With considerable experience working on complex domestic and international matters, Russell is a preeminent lawyer who acts across public M&A transactions (including takeovers and schemes of arrangement), as well as private M&A transactions, equity raisings and other corporate transactions.
An expert in capitalising on opportunities, maximising leverage, securing certainty and safeguarding reputation, Russell is trusted by clients to manage their most significant transactions.
Russell has multiple degrees in law, finance and investment, lectures in corporate and securities law-related topics at the University of Western Australia, and is the course co-ordinator of the M&A unit for the Australian Institute of Company Directors in Western Australia.
In 2024, Russell was recognised as one of the top 25 dealmakers in Australia and New Zealand by Australasian Lawyer, and is named in the 2023 and 2024 editions of the Business News’ Power 500 publication of Western Australia’s most influential business leaders.
Key deals
Vault Minerals
Advising Vault Minerals on its A$11 billion ‘merger of equals’ with Regis Resources by way of scheme of arrangement.
Gold Road Resources
Advised Gold Road Resources on its A$3.7 billion acquisition by Gold Fields Ltd by way of scheme of arrangement.
Pilbara Minerals
Advised Pilbara Minerals on its A$580 million acquisition of Latin Resources by way of scheme of arrangement.
Padalin Energy
Advised Paladin Energy on its C$1.15 billion acquisition of Fission Uranium Corp.
LGT Group
Advised LGT Group on its acquisition of wealth management group Crestone by way of a Court‑approved scheme of arrangement, a transaction that was nominated for FT Innovative Lawyers Asia‑Pacific 2023 (Most Innovative Lawyers in Dealmaking).
Wesfarmers
Advised Wesfarmers on the sale of its LPG distribution and LNG distribution businesses.
Advised Westfarmers on its A$230 million acquisition of the online marketplace business Catch Group and the A$350 million sale of its Kmart Tyre & Auto business to Continental AG, as well as various bolt‑on transactions.
Mineral Resources Ltd
Advised Mineral Resources Ltd on its successful acquisition of the Bald Hill lithium mine from Alita Resources Ltd (in liquidation), a transaction that was shortlisted for FT Innovative Lawyers Asia‑Pacific 2024 (Most Innovative Lawyers in Dealmaking).
Pan African Resources
Advised Pan African Resources on its proposed acquisition of 100% of Emmerson Resources Ltd by way of scheme of arrangement.
Peak Rare Earths
Advised Peak Rare Earths on its proposed acquisition by Shenghe Resources by way of scheme of arrangement.
Resource Capital Funds
Advised Resource Capital Funds on the structuring, funding and implementation of the proposal to fund Pilbara Minerals Ltd into buying the Pilgangoora Lithium Project from Altura Mining Ltd (Receivers & Managers Appt) (In Administration) for US$175 million, a transaction that was shortlisted for Insolvency & Restructuring Deal of the Year