence and structuring, of the US$1 billion global acquisition of BGIS – a leading integrated facilities management and real estate services company.
Wesfarmers
Advised on the tax and stamp duty implications of the A$230 million acquisition of the online retailer Catch Group Holdings Limited, an established online retail business offering branded products on a first-party basis and a third-party online marketplace.
Accenture
Advised on the Australian tax aspects, including tax due diligence and structuring, of the global acquisition of the Symantec Cyber Security Business from Broadcom, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO).
National Australia Bank
Advised on all Australian tax issues (income tax, GST and stamp duty) on head office leasing arrangements in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, particularly in relation to the agreements for the lease and lease documentation including complex lease incentive arrangements.
Queensland Department of State Development
Advised on the key GST aspects, including stakeholder and ATO engagement, for the Queen’s Wharf Integrated Resort project (PPP) for the transformation of the Brisbane CBD, including residential, commercial, retail and casino districts.