Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions

• Advised China Construction Design International (CCDI) in connection with a legal review of its assets and operations in Oceania for the purposes of a proposed IPO, and served as an independent director of its Oceania operations.

• Advised CCDI on the Australian aspects of its global acquisition of Inhabit Limited, including legal due diligence on Inhabit’s Australian assets and operations.

• Advised CCDI on its acquisition of PTW in Australia, including legal due diligence, negotiation and drafting of the Share Sale Agreement, transaction documentation and completion arrangements.

• Advised Supay/Paybang on the sale of its business and shares to Alipay, including transaction structuring, negotiation and transaction documentation.

• Advised Yunnan Copper (Group) Co., Ltd, the majority shareholder of an ASX-listed company, in relation to a proposed share repurchase arrangement, including Australian legal advice and assistance with obtaining Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval.

• Advised United Real Estate in relation to joint venture arrangements in Sydney.

• Established Australian subsidiaries and advised on Australian corporate structures for major Chinese companies including Hainan Airlines, Greenland Group and Hailiang Group.

Property Development & Investment

Derek has acted on a broad range of significant property acquisitions, disposals and development transactions across residential, commercial and hospitality assets.

• Acted on the $178 million sale of the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay Hotel.

• Acted on the $75 million acquisition of 191 Thomas Street, Haymarket.

• Acted on the $90 million sale of two commercial buildings in Hunter Street, Sydney CBD, by way of put and call option arrangements.

• Acted on the acquisition of development land in north-west Sydney for a project comprising more than 400 apartments.

• Acted on the $35 million acquisition of assets under receivership forming part of a major development project in Hurstville.

• Advised Aqualand on the acquisition of major development projects in St Leonards, Turramurra and Macquarie Park, including transaction and property-related matters.

• Advised Macrolink Real Estate on the acquisition of an interest in a high-end residential development on Macquarie Street, Sydney, including joint venture, lending and financing arrangements.

• Advised Australian property developer Third.i Group on matters relating to property acquisitions and developments, bank financing, construction and property sales.

• Advised Sunshine Insurance Group on the acquisition of The Vintage Golf Club, including legal due diligence, negotiation of transaction documents and completion, and served as an independent director of its Australian operations.

• Advised private investors on the acquisition of commercial and hospitality properties, including 414 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, a hotel property in Glebe, and 80 George Street, Parramatta.

• Regularly advises property developers on the sale of off-the-plan residential developments, including preparation and negotiation of transaction documentation.

• Advises property developers, commercial property owners and investors on commercial leasing and property management matters, including lease negotiation, renewals, variations and related commercial arrangements.

Funds, Investment Structures & Financing

• Advised on the establishment of an approximately $30 million wholesale investment fund structure for a retirement village project, including the AFSL-related wholesale fund, trust and sub-trust arrangements.

• Advises clients on joint venture, investment and financing structures associated with property development and acquisition transactions.

• Advises Australian and overseas investors on transaction structuring, lending arrangements, financing documentation and related commercial matters.

Renewable Energy

Derek has significant experience advising participants in the Australian renewable energy sector, particularly in relation to project development, land arrangements, foreign investment approvals and project disposals.

• Acted for a renewable energy developer in relation to more than 10 solar farm projects, including option and lease arrangements with landowners and subsequent project sales by way of share sale to institutional and superannuation fund investors.

• Advised Goldwind Australia on the White Rock Wind Farm project, including land acquisition, property arrangements and FIRB approval.

• Advised China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CECEP) in connection with obtaining FIRB approval for the acquisition of an Australian renewable energy project.

Foreign Investment & FIRB

• Regularly acts for major overseas corporations and investors in connection with Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) applications and approvals for Australian investments.

• Has advised on FIRB matters involving corporate acquisitions, real estate developments, renewable energy projects and investment structures.

• Advised Yunnan Copper (Group) Co., Ltd in obtaining FIRB approval in connection with its investment arrangements involving an ASX-listed company.

• Advised Goldwind Australia and CECEP on FIRB approvals associated with major Australian renewable energy projects.

Commercial & Operational Advisory

• Provides ongoing Australian legal advice to international businesses, including major airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines and Hainan Airlines.

• Advised Hosea International, Greenland Group, CECEP, Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China UnionPay on commercial leasing and related property matters in Australia.

• Advises Australian and international businesses on corporate governance, commercial contracts, business operations, joint ventures, financing arrangements and general commercial matters.

Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

Derek advises clients on commercial disputes and dispute resolution strategies, including matters arising from property, corporate and cross-border commercial relationships. His experience across Australian and Chinese legal and business environments enables him to assist clients in disputes involving parties, assets and commercial interests across jurisdictions.

His practice also encompasses commercial arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. Derek is a Mediator with the Shanghai International Arbitration Centre.