17 June 2011

The University of Queensland's TC Beirne School of Law has again joined forces with leading law firm Minter Ellison to present its first intensive Corporate Takeovers course.

The four-day postgraduate course takes place in Minter Ellison’s Brisbane office from Thursday 21 July to Sunday 24 July.

A collaboratively designed study syllabus brings together legal concepts and practical case studies to provide participants with a sound working knowledge of how takeovers are regulated and managed in Australia, and how to apply the principles of takeover law to real-life situations.

Among the topics to be explored are the theory of takeover regulation, directors' duties in the context of a takeover bid, transaction structuring and strategy, the preparation of bid documents and the role of the Takeovers Panel.

The course is presented by senior lawyers from Minter Ellison, led by Partner Franki Ganter, a corporate and commercial law specialist who focuses on mergers and acquisitions across a range of sectors, including the sale and purchase of major infrastructure, agribusiness and energy and resources assets.

Australia's current business landscape and economic climate mean that many public and private companies are considering acquisition as a mechanism for growth and consolidation, or may be vulnerable to hostile takeover bids.

Ms Ganter believes that takeovers are a significant part of the Queensland business landscape and pose complex business challenges.

"Takeovers are usually a major strategic move for companies and there are complex laws that govern any such transaction," she said.

"We intend this course to provide some real practical examples of how takeovers work so students can gain an appreciation of the legal and practical issues involved."

Ms Ganter will lead a teaching team made up of practicing lawyers from Minter Ellison and legal academics from UQ’s TC Beirne School of Law, all with extensive knowledge of Australian takeover law.

The course’s intensive delivery style is designed to minimise time away from the office to suit the needs of busy executives and professionals, and is ideal for lawyers, company directors, accountants or anyone in a senior role who may find themselves involved in the takeover or acquisition process.

Corporate Takeovers (LAWS7996) is part of UQ’s Master of Laws program and may also be studied on a non-award or a Continuing Professional Development basis.

Applications close on July 9, 2011. Late applications may be accepted subject to conditions.

For more information please visit www.law.uq.edu.au/llm-laws7996#S2-2011

Course details:
Name: Corporate Takeovers
Venue: Minter Ellison Lawyers, Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane
Date: 21 to 24 July 2011
Enrolments: LLM Coordinator, telephone 07 3365 8824, email