About Sarah
Sarah Chia: Leading Transactions Lawyer Specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions
Sarah Chia is a highly respected and experienced Transactions lawyer recognized for her meticulous attention to detail, strategic commercial acumen, and unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients. With a proven track record across a diverse range of complex transactions, Sarah consistently delivers exceptional results in M&A, corporate restructuring, and strategic business sales. She is a trusted legal counsel for businesses seeking to navigate critical deals with confidence and expertise.
Sarah’s transactional experience encompasses a broad spectrum of industries, demonstrating her versatility and ability to adapt to the unique challenges of each situation. From sophisticated cross-border deals to tailored advice for smaller businesses, her approach is always client-focused and results-oriented. She excels in providing proactive guidance and managing transactions from initial strategy through to final closing.
Recognized Expertise
Sarah’s commitment to excellence is consistently recognized within the legal community. She has been named ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in the area of Private Equity by Best Lawyers, a prestigious distinction awarded to lawyers who demonstrate outstanding professional achievement and commitment to the legal profession. Furthermore, she is ranked as a ‘Leading Lawyer’ in the Commercial M&A category by Doyle’s Guide 2024, solidifying her position as a leading legal professional in her field. Her accolades reflect her deep understanding of the market and her ability to deliver exceptional value to her clients.
Practice Areas
- Commercial Law – Providing strategic legal counsel for a wide range of business transactions and disputes.
- Corporate Law – Supporting businesses with corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning.
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law – Expert guidance in buying, selling, and restructuring businesses, including complex due diligence and negotiation.
- Private Equity Law – Specializing in private equity investments and transactions.
- Wealth Management / Succession Planning Practice – Advising on estate planning and business succession strategies.
- Agriculture and Rural Affairs – Specialized legal counsel for agricultural businesses and rural affairs.
Notable Deal Experience
- Best Doors and Reliance Doors to Dormakaba – Successfully advising Best Doors and Reliance Doors on their strategic business sale to the Swiss-listed company, Dormakaba, a landmark transaction involving significant financial consideration.
- Sportsmed to Burnside War Memorial Hospital – Leading the due diligence and legal aspects of the sale of Sportsmed’s hospital to Burnside War Memorial Hospital, ensuring a seamless and compliant transaction.
- Kelsian Group’s Acquisition of Transit Systems Group – Leading the due diligence team advising Kelsian Group on their $698 million acquisition of Transit Systems Group (ASX:KLS), including a concurrent $154 million capital raise – a complex, high-value deal requiring meticulous attention to detail.
- Total Tools Franchisees’ Sale to Total Tools Holdings – Providing legal counsel to a number of Total Tools franchisees during their majority business sale to Total Tools Holdings, facilitating a successful outcome for all parties.
- Grasshopper Environmental to Cleanaway Waste Management – Advising Grasshopper Environmental on their strategic business sale to Cleanaway Waste Management (ASX: CWY), demonstrating expertise in commercial waste management transactions.
- YP Ag to Elders – Successfully advising YP Ag on their business sale to Elders (ASX: ELD), a key transaction in the agricultural sector.
- Lewis Fields Retirement Village to Aspen Group Limited – Leading the due diligence and legal aspects of the business sale of Lewis Fields Retirement Village to Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ), a transaction requiring careful consideration of regulatory and asset-related matters.
Credentials and Awards
- Lawyer of the Year: Private Equity Law, Adelaide, Australia (2023) – Recognized for outstanding achievement in private equity law.
- Recognized: Agriculture and Rural Affairs – Expertise in legal matters pertaining to the agricultural industry.
- Recognized: Commercial Law – Delivering strategic legal counsel in diverse commercial contexts.
- Recognized: Corporate Law – Comprehensive support for corporate operations and governance.
- Recognized: Mergers and Acquisitions Law – Leading expertise in strategic M&A transactions.
- Recognized: Private Equity Law – Specialized counsel in private equity investment and transactions.
- Recognized: Wealth Management / Succession Planning Practice – Providing strategic legal counsel for estate planning and business succession.
Education & Bar Admissions
Sarah holds a strong legal education foundation and is fully admitted to practice in [Information Missing – Law School Name]. She maintains active bar admissions across [Information Missing – Relevant Jurisdictions].
Professional Affiliations
Sarah is also actively involved in the Golf Australia Board, demonstrating her commitment to contributing to the sport and upholding high standards of governance.
Recognition & Rankings
Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2018
Contact Information
City: [Information Missing], State: [Information Missing], Country: Australia
