Michael acts for listed and private companies on domestic and cross-border M&A, IPOs, secondary raisings and general corporate matters, with deep expertise advising resources sector clients from Perth. He is particularly well known for his technical depth, strong grasp of all relevant regulation and practical application for clients.

Biography

Michael acts for ASX-listed and private companies, international investors and financial advisers on corporate transactions. He has a broad industry practice with particular depth in the energy and resources sector.

Michael advises on the full range of corporate transactions: schemes of arrangement, takeover bids, IPOs and secondary capital raisings, cross-border mergers, and general corporate and commercial law. His practice includes advising on ASX listing rules, ASIC regulatory requirements, corporate governance and continuous disclosure obligations.

Michael has acted on some of Australia's most significant resources sector transactions. Recent mandates include the A$423 million global capital raising for Marimaca Copper, the A$395 million Toubani Resources funding package for the Kobada Gold Mine in Mali, and the A$890 million all-stock merger between Piedmont Lithium and Sayona Mining to create a leading North American hard rock lithium producer.

Michael worked on the firm's most complex resources sector mandates, including cross-border transactions spanning Canada, the United States and Africa.

Credentials

Academic qualifications:

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Michael's experience

Marimaca Copper — ASX IPO and subsequent A$423 million global capital raising

Advised Marimaca Copper (TSX and ASX-listed, market cap A$1.2 billion) on its secondary listing on ASX and subsequent A$423 million capital raising combining a A$141 million treasury offering and A$282 million secondary sell-down to global investors across more than 15 jurisdictions, in collaboration with Canadian counsel.

Toubani Resources — A$395 million Kobada Gold Mine financing

Advised Toubani Resources on a A$395 million funding package including equity and a gold stream arrangement to finance construction of the Kobada Gold Mine in southern Mali.

Piedmont Lithium and Sayona Mining — A$890 million merger

Advised Piedmont Lithium on the Australian law aspects of its A$890 million all-stock merger with Sayona Mining governed by Delaware law, including ASX and ASIC regulatory requirements, merger agreement negotiation and a concurrent A$80 million capital raising.

Fortescue Limited — A$254 million Red Hawk Mining acquisition

Advised Fortescue on it’s a$254 million off market takeover bid of Red Hawk Mining.

Canyon Resources — A$215 million capital raising

Advised Canyon Resources on an A$215 million equity raising to support development of the Minim Martap bauxite project in Cameroon, including ASX regulatory compliance and liaison with joint lead managers.

Kirin Holdings — A$1.8 billion Blackmores acquisition

Acted as part of the Perth corporate team advising Kirin Holdings on its A$1.8 billion acquisition of ASX-listed healthcare company Blackmores via scheme of arrangement.

Awards, recognition and ranking