The situation

Our client is a privately owned diversified global construction contractor with operations in over 50 countries. They employ 140,000 people and have annual revenues of over US$4 billion p.a.  Infrastructure construction contract opportunities led them to consider expanding their operations to Australia.

Conscious that the business was entering another growth phase, and in a foreign jurisdiction, they began their Australian activities and investments by engaging with an Australian-based joint venture partner. They recognised, however, that if they were to continue to win work that arrangement would not be feasible in the medium term and that establishing a base in Australia would be necessary.

How we helped

Younis & Co advised them on all aspects of establishing a physical presence in Australia – tax, corporate finance, accounting and human capital needs.  This required working through key priorities with senior management including:

• Systematically addressing their numerous compliance obligations in establishing their Australian business
• establishing a corporate office and the associated commercial and legal considerations
• establishing a corporate structure and working through the associated tax and legal issues
• establishing Australian specific policies and procedures
• dealing with cross-border issues as they arose

Solution

The company’s reputation and business interests have been preserved during this establishment phase.  Successful contract negotiations have been achieved with third parties, including their joint venture partner, financiers, regulatory authorities and the Australian Taxation Office.

For a confidential discussion on how to set up operations in Australia contact Pierre Wakim on +61 2 9683 7888.