The Ashurst competition team offers ‘strategic and practical advice’ to its high profile clients in their complex, often multi-jurisdictional matters. The team has experience of merger clearance, authorisations and market inquiries, cartels and regulatory investigations, recommended for its ‘focus on client outcomes’ throughout. Sydney-based practice head Melissa Fraser is ‘exceptional’: ‘ technically brilliant’ with ’a commercial and practical lens at all times’, Fraser is a go-to for ACCC merger clearance. Peter Armitage, ‘a legend of competition law’ also in Sydney, specialises in defending clients in high-profile ACCC litigation, while Ross Zaurrini is noted for his work managing the closing investigations without enforcement action – Tihana Zuk is also sought-after for these matters. Justin Jones leads the Victoria competition practice from Melbourne, with stand-out crossover expertise in energy regulation. The Brisbane team includes Alyssa Phillips, who is ‘very experienced in the mergers space’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Good mix of deep competition law experience and wisdom in Peter Armitage and strength of more junior partners.’
‘Peter Armitage is a legend of competition law. Combines deep knowledge with calm and wise counsel. Is patient and able to maintain the course over lengthy matters. Works so well with his team, offering the right mix of face time with more junior associates and partners.'
‘Strategic and practical advice - not only do they understand our business/industry but they genuinely care about our success. Extremely competent technically and just great people to be working with! Melissa Fraser and her team truly "partner" with their clients rather than being simply a service provider.’
‘Melissa Fraser is exceptional. She is technically brilliant but also ensures she has a commercial and practical lens at all times. She wants us to be successful. Her team is also so easy to engage with and it shows a super culture as well as confidence and technical expertise all wrapped up in their offering.’
‘The focus on client outcomes when faced with a regulatory investigation has impressed me. Stepping back and engaging with the regulator so that the client can asses its position on an ongoing basis and be confident it is informed of the risks and also anticipating the regulator's concerns.’
‘Ross Zaurrini has a very personable style, he explains complex legal matters in a very simplistic and consumable way, even when talking to experienced lawyers. His availability and amiability is special to this team, when coupled with his exceptional Competition knowledge and experience.’
‘Roderick Kennedy immerses himself in the detail such that he better knows our documents than we would and is like a walking encyclopedia of knowledge required for effective litigation.’
‘Peter Armitage is a stand-out. Hugely experienced and provides wonderful judgment to making important decisions and critical advice. Melissa Fraser is a great competition lawyer, providing great advice and "can do" approach. Alyssa Phillips is very experienced in the mergers space - we look to her for many of our major calls in this field. Tihana Zuk is extremely bright, great to work with and offers very practical ways forward.’
Key clients
- ANZ
- Aurizon
- Australian Renewable Energy Hub Pty Ltd
- Australia Post
- Babcock
- Callide Power Trading Pty Ltd
- Edge Early Learning Holdings Pty Ltd
- Endeavour Group Limited
- ING
- GLNG
- Nippon Life
- NCR Atleos
- NBN Co
- Macquarie
- Racing Victoria
- Standards Australia
- Woolworths
- Cleanaway
Work highlights
- Secured merger authorisation by the Australian Competition Tribunal of ANZ's proposed acquisition of Suncorp Bank after the ACCC had refused to authorise the acquisition.
- Secured ACCC merger clearance for Woolworths of its acquisition of a 55% interest in PETstock Pty Ltd (Petspiration Group), a leading Australian and New Zealand speciality pet food, accessories and services retailer.
- Advising Google on the ACCC's Digital Platform Services Inquiry (Fifth Interim Report) considering the introduction of digital platform specific consumer rules and ex ante competition regulation for digital platforms.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
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Melissa Fraser
AshurstTihana Zuk
AshurstPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Melissa Fraser