Supporting the growing demand for high quality education facilities, including student accommodation and the provision of a skilled Australian workforce.
Our work in the education sector includes acquisitions of leading Australian education, early learning, higher education and vocational training providers. This includes their interests in critical technology and online learning platforms.
We work alongside a number of Australian educational organisations in relation to planning, environment and property issues relating to the development of new or improved educational buildings and facilities. This includes upgrading existing facilities and the acquisition and development of new schools and campuses.
Our expertise includes:
- negotiation and finalisation of mergers, acquisition and disposal transactions
- coordinating multi-million dollar acquisitions funded by excess cash, drawdowns on established debt facilities, a mix of cash and shares
- dealings with regulatory bodies, including in responding to adverse audit or registration outcomes
- employment and industrial relations issues
- environment and planning matters, including approvals, compliance and environment and planning litigation
- property transactions, including acquisitions and leasing
- research and development and technology commercialisation projects including intellectual property advice
- data privacy and technology procurement projects including online training and staff and student management systems
- projects and construction matters including operations and maintenance, EPC agreements and PPP projects
- regulatory and governance issues
- pro bono assistance for education institutions.
Work highlights
University of Adelaide
Amalgamation with the University of South Australia (UniSA), a project worth approximately $650 million (including State Government funding and contributions by the universities).
Confidential boys independent school
Planning and environment considerations in the school potentially becoming co-educational and the required increase in student and staff numbers, expansion and upgrading of school facilities.
Barker College
Planning pathway for a new maths and senior students' hub within the existing campus.
Confidential girls independent school
Acquisition and proposed development of a new campus and proposed wellbeing centre.
University of Adelaide
Many of the University’s major project contracts for over a decade and the proposed merger with the University of South Australia.
University of Queensland
Projects for the procurement of key technology solutions including ‘UQ Engage’ and privacy compliance issues including the collection and handling of Covid-19 vaccination status information, the application of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and negotiating appropriate privacy clauses in contracts with service providers.
