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Webcast - Corporate Restructuring in Australia - Stakeholder Persepectives
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Henry Davis York − 28 new appointments after two years of record growth

Following two years of record growth, Henry Davis York has appointed five new partners, six special counsel and 17 senior associates effective 1 July. View full media release

Henry Davis York appoints two banking and finance partners from Corrs

Law firm, Henry Davis York (HDY) has significantly enhanced its banking and finance capability with the appointment of two new partners, Patrick O'Grady and Tim Barton, whose expertise will further develop and promote the firm's banking practice. The appointment of Patrick and Tim brings the firm's total number of partners to 52. View full media release

Henry Davis York wins Sydney Law Firm of Year and Insolvency & Restructuring Deal of the Year Awards

Henry Davis York was awarded Sydney law firm of the year and Insolvency and restructuring deal of the year at the ALB Australasian Awards 2010 last night (Thursday). View full media release

Henry Davis York acts for MMC Contrarian on $195 million deal

Henry Davis York is acting for  MMC Contrarian Limited (MMC) in its successful acquisition of Bupa Australia's life insurance and wealth management business which includes MBF Life and ClearView Financial Management Limited. View full media release

Henry Davis York Expands its Planning Team

Law firm, Henry Davis York (HDY) has enhanced its important Property, Environment & Projects group with the appointment of partner Harshane Kahagalle. Harshane's expertise will complement that of partners Nick Brunton and Liz Wild, to further develop and promote the firm's planning practice. View full media release

FWA settles major test case on enterprise agreements

Compulsory arbitration of workplace disputes need not be a feature of new enterprise agreements after a major test case decision released today (Friday) by Fair Work Australia (FWA) on an appeal brought by Woolworths. View full media release. View full media release

Safe Harbour Laws Best Option for Insolvency Reform

The best approach for reforming Australia's insolvent trading laws would be to offer directors the ability to rely on the business judgement rule in determining to undertake an informal workout, according to Henry Davis York (HDY) insolvency partner, John Martin. View full media release

Minister Wants Troubled Businesses to Have a Range of Options

The Federal Government has acknowledged the importance of corporate insolvency laws, with Corporate Law Minister Chris Bowen saying in a special edition of Henry Davis York’s (HDY) The Review publication that troubled businesses needed access to a range of options. View full media release

Insolvency law shake-up an essential first step

The shake-up in insolvency laws foreshadowed by the Federal Government today are essential if Australia is to move in step with other major economies by giving company boards the ability to work their own way out of financial trouble where appropriate. View full media release

Cadbury finally owns the colour purple…or at least some shades of it

After a decade of disputes with the Trade Marks Office and before the Court, Cadbury has finally registered various shades of purple for chocolate and a range of chocolate goods. View full media release

Henry Davis York forms specialist Covered Bonds Team

In response to an emerging interest from the banking industry, rating agencies and regulators and clients, Sydney-based law firm, Henry Davis York (HDY), has formed Australia's first specialist covered bonds team. View full media release

Tax still a barrier for foreign fund managers: HDY survey

Ninety four per cent of foreign fund managers surveyed recently by Henry Davis York (HDY) see growth opportunities in the Australian funds management market but only 59 per cent would seriously consider Australia as a base for their Asia-Pacific funds management business. View full media release

Henry Davis York represents Perpetual in successful defence against Lehman

Perpetual Trustee Company Limited (Perpetual) has successfully defended an appeal made by Lehman Brothers Special Financing Inc. (LBSF) in the English Court of Appeal against the first instance decision of the Chancellor in the English High Court in July 2009. View full media release

Henry Davis York wins ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards

Henry Davis York was the recipient of two significant awards at yesterday's ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards, winning the award for "Best first-time reporter" and "Best report in the professional services sector". View full media release

Henry Davis York represents Perpetual Trustee Company Limited as holder of Notes issued by Saphir Finance Plc

On 28 July 2009, Perpetual Trustee Company Limited ("Perpetual"), acting in its capacity as trustee for retail note investors in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, obtained a judgment in the English High Court to the effect that certain provisions which allow for the subordination of the rights or beneficial entitlements of Lehman Brothers Special Financing Inc. ("LBSF") on its bankruptcy or default are valid and effectual under English law.  Henry Davis York partners, Matthew Kersey and Alex Mufford, together with English lawyers from Sidley Austin, acted for Perpetual. View full media release

A new round of HDY talent: Henry Davis York invests in Excellence

Henry Davis York has announced the appointment of a new partner, a new special counsel and six new senior associates with effect from Wednesday 1 July 2009. View full media release 

HDY partner achieves Australian first - INSOL Fellowship

In an Australian first, two local insolvency experts have today become inaugural Fellows of INSOL International, the worldwide federation of national associations for accountants and lawyers specialising in turnaround and insolvency. View full media release

Henry Davis York first Australian law firm to release an independently audited Sustainability Report View Sustainability Report

HDY appointed to act for the banking syndicate and receivers of ABC Learning Group

HDY is acting for a syndicate of eight banks and the receivers of ABC Learning Group. Roger Dobson and John Evans are leading a team of lawyers throughout the firm to advise on all legal aspects of this matter. For more information, contact Rebecca Robinson: rebecca_robinson@hdy.com.au.

Australian Insurance Law Expert Wins British Book Prize

Australian insurance law expert, Ian Enright, has won the 2008 British Insurance Law Association (BILA) Prize awarded for the most notable contribution to literature in the field of insurance law. View full media release

HENRY DAVIS YORK extends construction expertise

Law firm Henry Davis York (HDY) has enhanced its construction, infrastructure and projects capability with the appointment of partners Michael Wright and Steven Blanch. View full media release

Basis Capital not entitled to declarations

On 28 July, his honour Justice Austin delivered judgement in the Supreme Court of NSW (the Court) determining that Basis Capital Funds Management Limited (Basis) is not entitled to declarations concerning applications for units in its funds, following suspension of transactions in the funds in July 2007 as an adverse result of the US sub-prime mortgage market. View full media release

New partner appointments as Henry Davis York continues to play to strengths

Henry Davis York (HDY) continues to strengthen its financial services practice, announcing the appointment of two new partners, Anne MacNamara and Greg Reinhardt. View full media release

HDY affirms commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility

Henry Davis York has joined some of Australia's leading 'sustainable' businesses through participation in the latest Corporate Responsibility Index (CRI). View full media release

Henry Davis York advises on new lease agreement for Sydney's most iconic car park

Following extensive negotiations, Sydney's Domain Car Park has been leased to Challenger Diversified Property Group (CDI), bringing to an end the City of Sydney's original 50 year lease as of 01 May, 2008.View full media release

Henry Davis York creates history appointing first female Managing Partner Elect

Henry Davis York (HDY) today announced the appointment of Sharon Cook as Managing Partner Elect. Sharon, who will become the firm’s first female Managing Partner, will take over the role when current Managing Partner Stephen Purcell retires from the partnership on June 30, 2008. View full media release

Henry Davis York deepens environmental expertise

Henry Davis York (HDY) has enhanced the capabilities of its Property, Environment and Projects Group with the recruitment of a new partner, highly regarded environment expert Elizabeth Wild. Also joining the group are senior associates, Edmund Lee and Camilla Charlton and lawyer Sarah Connolly. View full media release

Henry Davis York attracts internationally renowned insurance advisory talent

Henry Davis York (HDY) has bolstered its insurance advisory and transactional practice with the addition of high profile partner Ian Enright from Ebsworth & Ebsworth. View full media release

Henry Davis York receives 2007 Pro Bono Partnership Award

Henry Davis York (HDY) is extremely proud to announce it has been awarded the 2007 Pro Bono Partnership Award by the NSW Law and Justice Foundation at a ceremony held in Sydney on 31 October 2007 for the unique services it provides to the Homicide Victims Support Group (HVSG). The HVSG is a support and counselling centre for families and friends of homicide victims. View full media release

HDY advises Goodman on large scale land acquisition

HDY recently advised Australia’s largest listed industrial property group, Goodman Group, on its successful tender to acquire a prime NSW government owned site of approximately 56 hectares at Huntingwood West. (Jul 2007)  View full media release

Henry Davis York continues to grow partnership organically

HDY continues to grow its partnership organically with three internal partner appointments, effective 1 July 2007. Kathy Civardi and Ben Mortimer join HDY's Corporate Advisory Group, while Pamela Flynn joins the firm's Workplace Relations and Safety practice. This will take the firm's total internal partner appointments in the past 18 months to 6, and total partnership numbers to 47. (Jun 2007) View full media release

Henry Davis York builds its front-end construction practice

Henry Davis York boosted its front-end construction practice this week with the reappointment of senior associate Mark Paige from law firm Maddocks. Mark's return is in response to increasing demand from clients. (Jul 2007) View full media release

HDY acts Pro Bono for Armidale's local community

Henry Davis York's commercial disputes lawyers recently acted for Friends of the Hinton Collection and the Old Teachers College Armidale in proceedings against Armidale Council. (Jun 2007) View full media release

Henry Davis York enhances Property and Funds Capabilities

Henry Davis York is delighted to announce the appointment of Nikki Bentley and Andrew Steele to the firm's partnership.

Chairman of Partners, Geoffrey Hilton, commented, "Nikki and Andrew's appointment provides additional partner depth to meet our clients' diverse legal needs in two of HDY's rapidly growing practice areas."  View full press release

Henry Davis York advises Principal Aged Care on Aged Care Acquisition

Henry Davis York advised Principal Aged Care on the acquisition of the leases and aged care operations of 39 residential aged care homes in Australia from Moran Health Care Group. (Oct 2006) View full press release

Henry Davis York wins the award for Best Insolvency Practice in Australia

Henry Davis York has once again been recognised as the dominant force when it comes to legal insolvency work by winning the award for Best Insolvency Practice in Australia. (Oct 2006) View full press release

Successful first meeting for Federal Government's Personal Property Securities Consultative group

A successful first meeting of the Personal Property Securities Review Consultative Group was held on Friday, 8th September at Henry Davis York's office in Martin Place. (Sept 2006) View full press release

HDY strengthens restructuring capabilties

In a move that enhances HDY's insolvency and restructuring capabilities, Nick Dunstone has been appointed a partner in its Banking Restructuring and Insolvency Group. (Jun 2006) View full press release

Henry Davis York again ranked among Australia's top employers

Henry Davis York ('HDY') has been selected by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) as an Employer of Choice for Women for the third year in a row.

Deborah Stonley, Director of Human Resources commented "we are committed to ensuring our work environment is attractive to both male and female employees, and part of this commitment is continuing to identify and address issues that specifically affect women in our workplace."

"We have an inclusive organisational culture that is championed by our Managing Partner, and driven by all partners and managers in the firm," says Stonley. (Feb 06) View full media release

Baker & Mckenzie and Henry Davis York advise on complex hotel deals valued at over A$400 million

Baker & McKenzie and Henry Davis York have played key roles in this year's largest hotel transaction.

Baker and McKenzie advised InterContinental Hotels Group ('IHG') on the structured sale of 9 hotels for $390 million to Eureka Funds Management Limited ('Eureka'), who were advised by Henry Davis York.

The sale was made to Eureka as trustee for a hotel sector specific wholesale fund, with equity sourced from superannuation funds and the sale for $15 million of the Holiday Inn, Suva to an entity associated with the Fiji National Provident Fund.  The parties have also entered into a 20 year management agreement for IHG to manage and operate the hotels under the InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn brands. (Sep 2005)   View full media release

LEAPS! Program wins Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award

Henry Davis York is one of eleven Australian law firms participating in the LEAPS! Program in partnership with the NSW Department of Education, which recently won the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award.  LEAPS! is a student mentoring initiative involving seven High Schools in Sydney.   It is designed to provide the students with a positive adult role model who isn't a parent or teacher.  We are delighted to have been involved in the program since its inception in 2003.

The national award given by the Australian Institute of Criminology acknowledges the most outstanding projects for the prevention or reduction of violence in Australia. 

The LEAPS! Program won the award because it is innovative and cost effective, has enduring outcomes and impacts the whole community.  The program was also commended on its adaptability which means it can be easily replicated by other groups, for example, accountants or local Chambers of Commerce.

The award will be presented by the Minister for Police, the Honourable Carl Scully, at Parliament House Sydney on 23 August 2005. (Aug 2005)

ALB Securitisation Deal of the year Award

HDY's securitisation team is one of the recipients of the "Australian Legal Business Securitisation Deal of the year Award" for it's involvement, acting for the issuer trustee, in the Adelaide Bank sponsored "Torrens 2004-1(W) Trust" transaction last year. 
 
The transaction was novel because it involved the securitisation of a $1billion pool of "non-conforming" mortgages. In an Australian first, the credit quality of the securitised pool was enhanced by a financial guarantee (or "wrap") given to note holders by a AAA rated "monoline" insurer.

Significantly, HDY 's securitisation team led by Alex Mufford was involved in 5 of the 8 deals listed as finalists in the securitisation category. (May 2005)

Employer of Choice for Women Citation
Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency Awards

Henry Davis York was once again acknowledged by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency as an 'Employer of Choice for Women'.  This prestigious award recognises the firm's commitment to providing a work environment which supports the advancement of our female employees.  To view other awards won by the HDY  team visit our Awards & Achievements page. (Mar 2005)

Receivership of the Republic of Nauru's assets

HDY is advising the receivers and managers appointed over the Republic of Nauru's Australian assets.

The interaction of the Australian and Nauruan legal systems and, in particular, cross-border insolvency issues makes this receivership unique.

During the first nine months of the receivers' appointment, HDY has advised on a range of complex legal issues in the course of the receivers realising approximately A$340M in assets.

The most significant asset sale is that of Melbourne's first skyscraper, the 51 storey Nauru House. We developed a secure on-line data room for this transaction so that prospective purchasers were able to conduct their non-physical due diligence over the Internet. This technology has now been deployed throughout HDY in a variety of transactions.  (Mar 2005)

Sale of OzEmail internet business to iiNet

Henry Davis York advised OzEmail and its parent company, MCI, on the sale of OzEmail assets.  The OzEmail internet business was sold to iiNet Limited for $110 million on the 28th February 2005.  iiNet is a Perth based company listed on the ASX and now has the third largest internet subscriber base in Australia. 
 
The transaction took nearly 8 months during which time HDY assisted the financial advisers, Commonwealth Bank Equities and Advisory Group, with the competitive tendering process, managed due diligence in multiple data rooms, liaised with the New York lawyers appointed to oversee MCI's interests, negotiated the sale documentation and arranged closing.

OzEmail and iiNet have now entered into a transition phase, governed by a Managed Services Agreement. HDY was heavily involved in drafting and negotiating this document to ensure an effective handover of and exit from the business.  (Mar 2005)

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