Global law firm Ashurst is delighted to welcome one of Australia's pre-eminent corporate lawyers Tony Damian to its partnership as Co-Head of M&A (Australia), further strengthening its highly regarded deal team.
Tony is widely recognised as one of Australia’s top M&A lawyers and corporate advisers. He has advised on over A$250 billion of completed and announced M&A deals during his career.
He has been the lead adviser for clients on important matters such as the A$32 billion acquisition of Sydney Airport by Sydney Aviation Alliance, Australia’s largest ever takeover and infrastructure deal, Santos on its A$80 billion merger discussions with Woodside Energy and CSR Limited on its A$4.3 billion acquisition by Saint-Gobain.
Tony is ranked Band 1 in the Chambers Global and Asia Pacific Legal Guides for M&A and is recognised in all other key directories. He was the Australasian Law Awards Dealmaker of the Year for each of the last four years in which the accolade was awarded (2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 (joint winner)).
Tony has also made a significant contribution to thought leadership, being the co-author of the landmark book Schemes, Takeovers and Himalayan Peaks. He is also the co-editor of three other major texts, including most recently the corporate law book Bootmakers, Boards and Rogues, which contained a foreword by Australian Securities and Investments Commission Chair Joseph Longo.
Tony's appointment is part of Ashurst's continued investment in its Corporate practice in Australia and globally. The firm's Australian Corporate practice, which is rated Band 1 for M&A by Legal 500, has added ten new partners in the past two years through promotions and targeted hires. Tony joins Ashurst from Herbert Smith Freehills, where he started his career in 1996 and where he was a partner from January 2003 to January 2025.
Tony will serve in his role alongside fellow Co-Head of M&A (Australia), Neil Pathak. John Brewster is the Head of the Corporate practice in Australia.
Ashurst's Global CEO, Paul Jenkins, said:
"We are delighted to welcome Tony Damian to Ashurst as a partner in our Corporate practice and as the Co-Head of the Australian M&A team with Neil Pathak."
"Tony has an enviable reputation as one of the top M&A lawyers in Australia and he is well-known in regional and global markets. His expertise, deal list and client relationships are outstanding, and he will be an excellent addition to our already strong M&A team."
"At Ashurst, we are focussed on meeting growing client demand in key practice areas, including Corporate/M&A and Private Capital. Tony's arrival will significantly strengthen our capability in these areas and enhance our position as one of Australia's leading corporate law firms."
Tony Damian said:
“The Ashurst team has a bold vision. I am excited to be a part of it. Exceptional outcomes for our clients, along with an exceptional experience for our people, are all part of that vision.”
“I was drawn to Ashurst’s ambition, and to its outstanding array of Australian and global talent. It’s a great team that I have respected on the other side of deals for a number of years, such as ANZ's A$4.9 billion acquisition of Suncorp Bank. I look forward to making my contribution to the continuing success of the firm.”
