Mark has extensive experience advising major domestic and multinational corporates, institutional investors and private capital firms on the full spectrum of antitrust, competition and consumer law matters. He specialises in obtaining merger clearances for complex and contentious transactions and navigating ACCC investigations. As an LGBT+ leader he is also an active champion of workplace diversity and inclusion.

Biography

Mark is a trusted advisor for major domestic and multinational corporates, institutional investors and private capital firms navigating complex regulatory environments. His clients span a wide range of sectors including energy and resources, infrastructure, healthcare, retail, technology, transport and logistics amongst others.

Mark’s practice covers the full spectrum of antitrust, competition and consumer law matters including domestic and cross-border merger control, behavioural antitrust and cartel investigations, market studies, regulated infrastructure and third-party access regimes, high-stakes ACCC enforcement proceedings and strategic advisory work. He also advises on foreign direct investment issues and clearances.

Mark’s merger control work spans complex transactions and joint ventures valued in the billions of dollars, including cross-border acquisitions requiring ACCC clearance in highly concentrated markets. He has successfully defended clients against major ACCC behavioural conduct investigations and resolved large-scale civil and criminal cartel investigations in his client's favour. He has also acted as lead counsel on multiple transactions shortlisted for APAC Merger Control Matter of the Year by Global Competition Review.

Known for combining technical excellence with sharp commercial acumen, Mark leverages direct, high-level regulatory experience to guide clients through complex competition law matters. Having worked in the Enforcement and Mergers divisions of the ACCC, the Australian Energy Regulator, and previously as a senior member of a Magic Circle global antitrust team, he provides a sophisticated international perspective to Australian and cross-border transactions and regulatory proceedings. Mark is also admitted to the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division, Third Department.

Credentials

Academic qualifications

Memberships

Mark's experience

Adobe Inc / Semrush Holdings

Advised Adobe Inc on the Australian competition law aspects and ACCC approval process for its A$3 billion acquisition of Semrush Holdings, a global brand visibility platform.

L’Oreal S.A. / Kering Beaute

Advised L’Oreal S.A. on the Australian competition law aspects and regulatory approvals for its A$7 billion acquisition of Kering Beaute, owner of the Creed luxury fragrance group, together with exclusive rights to develop fragrance and beauty products under the Balenciaga, Gucci and Bottega Veneta labels.

Viva Energy / OTR Group

Advised Viva Energy on its A$1.15 billion acquisition of OTR Group and the subsequent acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in Liberty Oil Convenience, including ACCC merger clearance across both transactions.

SCF Partners and Viburnum Funds / Contract Resources sale to Cleanaway

Advised SCF Partners and Viburnum Funds on the A$377 million sale of Contract Resources, a specialist industrial and mechanical waste services provider, to Cleanaway.

Bain Capital

Advising Bain Capital on competition law risk and obtaining merger clearance for the time-critical acquisition of Ansett Aviation Training.

Oracle Corporation

Advising Oracle Corporation regarding its billion-dollar acquisitions of Aconex Limited's cloud-based enterprise solutions business and Cerner Corporation's healthcare enterprise software business.

Epic Games Inc. v Apple Inc. and Google LLC

Acted for Epic Games Inc. in proceedings against Apple Inc. and Google LLC concerning alleged anticompetitive practices in relation to app stores and in-app payment processing.

Qatar Airways and British Airways /  Joint business agreement

Advised Qatar Airways and British Airways on global antitrust immunity filings for their expanded joint business agreement, described as the largest in the aviation sector.

Major Australian and International corporates

Advising major Australian and international corporates across the financial services, pharmaceutical and logistics sectors in relation to cartel immunity applications and subsequent civil and criminal investigations into alleged cartel conduct (each resolved in client's favour).

Glencore / Port of Newcastle access proceedings

Advised Glencore plc on its Part IIIA declaration application for Newcastle Channel and subsequent proceedings against the Port of Newcastle in respect of access pricing. 

Awards, recognition and ranking