Corporate and Commercial

We provide dynamic legal counsel to support private and public companies, government-owned enterprises, investors, not for profit organisations and family businesses across the full range of commercial and corporate advisory services.

Whatever you need to set up, manage or grow your business, we can provide the legal expertise and industry knowledge to give you an Astute Advantage. Our team has deep experience across many industry sectors including agricultural supply, childcare, construction supply, health, real estate, retail, sports, telecommunications, transport and veterinary industries.

We are also represented on many industry bodies, including the Franchising Council of Australia, Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Property Council of Australia and Chair Connect (representing governance in independent schools) to share our legal insights and stay across the latest industry developments.

We focus on what’s important to you, ensuring not only that deals get done, but they are drafted, negotiated and completed with your commercial objectives, risk appetite and industry drivers always at the forefront of our legal strategy and decision making.

Specific services

Enterprise structuring

Whether you’re starting out or entering a new phase, we can guide you on the most effective governance models; draft constitutions, shareholder or other security agreements; and advise on regulatory compliance and other matters.

Corporate governance

Many private companies, government owned enterprises, not for profit organisations and schools rely on us for governance advice, including practical advice on how to set up the most effective governance frameworks and improve board processes and performance.

Governance for NFPs

Not for profit organisations, charities and community groups face governance challenges that differ from the private sector. We advise boards and committees on structuring, regulatory compliance, tax concessions and the practical governance frameworks that keep an organisation accountable to its members and its purpose.

Private capital

Raising or deploying private capital requires more than a term sheet. We advise investors, family offices and growing businesses on structuring, due diligence and negotiation, working to protect commercial interests while keeping deals moving at the pace private capital demands.

Schools

Within the private education sector, we have extensive experience working with independent schools to provide expert advice to principals and boards on governance issues, accreditation requirements, planning and property matters, development agreements and project structuring.

Governance for government

Government owned enterprises and statutory authorities operate under a distinct set of accountability and compliance obligations. We advise boards and executives on governance frameworks, public sector reporting requirements and the decision-making processes that stand up to scrutiny.

Restructures

Businesses change shape as they grow, consolidate or respond to new conditions. We guide clients through restructures including entity simplification, group reorganisations and ownership changes, managing the legal, tax and regulatory considerations at each stage.

Shareholder governance

Effective management is key to the success of any business. We can assist in the negotiation and preparation of effective management and governance documents to ensure that funding requirements, management protocols and exit scenarios that work are documented in plain English.

Agribusiness

The agricultural supply sector has its own commercial pressures, from seasonal cash flow to succession across generations. We support agribusiness clients with structuring, contracts and governance advice tailored to the realities of farming and rural enterprise.

Key contacts

We work to build authentic relationships where our experience and dynamic counsel combine to deliver invaluable insights that drive your success.

Meet our people

Ken Petty

Partner

Josh Wolff

Special Counsel

David Hardy

Senior Associate

Grace Georgilopoulos

Associate

Hannah Harrison

Lawyer

“ They have key personnel in place that have the specialist skills necessary to provide advice… they are an asset in all areas of our requirements for sound management and governance. "

Peter Hollett, Director, Education Finance Services Pty Ltd

As a client over many years I can highly recommend any form of legal representation by Ken Petty and his team. Their service, advice, attention to detail and professionalism are outstanding. If you are looking for competent professional people, reliable communication and precise solid advice you can’t go past them.