John Nielsen

John Nielsen

Special Counsel
Baker & McKenzie

Biography

John is a special counsel based in our Sydney office and is a member of our Australian Private Capital Group.

Practice Focus

John has a focus on private equity, distressed M&A and corporate transactions. Prior to joining Baker McKenzie, he was seconded to a leading private equity firm in Australia.

Representative Legal Matters

  • Advised Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited on its investment into Advantage Partners, the largest independent, diversified private markets platform in Japan.
  • Advised AFRY on its acquisition of AMC Consultants by way of scheme of arrangement.
  • Advised PAG on its acquisition of KKR’s controlling interest in Australian Venue Company, which has over 160 venues leased, including advising PAG on the new management equity plan. 
  • Advised advising the doctor shareholders of Genesis Care on the new management equity plan and reconstitution of their equity following the Chapter 11 process in the states.
  • Advised Allegro Funds on its acquisition of Greenlit Brands distressed assets, including Harris Scarfe, Best & Less and Postie and subsequently acting for Deloitte, as receivers, in the disposal of Harris Scarfe by way of DOCA.
  • Advised the Pickles family on the disposal of Pickles Auctions to Apax Partners, including advising the Pickles family and management on their reinvestment and management equity plan. 
  • Advised Downer EDI on the disposal of its rail transport business to Gamuda; the disposal of its mining division; and the disposal of certain non-core assets, including hospitality assets. 
  • Advised Navis Capital Australia Pty Ltd on its acquisition of a majority interest in Caring Group and minority interest in Sygnal.
  • Advised Roberts Co on the acquisition of Probuild's Victorian assets (assets sold by Deloitte as administrators).
  • Advised ARA Group on various bolt-on acquisitions.
  • Advised Paragon Care on various bolt-on acquisitions, including into Asia.
  • Advised StockCo Australia on the restructure and disposal of its interest in a livestock lending business in Australia to Heartland Bank.
  • Advised Nick Scali on the acquisition of Plush Furniture from Greenlit Brands.

Admissions

  • South Africa
  • Australia

Education

  • University of the Witwatersrand (Bcom LLB) (2011)

Languages

  • English