Firm confirms role in $90m cross-border acquisition of watch retailer
This month, Global law firm Dentons welcomed Tamara Sims as its national head of pro bono and a Sydney-based partner, as well as announced the promotions of three partners and 15 senior lawyers across Australia, effective 1 July.
“I’m delighted to welcome Tamara to the partnership,” said Amber Warren, Dentons Australia chair and Australasia region chief executive officer, in the firm’s press release. “I’m looking forward to seeing our pro bono clients and our lawyers benefit from her extensive experience.”
“We are committed to having a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work, and pro bono forms a big part of that,” added Jodie Wauchope, Sydney-based partner and preceding pro bono head. “Having Tamara lead our National Pro Bono practice will further drive our contribution and impact as a firm.”
Sims has practised in the pro bono and not-for-profit sectors for more than two decades, with an emphasis on ensuring access to justice for marginalised and disadvantaged communities. Sims has litigated significant public interest and human rights matters in different jurisdictions.
Sims’ experience covers human rights, refugee law, administrative law, international human rights, disability, discrimination law, victims’ compensation, domestic violence, housing rights, credit, and debt matters.
“I am really looking forward to strengthening relationships with community partners and existing pro bono clients, and working with our lawyers to find new and innovative ways to deliver pro bono legal assistance,” Sims said in the firm’s press release.
This month, Dentons also shared the list of its recently promoted senior lawyers:
“A huge congratulations to these lawyers on their promotion,” Warren said. “They each make a significant contribution to client service and the development of others.”
Dentons also announced that it assisted The Hour Glass with its $90m cross-border acquisition of an Australian luxury watch retailer.
According to the firm, the acquisition involved restructuring the company’s assets and coordinating across various practice streams and geographies.
Kurt Tiam and John Mollard, corporate partners, led the firm’s corporate team in this transaction.
“The acquisition required navigating a short time frame with numerous stakeholders and counterparties, and I’m pleased that Dentons successfully mobilised resources across practice groups to support The Hour Glass throughout the process, achieving the desired outcome within the required time frame,” Tiam said in the press release.
Assistance came from real estate partners Nathan Rhimes and Darryl Kipping, of counsel Donald Roberson, senior financial counsel Jason Morris, managing associate Kerri-Ann Martinus, senior associate Rachel Gribben, solicitors Eleanor Whelan-Mills and Jon McArthur, and law graduate Judd Behr.
Joy Atacador, partner, guided the clients through the transaction’s intellectual property aspects. Gilbert Leong and Maw Jiun Foo, Singapore-based partners, also helped.
The Hour Glass – headquartered in Singapore and listed on the Singapore Exchange – is a luxury watch retailer. Its operations span 14 cities across Asia-Pacific, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
