Barbara Phair
Ashurst1
Tax
Praised by clients for its ‘exceptionally sharp, well-rounded team, which provides full advisory services’, the tax practice at Ashurst is a popular choice among corporate multinationals seeking advice on a range of matters. The team has particular strength advising on the tax aspects of projects and M&A. Costa Koutsis leads the team and ‘provides an exceptional and pragmatic service’, with notable expertise in indirect tax. Vivian Chang is skilled in corporate and financial services transactions, while Sanjay Wavde provides the team with M&A, international tax and funds management expertise. Steve Whittington has real estate, infrastructure and funds expertise, and Melbourne-based partner Ian Kellock is a key name for transactional work. Bronwyn Kirkwood is also a key member of the Melbourne office. Geoff Mann departed in January 2023. All lawyers mentioned are based in Sydney unless stated otherwise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Highly skilled technical professionals with understanding of market practice.’
‘Costa Koutsis provides exceptional and pragmatic service. Costa is a trusted tax and business advisor. His advice is always considered and practical which makes achieving commercial outcomes easier.’
‘We work with Steve Whittington, Vivian Chan and Costa Koutsis. All these individuals have a deep tax knowledge and a good understanding of the client and what is important to the client. They are commercial in approach; their advice is well thought out and they explore multiple paths to address issues. ’
‘Ian Kellock's knowledge and approach to complex taxation matters is unrivalled. Ian and the supporting team are always available and have the ability to distil complex taxation considerations into understandable solution-orientated actions.’
‘Responsive and provides commercially minded advice that is practical.’
‘Deep knowledge of our industry and markets. Costa Koutsis is one of the best State Tax practitioners in the country. Always responsive and provide quality practical advice, and provides insight beyond the question asked’
‘Exceptionally sharp, well-rounded team, which provides full advisory services. Deep experience both in client advisory but also on government/revenue side.’
Key clients
- Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ)
- Macquarie
- Woolworths
- Oxford Properties Group
- Uber
- Ivanhoé Cambridge
- Mirvac
- Brookfield
- Downer EDI
- La Mancha
- Judo Bank
- HSBC
- Latitude Financial
- Northwest Healthcare
- Amazon
- JP Morgan
- UBS
- Scape
- TPG
- Barrenjoey
Work highlights
- Advising Australia and New Zealand Banking Group on the tax aspects of its acquisition of 100% of Suncorp Bank from Suncorp Group, via the acquisition of 100% of the shares in SBGH.
- Advised Mirvac in relation to the proposed replacement of AMP Capital Investors (AMPCI) as trustee of AMP Capital Wholesale Office Fund (AWOF).
- Advised Woolworths Group on its acquisition of a 55% interest in the Petspiration Group for cash consideration of $586m.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sanjay Wavde
AshurstPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Costa Koutsis