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Global law firm A&O Shearman has strengthened its Australian M&A practice with the appointment of a partner from rival Ashurst, hailed as “one of Australia’s most highly regarded M&A lawyers”.
Phil Breden (pictured) has joined A&O Shearman’s mergers and acquisitions team as a partner, based in the firm’s Sydney office.
Before joining the global law firm, Breden spent more than 15 years as a partner at rival global firm Ashurst Perkins Coie, where he worked within its corporate and M&A team.
He also served as a member of the firm’s global board, global co-head of corporate and head of the Australia region.
With more than two decades of experience in the field, A&O Shearman has described its newest partner as “one of Australia’s most highly regarded M&A lawyers”.
Breden brings extensive experience advising on public and private M&A, shareholder activism and corporate governance, with his practice spanning multiple sectors, including energy, digital infrastructure, retail, utilities, real estate, insurance, manufacturing and gaming.
In his new role, Breden will co-lead A&O Shearman’s Australian corporate and M&A team alongside Michael Parshall, who has held the position for more than two years.
A&O Shearman co-managing partner of Australia Peter McDonald said Breden’s appointment marks a significant step in the firm’s Australian growth strategy, with his market standing, leadership and deep client relationships set to further strengthen its M&A practice.
“Phil’s appointment is a key step in the continued build-out of our corporate practice in Australia,” McDonald said.
“Following Clayton James’s announcement earlier this year, Phil brings the seniority, market recognition, and leadership to further grow our M&A team in Australia. His deep client relationships and international outlook make him an outstanding fit for our firm.”
David Broadley, the firm’s global co-head of M&A, also shared how Breden’s arrival sends a clear signal of A&O Shearman’s ambitions in Australia’s booming M&A market, with his deep ASX and investment banking relationships set to supercharge the firm’s ability to tackle major cross-border deals.
“Phil is one of the most respected M&A practitioners in Australia, and his arrival is a clear statement of our ambition in one of Asia-Pacific’s largest and most active M&A markets,” Broadley said.
“As cross-border activity into and out of Australia continues to grow, Phil’s standing with ASX-listed corporates and the investment banking community adds significant strength to our practice and deepens our ability to deliver for clients on their most significant and complex transactions.”
