Clifford Chance has recruited an antitrust partner for its Sydney office.
David Poddar was previously a Sydney partner for rival British Magic Circle firm Allen & Overy. While there, he advised London-based brewing company SABMiller Plc. on antitrust aspects of its 2011 acquisition of Australia's Foster's Group. Last year, he also represented Emirates airline on the antitrust implications of its proposed strategic partnership with Qantas Airways Ltd.
Poddar will take Clifford Chance's Australia partner headcount to 16. The firm, which acquired two Australian firms -- Sydney's Chang, Pistilli & Simmons and Perth's Cochrane Lishman Carson Luscombe -- in 2011, says it is looking to hire additional antitrust lawyers.
"Adding dedicated antitrust expertise has been a priority since our establishment in Australia, given the high concentration within many of the country's industry sectors," said Peter Charlton, Clifford Chance Asia Pacific managing partner, in a statement. "When overseas clients invest in Australia, or local companies acquire or expand domestically, antitrust issues are very likely to arise."
Poddar joined Allen & Overy in 2011 from the firm now known as King & Wood Mallesons, where he had worked for more than two decades.
