Herbert Smith Freehills: Best Capital Markets Team Australia 2016

Born out of a merger in 2012 between UK Silver Circle member Herbert Smith and Freehills – one of the Big Six law firms in Australia – Herbert Smith Freehills is regarded as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world and is an international leader in corporate litigation.

The Australian division still dominates its home market. Its work in capital markets has been most impressive. The firm has raised more capital and clients via both IPOs and hybrid offerings from 1999–2014 than any other Australian law firm.

Led by Philippa Stone, the only lawyer to have been named the Australian Dealmaker of the Year five times, and Michael Ziegelaar, known for his strong commercial outcomes and personal charisma, the Australian Capital Markets Team is comprised of the country’s highest-rated lawyers.

Well-versed in equity capital markets (ECMs), equity-linked hybrid securities, and debt capital markets (DCMs), the team is responsible for some of the most high-profile deals in recent years.

For instance, the company’s expertise in the structuring of tier 1 and tier 2 regulatory capital securities has led to various contracts with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). This February, Herbert Smith Freehills announced yet another deal with CBA to advise on the issue of PERLS VIII capital notes and concurrent PERLS III reinvestment offers to raise approximately A$1.25 billion.

The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to award Herbert Smith Freehills with the 2016 Best Capital Markets Team Australia Award.