Sole practitioner steps up as beer giant buys Sydney craft brewer

The independent practitioner worked alongside lawyers of a large firm to make the deal a reality

Sole practitioner steps up as beer giant buys Sydney craft brewer
An independent practitioner has worked alongside lawyers of one of the largest law firms in Australia as the world’s largest brewer acquired a Manly microbrewery.

Gilbert + Tobin (G+T) acted for Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) in its acquisition of 4 Pines, which was advised by Peter Carroll, principal of Sydney’s Cadence Legal.

AB InBev acquired the Sydney craft brewer for an undisclosed sum, adding more brands to its Australian portfolio that includes Carlton Draft, Great Northern, Pure Blonde, and Victoria Bitter.

4 Pines, which gets to keep all its employees in Manly and Brookvale, could soon be introduced by the beer giant to other markets in its network.

G+T’s team was led by partner Nirangjan Nagarajah. He was supported by lawyer Matthew Ampt.

AB InBev merged with SABMiller in a $130bn deal in October 2016. AB InBev is said to have instructed Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Cravath, Swaine & Moore; and Sullivan & Cromwell in the deal. Clifford Chance acted for controlling shareholders of AB InBev.

SABMiller instructed Linklaters and Hogan Lovells for the merger. Herbert Smith Freehills acted for BevCo, which was the second-largest shareholder of SABMiller. Other SABMiller shareholders were represented by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.

The 2016 deal is estimated to have netted law firms a whopping $347m.

Last September, Ashurst was involved in the $1.95bn notes issuance involving the Australian subsidiary of AB InBev.


Related stories:
$1.95bn notes issuance proceeds with help from top firm
International firms net $347m from brewers’ deal

Recent articles & video

UK family lawyers launch mental health resource for divorce clients

Bankruptcy attorney Jamie Sprayregen departs Kirkland & Ellis for Hilco Global

DLA Piper bolsters US-Africa practice with Kalidou Gadio as new co-chair

Lander & Rogers launches workplace law elective at QUT

CE Family Law's Louise Hunter had an Erin Brockovich for a grandma

WFW picks up win at 2024 Australian ADR Awards

Most Read Articles

Two Australian lawyers ascend to partner in major HFW promotions round

ALRC releases anti-discrimination, religious educational institution law recommendations

Three additions enhance G+T's partnership

G+T puts teams on M&A deals