Byron Koster

Partner. Sydney.

+61 2 9210 6533 |   |  vCard

Handling large transactions, Byron is a specialist in large-scale public M&A.

He is known for his technical skills, for making and fending-off hostile takeover bids, structuring multi-billion dollar mergers and planning high profile acquisitions.

With extensive experience in public company takeovers, schemes of arrangement, the sale and purchase of businesses, ASX listings, foreign investment, joint ventures, share buy backs and Corporations Act compliance, Byron applies intellect and innovation to customise solutions that ensure his clients mitigate risk and realise opportunity.

Handling large transactions, Byron is a specialist in large-scale public M&A.

He is known for his technical skills, for making and fending-off hostile takeover bids, structuring multi-billion dollar mergers and planning high profile acquisitions.

With extensive experience in public company takeovers, schemes of arrangement, the sale and purchase of businesses, ASX listings, foreign investment, joint ventures, share buy backs and Corporations Act compliance, Byron applies intellect and innovation to customise solutions that ensure his clients mitigate risk and realise opportunity.

“Able to make sense of a complex set of issues”
Byron Koster

Byron's Expertise

  • Vodafone $6 billion merger Acted for Vodafone on its merger with Hutchinson.
  • Challenger Infrastructure Fund hostile takeover bid Acted for Challenger in relation to a possible takeover by Arkmile.
  • Goldman Sachs JB Were $400 million equity derivative Acted for Goldman Sachs JB Were in relation to an equity derivative issued to Healthscope during the primary bid for Symbion Health.
  • Transurban $1.2 billion takeover bid Acted for leading international toll road developer and investor Transurban in its $1.2 billion takeover bid for SRG.
  • Macquarie Bank Acted on the sale of the online foreign exchange and global payments provider, OzForex, to Macquarie Bank

What others say

  • “Byron is a terrific lawyer - user friendly, commercial and business-like”
  • “Byron Koster is particularly noted for his telecoms M&A and regulatory expertise...technical skills and client focus” Chambers Global Guide, 2009-2012
  • “Recommended Lawyer - Mergers & Acquisitions (NSW)” Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession, 2011
  • “Technically good and client-focused” Asia Pacific Legal 500, 2010/11

Byron's Thinking

  • Is the Two Strikes Rule making its mark? 22nd February 2012
    Weighing up the criticisms and concerns of the new Two Strikes Rule.
    More
  • Improving the Two Strikes rule 7th December 2011
    With more than 40 companies receiving a first “strike” this year, it is an appropriate time for the legislature to assess whether the rule could be improved.
    More
  • Private equity takes over 7th October 2011
    There’s always a new idea when it comes to takeovers because there’s always someone wanting to win. Keeping on top of that is part of the success story. One trend currently stirring the pot is private equity funds making takeover bids.
    More

Byron's Leadership

  • Takeovers Panel Member
  • Law Council of Australia Member - Business Law Section
  • University of Sydney Part-time Lecturer - LLM course on Takeovers and Reconstructions