Biography
Often, clients have regulatory challenges with no clear solution. When a competition, consumer or market regulation matter requires creativity, industry expertise, and commercially actionable legal insights, clients choose Andrew. In the last decade, he has assisted clients navigate high-stakes merger authorisations, private actions, ACCC market inquiries, and regulatory advocacy. Including acting for significant stakeholders in digital and payment policy reforms.
By staying close with his clients and knowing their businesses from every angle, Andrew delivers a positive experience in difficult situations. As a result, he has developed long-term strategic relationships with clients including ASX50 companies such as major banks, Telstra, Orica, Boral, Australian Payments Plus, Microsoft and Expedia. As well as household named businesses like McCain and Coca-Cola.
Andrew is particularly valued for his thought leadership and expertise in of digital regulation and policy, as well as payment regulation and policy.
Experience
Andrew's recent experience includes:
- Australian and global merger clearances: acting for Telstra in relation to its $1 billion regional network sharing deal with TPG (2023), acting for BPAY in relation to its merger with eftpos and NPP that formed Australian Payments Plus (2021), and acting for Fitbit in relation to its $2.1 billion sale to Google (2021).
- Enforcement actions and internal investigations: acting for Expedia in relation to the ACCC’s investigation into use of MFNs in online hotel bookings, acting for Palram Australia in relation to proceedings commenced by the ACCC alleging cartel conduct and exclusive dealing (2018), and acting for Thai Airways in relation to the ACCC’s action for price fixing of air cargo fuel surcharges (2012).
- Industry and market inquiries including ACCC inquiries into Digital Platforms, Home Loan Prices, Northern Australia insurance, East Coast Gas, and Retail Electricity Pricing.
- Private competition law litigation including EG’s action against Ampol Australia concerning anticompetitive conduct with respect to wholesale fuel supply agreements (2020-2021).
- Regulatory advocacy including concerning the modernisation of the payment system and digital platform regulation.
Awards and Recognition
2016 Finalist Lawyer’s Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards