"It is of the utmost importance that I give advice which is technically correct and provides a commercial and common-sense approach to solving legal problems. These objectives are at the forefront of everything I do."
With more than 20 years’ experience, Renee has undertaken a considerable amount of work in a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, but her main focus has been mergers and acquisitions and large commercial contracts. Whilst Renee has experience working across a variety of industries, Renee has a particular interest in advising clients in the food and beverage sector.
In recent years, a large proportion of Renee’s work has involved advising Bega Cheese Limited and The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) in relation to various corporate and commercial matters. Renee has nurtured the firm’s longstanding relationships with these clients and leveraged her in depth knowledge of their businesses to provide advice that is tailored to their specific business needs and risk profile, whilst always doing what is necessary legally to protect their valuable brand portfolios.
Clients’ appreciate that Renee will identify the red flags of a transaction and help them work through solutions in a diligent manner that will get the deal done smoothly.
Renee was admitted as a solicitor in 2003 and joined international firm Coudert Bros at that time. Renee joined Addisons in 2004 and was appointed as a Special Counsel in 2016.
Bega Cheese Limited – Acquisition of Betta Milk and Meander Valley Dairy Brands — led the team that advised Bega Cheese on its acquisition of the Betta Milk and Meander Valley Dairy brands from TasFoods Group.
The Coca-Cola Company – Acquisition of local drink brands from CCEP — part of the team that advised The Coca-Cola Company on its acquisition of various non-alcoholic drink brands in Australia, NZ and Fiji, including Mount Franklin, Deep Springs, L&P and Kirks, from its bottling partner, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.
Sale of shares in Kingsbridge Private — advised the shareholders of Kingsbridge Pty Ltd, a boutique Australian mortgage brokerage business, on the sale of 100% of the shares to People & Partners Pty Ltd.
Bega Cheese Limited – Acquisition of Lion Dairy & Drinks — was part of the team that advised Bega Cheese on its acquisition of the Lion Dairy & Drinks business for $534 million and played an integral role in the due diligence process of that transaction.
Bega Cheese Limited — provided general commercial advice to Bega Cheese over a number of years, including advising Bega on its strategically important supply terms with farmers and compliance with the Dairy Industry Code of Conduct. Notably, advised Bega Cheese in relation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Dairy Inquiry, which concluded in April 2018.
The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) — advised TCCC on its joint acquisition - together with its local bottler, then known as 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 in 2018. In 2021, we also advised TCCC on the sale of this interest back to the founders of this business.
NRMA – Acquisition of Tasmanian hotel business — was part of the team advising National Roads & Motorists’ Association Limited (NRMA) on the acquisition of Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania’s (RACT) tourism portfolio of hotels and marine tourism services, including Freycinet Lodge, Cradle Mountain Hotel and Gordon River Cruises.
NRMA — provided a range of general commercial advice to NRMA, including in relation to its customer terms and conditions for its Parks & Resorts business.
Industries
FMCG
Agribusiness
Dairy
Food Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) /Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Wollongong