White & Case hires Kenavan and Palmer in Sydney
Advisor - People | Nov 13, 2024 | EIN

Global law firm White & Case has recruited Aaron Kenavan and Jamie Palmer as partners in its Sydney office, strengthening its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity practice in the Asia-Pacific region. Daniel Yeh, a partner and co-head of the global private equity industry group at White & Case, emphasized the importance of Australia as a strategic market for private capital clients. Kenavan and Palmer bring extensive experience, with over 45 years of combined expertise in various industries. Kenavan specializes in Australian and cross-border corporate transactions, having been instrumental in major deals such as the Dexus merger and Asahi's acquisition of Carlton & United Breweries. Palmer focuses on private equity, infrastructure, and pension fund transactions, advising on significant deals including Crescent Capital and Equinix transactions. Their addition is part of White & Case's strategy to expand its investment capabilities and geographic reach in the Asia-Pacific region, responding to growing demands from Australia-based investors to strengthen global connections.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Private Equity
Geography
- Australia – The new partners are joining the Sydney office, and the article emphasizes Australia's strategic importance.
- Asia-Pacific – White & Case is focusing on the Asia-Pacific region for its M&A and private equity expansion.
Industry
- Legal Services – The article focuses on the hiring of partners by a law firm, which falls under the legal services industry.
- Mergers and Acquisitions – The expertise of the hired partners is in M&A, a central theme of the article, making this a relevant classification.
- Private Equity – The article discusses strengthening the private equity practice, which is a significant industry focus.
Financials
- AUD15 billion (USD9.7 billion) – The merger deal involving Dexus advised by Aaron Kenavan.
- AUD16 billion – The acquisition of Carlton & United Breweries by Asahi, advised by Aaron Kenavan.
- AUD1.35 billion – The acquisition of Metronode by Equinix, advised by Jamie Palmer.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| White & Case | Hiring Company | Company | A global law firm expanding its M&A and private equity practice in Sydney. |
| Aaron Kenavan | New Partner | Person | Specialist in Australian and cross-border corporate transactions. |
| Jamie Palmer | New Partner | Person | Focuses on private equity, infrastructure, and pension fund transactions. |
| A&O Shearman | Former Employer | Company | The former employer of the new partners joining White & Case. |
| Daniel Yeh | Partner & Co-head of Global PE | Person | Co-head of the global private equity industry group at White & Case. |
| Dexus | Client of Kenavan | Company | Advised by Kenavan on a significant merger deal. |
| Asahi | Client of Kenavan | Company | Advised by Kenavan on a major acquisition. |
| Crescent Capital | Client of Palmer | Company | Advised by Palmer on multiple transactions. |
| Equinix | Client of Palmer | Company | Advised by Palmer on a significant acquisition. |