Mr Brewster joins the firm from Clayton Utz, while Mr Kyriakou left Herbert Smith Freehills for his new gig.

According to global managing partner Paul Jenkins, the new partners will broaden the skill set of an already “strong” M&A team. Ashurst also confirmed plans to hire an additional 10 lawyers by early 2017, with a view to expanding its M&A business under the direction of Mark Stanbridge.

“These partners will play a key role in contributing to the strength of our practice, working with our practice group lead Mark Stanbridge to deliver outstanding client results,” Mr Jenkins said.

“Our M&A, and infrastructure M&A team in particular, compete at the top end of the market, and these partners will further enhance our offering and the market-leading results we produce for our clients,” he said.

Mr Brewster was a partner at national firm Clayton Utz for just over two years. The corporate and M&A specialist has worked for local and foreign companies, including major investment banks in the Australian market.

Former HSF partner Shane Kyriakou is a qualified lawyer in both Australia and England, with 18 years’ experience under his belt. He has particular expertise working on large energy, mining and infrastructure projects and associated M&A aspects.

Commenting on the latest appointments, Mr Stanbridge took the opportunity to take a dig at other firms’ M&A teams.   

“I am delighted to welcome John and Shane to Ashurst. They will play a key role in contributing to the strength of our top-tier M&A team, which is, unlike many of our competitors, a truly national practice,” Mr Stanbridge said.