Johnson Winter Slattery (JWS) has advised Argo Bowen on its proposed acquisition of Bowen Coking Coal Limited (Bowen) and its steelmaking coal business via a deed of company arrangement after Bowen and its subsidiaries entered administration and receivership in July 2025.
Bowen and its subsidiaries own a majority interest in the Burton mine complex near Moranbah, along with other exploration and development projects in Central Queensland. One subsidiary of Bowen, Bowen PCI, which owns the Bluff Mine, is the subject of a separate deed of company arrangement with an unrelated purchaser.
JWS assisted Argo Queensland in navigating complex legal and commercial issues during the transaction. JWS is also advising related company, Argo Queensland, on the acquisition of a controlling interest in Fitzroy Australia’s steelmaking coal business which owns mines neighbouring the Burton mine complex.
Key members of the JWS team advising Argo Bowen include Energy & Resources Partners Bruce Adkins, Nick Thorne and Stuart Clague and Special Counsel Richard Brockett and Restructuring & Insolvency Partner Lucas Wilk.
Nick commented, “We are delighted to have acted for Argo Bowen on this significant transaction. It follows on from our work supporting Argo on its proposed acquisition of a controlling interest in the neighbouring coal business owned by Fitzroy Australia. We look forward to supporting Argo in the next stages of their investment.
About Johnson Winter Slattery
JWS is a leading independent Australian law firm of more than 550 people, including 80+ partners across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth. The firm is engaged by major corporates and investment funds on their most challenging transactions and disputes.
Key legal contacts
Bruce Adkins
Nick Thorne
Stuart Clague
Richard Brockett
Lucas Wilk
Media contact
Angela Welsh
Marketing & Communications Manager
T: +61 2 9392 7454 | M: +61 414 281 902
E: angela.welsh@jws.com.au
