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Expertise

With over 20 years’ experience around the world, Ben’s practice has a focus on both domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity, venture capital and complex commercial transactions. 

Ben regularly assists foreign investors entering both new and into the Australian market. He has advised on private company transactions and capital market deals throughout Australia, United States, Asia and the Middle East. 

His key areas of focus are on the technology, property, construction, energy and resources, renewables, hospitality and manufacturing sectors.

Ben regularly advises senior management, boards of directors, general counsels and key stakeholders on significant investments and major projects as well as in relation to regulatory and compliance issues. 

Ben has previously been recognised as a notable practitioner in Chambers rankings for his corporate and M&A credentials. He also previously led the corporate and M&A teams in the Middle East and Asia for prominent international law firms. 

In 2025, Doyle's Guide listed Ben as a Recommended Victorian Business & Commercial Lawyer.

Experience

Ben’s recent transaction experience includes:

  • advising the shareholders of US-based Managed Pressure Operations on their share sale to Aker Solutions (US$100m) and joint venture with OilServ based in the Middle East 
  • representing Petra Group on the acquisition of three modular building companies across Australia and establishment of a new facility in the United States
  • advising Emerson and its related subsidiaries on numerous joint ventures and commercial agency relationships globally, including advising on its US$450m acquisition of Virgo Valves
  • led on the US$400m joint venture for Saudi investment firm, Al Sharq Investments, to develop a mixed use W Hotel and residences on Palm Jumierah, Dubai by way of joint venture with Al Mana group
  • acted for Australian entity Ignite Energy Resources on its proposed TSX Venture Exchange listing and reverse takeover by scheme of arrangement (CDN$400 million), as well as acquisition of Maxall Energy New Zealand
  • advised Australian entity Kempe Engineering on the sale of its engineering technology operations in Middle East and Africa to Outotec OYJ (US$80m)
  • advised a Gulf-based conglomerate on the acquisition of ‘The Holiday Inn Express’ group of hotels and operating companies in Dubai from Dubai International Capital and Ishraq Holdings (US$75m)
  • advised UAE-based National Bonds Corporation on its sale of Lagoons Village LLC to Deyaar Development (US$100 million) and on its acquisition of a majority interest in Landmark Properties
  • acted on an investment into a UAE-based utility company for a Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund (managed by Asma Capital in Bahrain) to develop water desalination plants in the Gulf region – US$120m
  • advised on the IPO and ASX listing of Singapore-based iProperty (ASX:IPP). iProperty is a leading Asian on-line property portal.

Publications

17 March 2026 - Knowledge

Data centre construction challenges and the rise of modular solutions

#Renewable Energy, #Construction, Infrastructure & Projects

Growing demand for AI and digital infrastructure is driving data centre investment in Australia. We examine the construction challenges developers face and discuss how modular solutions are enabling faster, more scalable projects.

26 February 2026 - Knowledge

Navigating Venture Capital term sheets: Key clauses for companies to consider

#Corporate & Commercial Law, #Mergers and Acquisitions, #Finance

In this article, we examine what investee companies need to know when negotiating a VC term sheet, from pricing and veto rights to anti-dilution protection and exit mechanisms.

25 November 2025 - Knowledge

Structuring and managing a joint venture: Effective dispute resolution mechanisms

#Corporate & Commercial Law

When entering into a joint venture, disputes around financial arrangements, governance and control, strategic direction and other key commercial issues can arise. This article in our three-part series explores the dispute resolution mechanisms available to joint venture parties.

12 November 2025 - Knowledge

Structuring and managing a joint venture: Laying the foundations

#Corporate & Commercial Law

This three-part series guides businesses through joint ventures from start to finish – from pre-sign considerations to dispute resolution and ongoing management. The first instalment provides a practical checklist on relevant matters for consideration before entering into a venture.

10 September 2025 - Knowledge

M&A Review: Market insights & outlook for 2026

#Mergers and Acquisitions, #Corporate & Commercial Law, #Digital Economy, #Property & Development, #Renewable Energy, #Funds Management & Financial Services, #Taxation

Our annual M&A Review looks at key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping Australia’s dealmaking landscape over the next 12 months and how businesses can prepare for the year ahead.