Chris Merjane

Experience

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  PwC

  Dec 2010 - Aug 2016

  Senior Solicitor

  Chris worked in Private Clients as a legal specialist primarily advising on complex transactions, restructures and disputes. His clients included taxpayers of all sizes, including starts-ups and listed companies. During his time at PwC, Chris also worked with the Tax Controversy (Corporate Tax), R&D and GST practices.- Chris was a technical leader specialising in delivering advice on complex legal topics in a simple way.- He designed and coded new software from scratch, including modelling tools and AI tools to assist with compliance tasks. - Chris was responsible for training and team development. As a key technical lawyer, he helped develop junior members through regular coaching, training sessions and overall development. - Chris was the assigned manager for over 50 matters. He used effective delegation and he empowered junior members to get jobs done. - Acted in the following transactions: - Restructure, IPO and Vendor Due Diligence of an Australian online group. - Demerger for partial sale of a private group. - Settlement of a large tax dispute of AU$250m. Show less

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  Gilbert + Tobin

  Aug 2016 - Sept 2018

  Lawyer

  Lawyer and trusted legal advisor in Gilbert + Tobin’s Corporate Team (specialising in tax). Chris had a leading role in the market’s largest and most complex M&A transactions. Chris had day-to-day management and leadership of income tax matters at Gilbert + Tobin (including training and supervision of other tax lawyers).Chris advised on corporate structuring, M&A, disputes and overall tax planning, including:- building business partnerships with the corporate / banking / IP / litigation teams. - helping build a successful team. Chris' team consisted of lawyers and paralegals. - developing industry-recognised experience in Government dispute resolution, including for a multinational pharmaceutical company and domestic manufacturing company.- establishing his reputation as an industry knowledge leader, with articles in the Transactions Global Guide (Practical Law Australia), The Acquisition and Leveraged Finance Review - Edition 4 (The Law Reviews), and the “Getting the deal through” global series.- championed new technology and processes. Under partner level, Chris acted as the primary lawyer and relationship manager on a large number of market-leading transactions including:- Acquisition of iNova Pharmaceuticals (~AU$1.23 billion).- The restructure of Paladin Energy Limited.- Disposal of Ansell’s Sexual Wellness business (~AU$800m). - KKR’s acquisition of Laser Clinics Australia (~AU$650 million). - The Investa Commercial Property Fund’s (ICPF) formation of a joint venture with the Investa Office Fund (IOF).- Refinancing of ResMed’s debt (US$1.5bn)- OthersChris' work included negotiating transaction and finance contracts, due diligence, and client relationship management (internal and external). Chris was nominated by Gilbert + Tobin for the Lawyer’s Weekly “30 under 30” award. Show less

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  ResMed

  Oct 2018 - now

  In-house global leader for all tax controversy, government engagement and governance. Tax Institute's Tax Adviser of the Year 2022 - 2023

  • Head of Finance - Corporate Functions

    Oct 2024 - now

  • Senior Tax Counsel

    Jan 2022 - Oct 2024

  • Tax Counsel

    Oct 2018 - Jan 2022