Li-Jean Chew
Partner
"In being a legal adviser, I strive not only to provide answers to my clients’ legal questions, but also to be a key member of their team who provides solutions that ultimately create value for their businesses."
Li-Jean works closely with companies and businesses on a range of corporate transactions to assist with their growth and expansion. She specialises in public and private mergers and acquisitions (including takeovers and schemes of arrangement), capital raisings, IPOs and ASX listings. She also provides advice to boards, including in relation to corporate governance, directors’ duties, continuous disclosure and executive appointments.
She has worked with clients in industries including agribusiness and food, FMCG, retail and consumer, technology, healthcare, entertainment and professional services.
In being a legal adviser, she strives not only to provide answers to her clients’ legal questions, but also to be a key member of their team who provides solutions that ultimately create value for their businesses.
Bega Cheese’s acquisition of the Vegemite business — acted for Bega Cheese on its $460 million acquisition of Mondelēz International’s Australia and New Zealand grocery and cheese business (including Vegemite).
Capital raisings by Bega Cheese — acted for Bega Cheese on its $400 million capital raising in 2020 by way of institutional placement and entitlement offer; and its $250 million capital raising in 2018 by way of institutional placement and share purchase plan. I also advised Bega Cheese on its $160 million capital raising in 2017.
SunRice’s listing on the ASX — advised SunRice for many years including on its move from a listing on the NSX to an ASX listing, which involved quotations of non-voting shares.
IPO of Class Limited and acquisitions — acted for fintech company Class Limited on its successful IPO and ASX listing. Class’ IPO involved the issue of new shares and a partial sell-down of existing shares by the company’s shareholders. Also acted for Class on its recent acquisitions.
Private equity investment in Bluestone Group and sale of its APAC business — advised diversified financial services company Bluestone Group on all of the Australian legal aspects of the sale of a significant stake in the company to private equity company LDC, which is part of the Lloyds Banking Group in the UK. Subsequently, also advised Bluestone Group on the sale of its APAC business to US private equity group, Cerberus Capital Management.
The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) — advised TCCC on its joint acquisition - together with its local bottler, Coca-Cola Amatil - of a 45% equity stake in the Made Group, an independent beverage manufacturer that owns popular brands Cocobella, Rokeby Farms, Impressed juices and NutrientWater. Also advised TCCC on its acquisition of Organic & Raw Trading Co, manufacturer of the MOJO brand of kombucha.
NRMA — provided a range of corporate governance advice to NRMA over a number of years, including advice on its director election and membership matters, and redrafting of its corporate constitution. Also advised NRMA on its acquisition of Freycinet Lodge, Cradle Mountain Hotel and Gordon River Cruises in Tasmania.
Cision — advised global communications intelligence provider Cision on its acquisition of Streem.
Committees and memberships
Member, Australia China Business Council (NSW)
Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Practice Areas
Industries
Agribusiness
Biotech
Dairy
Entertainment
Financial Services
Fintech
FMCG
Food Manufacturing
Health
Private Equity
Professional Services
Startup
Technology
Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce/Laws, University of New South Wales
Master of Laws, University of Sydney
“The service of your team was always of the highest quality and in particular we recognise the value of your commercial advice. In particular I would like to mention and thank Li-Jean. Her dedication to this transaction was second to none and Li-Jean was always available day and night. Li-Jean made a commitment to understanding our business and the outcomes we were after. Her attention to detail and positive nature coupled with strong legal knowledge provided us with great confidence throughout the transaction.”
Quentin Moxey, Director, Moxey Farms Pty Ltd