Leading construction companies, developers and engineering firms rely on King & Wood Mallesons to manage the risks associated with front and back-end construction issues, to successfully resolve disputes and advise on their most challenging transactions.
After the fallout of the global financial crisis, construction and infrastructure development has stabilised and pockets of activity have occurred as a result of the Building Education Revolution (BER) stimulus and resources expenditure. Within this recovery, the market has continued to see an increase in public-private partnerships (PPP), major disputes between parties and an overall growth in M&A activity.
At the forefront of these market developments, we have advised on some of the market's most significant developments, transactions and disputes. Across these projects, our clients have benefited from our first-class technical capabilities, sector understanding and the seamless delivery of PPP, dispute resolution, environmental, real estate and M&A expertise.
As oversupply diminishes and commercial development returns, our clients rely on our “front-end” lawyers to prepare contracts and risk management strategies for major projects across sectors (transport, resources, water, power, commercial, residential, telecommunications, defence and infrastructure) throughout the Asia Pacific region. In these projects, clients benefit from our extensive experience and the ability to balance the risks of the project with their commercial objectives.
Whether at bid level for government, financing or equity investment, we have been involved in the majority of Australian PPP/PFI projects over recent years. As the trend towards the use of PPPs increases, clients are taking advantage of our unparalleled understanding of the needs and perspectives of all parties, and our ability to proactively create solutions for the project.
With disputes increasing in intensity and frequency, our team has worked closely with our clients to avoid and resolve disputes. Clients have benefited from our experience in all facets of major project dispute resolution, application of ADR processes (mediation, conciliation) and our experience in litigation, arbitration and adjudication. Irrespective of the method employed, clients have taken comfort in our approach as we work towards delivering the right outcome as agreed with them.
The market is also seeing a strong movement in terms of preference and government policy towards sustainable development and a focus on investment in clean energy and green infrastructure. Clients come to us for our deep understanding of this growing industry, its technology and our track record in helping to deliver innovative climate change projects.
As M&A activity picks up and financial investors become more active in the market, clients are turning to us for our strength across practices areas (corporate, finance, competition and tax) and our ability to guide them through Australia’s foreign investment regime.
The construction industry is changing rapidly, requiring our clients to adapt, innovate and keep ahead of business and legal trends.
"Noted for the cohesiveness of its national team, its ability to provide a full range of legal services for clients involved in the most complex energy and resources projects, and its in-depth knowledge of business or legislative developments in the market." Chambers 2012