David is an experienced corporate lawyer specialising in working with offshore clients and their on-shore portfolio companies to successfully navigate Australia’s foreign investment, M&A and other regulatory and commercial/procurement regimes.
David has advised on and obtained prior clearance through the FIRB on hundreds of Australian and offshore transactions.
He also has significant expertise on M&A and other transactions, focussing on advising financial sponsors and their portfolio companies as well as defence and national security industry on sensitive projects, particularly where they require political and stakeholder engagement.
Advised on various investments totalling over A$1 billion to date, including into simPro, AroFlo and Cyara Solutions (Australia’s equal largest venture capital funding on record as at 2022).
Acted on its acquisition of Falls Creek and Mount Hotham ski resorts for A$174 million.
Advised Vista and various of its portfolio companies on both Australian and international M&A transactions, including Advanced’s acquisition of Portt.
Advised on the acquisition and integration of Adstream.
Acted on its A$2.4 billion contract to build and sustain offshore patrol vessels for the Royal Australian Navy.
Acted on its A$1.4 billion contract to deliver medium heavy trucks and modules to the Australian Army.
Assisted hundreds of clients obtain FIRB approval for Australian and international transactions, including in the agriculture, defence, energy & resources, funds management, private equity, property, renewables, technology, telecommunications, transport and other sectors.
Provided on-going compliance and reporting assistance, as well as audit and retrospective clearance services and liaison with government relations and other advisers as needed for various clients.