James Burchnall

With extensive experience working in top-tier corporate law firms in Melbourne, London and most recently in Adelaide, James brings much sought-after skills specialising in public and private M&A, equity capital markets and advising on listed company compliance and corporate governance.

James recently led the Kain Lawyers teams advising:

SeaLink Travel Group Limited (ASX: SLK) on its $125 million acquisition of Transit Systems Marine, and the associated capital raising of $51 million, and on SeaLink’s acquisition of the Kingfisher Bay Resort Group for $43 million;

Ellex Medical Lasers Limited (ASX: ELX) on its capital raising of $23.2 million from US and Australian institutional and sophisticated investors; and

Alcidion Group Limited (ASX: ALC) on its acquisition of MKM Health and UK-based Patientrack.

James has also acted on several high profile M&A and Equity Capital Markets transactions in Australia and internationally, including acting for Envestra Limited (now Australian Gas Networks) on its $2.3 billion recommended takeover by Hong Kong listed Cheung Kong Infrastructure Group and the rival scheme of arrangement proposed by APA Group.

Whether it’s capital raising, joint ventures, M&A, commercial contract negotiation or employee share schemes, James offers leading-edge expertise, second-to-none execution skills and commercial judgement gained from years of experience advising on complex transactions in Australia and internationally (including 7 years with Herbert Smith Freehills in London and Melbourne).

Understanding the entirety of his client’s situation, rather than factors relating only to the law, enables James to partner perfectly with ASX-listed entities and private companies to develop a strategic, solutions focused and energetic approach to achieving their desired outcome – no matter how complex the challenge.

James was named the M&A Lawyer of the Year for South Australia in the 2019 edition of ‘Best Lawyers in Australia’. He is also listed in the Equity Capital Markets category in the 2019 edition of ‘Best Lawyers in Australia’ and is listed as a recommended Corporate lawyer in the 2018 edition of Doyle’s Guide.