Global law firm Clyde & Co has announced its APAC Head of Corporate Practice, Ian Stewart, will be relocating to Melbourne from Singapore later this month. Over the past decade, Mr Stewart has advised on a wide range of M&A transactions in Singapore and across many of the rapidly emerging ASEAN markets including Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Having previously spent almost a decade advising Australian clients on M&A and corporate transactions, Mr Stewart's return will build on the firm's rapidly expanding non-contentious capabilities both in Melbourne and the wider Australian market. And Australian clients looking at outbound investments will benefit from his years of experience advising on regional deals involving private companies, governments and State-owned enterprises.

Michael Tooma, Australia Managing Partner, said:

"Ian's return will add further depth to our corporate capabilities across Australia, servicing the non-contentious needs of clients across our key sectors. Australia is becoming more and more connected to the wider Asian marketplace, and Ian's international experience will be particularly important in supporting the firm's clients as they look to move into and expand their business operations throughout the region's emerging markets.

Mr Stewart is one of South East Asia's leading M&A lawyers, also specialising in joint ventures, insurance licensing and regulatory matters and commercial transactions. His key sectors include insurance and financial services, manufacturing and distribution, marine, and energy and resources.

Commenting on his relocation, Mr Stewart said he's looking forward to working with Australian clients, particularly those who have outbound growth plans across South East Asia.

"Now is an opportune time for Australian companies to consider outbound investment in South East Asia," he said.

Mr Stewart has been recognised in both Legal 500 and Chambers Asia Pacific as a noted international lawyer for mergers and acquisitions and corporate work and will continue to support the firm's Singapore corporate practice.

ENDS.