Courtney Dixon focuses his practice on public company takeovers and schemes of arrangement. He is adept at advising on complex and significant transactions and combines technical legal capability with a commercial approach to structuring and executing transactions. Courtney has led deals across the energy and resources, financial services, gambling, media, real estate, technology, and general industrials sectors.
Recent public M&A experience includes advising A-Cap Energy on its merger with Lotus Resources by scheme, Eildon Capital Group on its defense of an unsolicited takeover bid, and Centuria Capital on its merger with Primewest by recommended takeover.
Courtney frequently advises Australia-inbound investors, including pension and other investment funds, and accordingly has in-depth experience in the application of Australia's foreign investment (FIRB) laws.
Courtney's practice also extends to private negotiated M&A, with recent experience advising Hornblower Group on its acquisition of Journey Beyond from Quadrant Private Equity, IBM on its acquisitions of SXiQ and SXiQ, and NYSE-listed Horizon Global Corporation on the divestment of its Australian and Asia-Pacific division to Pacific Equity Partners.
In addition, Courtney advises on minority investments and associated shareholding arrangements, capital markets, and general corporate advisory matters. He has assisted companies, boards, and investors on restructuring and recapitalization transactions and in other distressed situations.
Prior to joining Jones Day, Courtney practiced at a leading international law firm, where he was involved in high-profile transactions including Tabcorp's combination with Tatts Group, the takeover of David Jones by Woolworths Holdings by way of scheme, and BHP Billiton's demerger of South32.
Courtney was previously seconded to the Australian Securities Exchange, where he assisted in executing ASX's investment into, and strategic partnership with, blockchain developer Digital Asset Holdings.
Experience
The following represents selected transactional experience acquired prior to joining Jones Day.
Advised Tabcorp Holdings on its recommended combination with Tatts Group by scheme of arrangement.
Advised Seven West Media on its acquisition of The Sunday Times from News Corp.
Advised McAleese Group on its strategic process and proposed recapitalization.
Advised ASX Limited (as secondee) on its investment into and strategic partnership with block chain developer Digital Asset Holdings.
Advised IVE Group on its initial public offering on the ASX.
Advised Veda Group on aspects of its acquisition by Equifax Inc. by scheme of arrangement.
Advised BHP Billiton on aspects of its demerger of South32.
Advised David Jones on its acquisition by Woolworths Holdings by scheme of arrangement.
Advised Fairfax Media: on its merger of its radio network business with Macquarie Radio Network and on the sale of its 96FM radio station to APN News & Media.
Advised Wesfarmers on the sale of its Australian and New Zealand insurance underwriting business to IAG.
- University of Melbourne (LL.M. 2011); Kaplan Professional (Graduate Certificate in Applied/Corporate Finance 2008); College of Law (VIC) (Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice 2007); University of Tasmania (LL.B. Hons., B.Comm., and B.InfoSys. 2004)
- Supreme Courts of Victoria and New South Wales and High Court of Australia
Best Lawyers in Australia — M&A (2021-2024), Commercial Law (2023-2024)
Doyle's Guide — Rising Star in M&A (2015)