Overview
Mergers and Acquisitions
We act on the full spectrum of M&A transactions, from early-stage strategy to due diligence, contract negotiation and post-completion integration. Whether you are acquiring, divesting, merging or defending, we guide you through the legal and regulatory framework with clarity and confidence.
Our experience spans energy and resources, technology, consumer goods, education, transport, manufacturing and professional services. We also regularly support private businesses and founder-led companies on strategic acquisitions and exits.
No matter the size or complexity of the transaction, we focus on what matters most: protecting your position, unlocking value, and delivering a seamless legal process.
What we do
Our services.
Share and asset acquisitions
Structuring, negotiating and documenting business and company sales, from small private deals to complex corporate divestments.
Takeovers and takeover defences
Hostile and friendly takeover strategies, bid defence tactics, and compliance with the Corporations Act and ASX Listing Rules.
Schemes of arrangement
Legal, procedural and court approval processes for scheme-based transactions, including cross-border and multi-entity schemes.
Joint ventures and strategic partnerships
Structuring and documenting JV arrangements, shareholder agreements and collaborative investment models.
Corporate restructures
Internal reorganisations, demergers and group restructures to optimise business performance or prepare for capital events.
Due diligence
Managing and coordinating legal due diligence, including data room preparation, risk analysis and DDC documentation.
Why Luma
Technical precision, commercial focus.
We do not just advise on the law. We partner with you to ensure your transaction achieves the right commercial outcome. We are responsive, solutions-focused, and experienced in managing time-sensitive transactions with multiple stakeholders and regulatory approvals.
Experience
Recent work includes advising buyers and sellers on private M&A transactions across a range of sectors, including resources, technology, industrial services and professional services.
Advised on share sales, asset sales, schemes of arrangement, takeover bids and joint ventures, including the structuring, due diligence, negotiation and completion of complex transactions.
FAQs
Common questions.
In a share sale, the buyer acquires the shares in the company, taking control of the entire entity. In an asset sale, the buyer acquires specific assets and liabilities, without acquiring the company itself.
Due diligence is the process of reviewing the legal, financial, commercial and operational aspects of the target business. It helps identify risks and inform pricing, deal structure and contract terms.
Warranties are statements made by the seller about the business. Indemnities are promises to compensate the buyer for specific risks or liabilities.
W&I insurance is used to cover losses arising from breaches of warranties or indemnities. It helps de-risk transactions and can facilitate clean exits for sellers.
Timeframes vary, but most private M&A deals take 2–4 months once key terms are agreed. Public transactions often take longer due to regulatory approvals.
Common risks include undisclosed liabilities, issues with key contracts, employment risks, tax exposures, regulatory compliance, and IP ownership.
If you will co-own the business with other parties post-transaction, a shareholders' agreement is essential to govern decision-making, rights, and exits.
Related insights
Our recent thinking on m&a.
M&A
A Legal Guide to Undertaking an Asset Sale in Australia
A practical guide to asset sales in Australia, covering preparation, due diligence, sale agreements, consents and post-completion matters.
March 2026 · 6 min read
M&A
Board Considerations in Public Company M&A Transactions
Director duties, process and governance considerations for boards navigating public company M&A transactions in Australia.
March 2026 · 7 min read
M&A
Key Legal Risks in Cross-Border M&A Transactions
Key legal risks in cross-border M&A involving Australian targets and how to mitigate them, including FIRB, tax, governance and integration considerations.
March 2026 · 7 min read
Related expertise
Other areas we work in.
Capital markets
ASX Listings
We guide companies through ASX listings by IPO, reverse takeover or cross-listing, with lean execution that keeps your team focused on the business.
Capital markets
Capital Markets
Clear advice and seamless execution across placements, rights issues, convertible securities and hybrid instruments.
Sector
Mining & Resources
Specialist legal advice for explorers, developers, producers and investors, from tenement to listing.
Let's talk.
Whether you are navigating a major transaction or refining how your business operates, we provide legal advice that is timely, strategic and grounded in commercial reality.