Our Australian Advantage
Drawing on over twenty years of experience in representing Australia’s largest and most prominent investors in Israel, Gornitzky & Co. has developed a deep understanding of the needs and challenges involved in Australia-Israel cross-border transactions.
The broader resources of our firm allow us to deliver a tailored and integrated service to best address our client’s needs. We offer our Australian clients advice on the full spectrum of commercial matters, including structuring, taxation, investments-financing, hi-tech, intellectual property, capital markets and M&A.
We are the trusted legal advisors of one of Australia’s wealthiest families in its major investments in Israel (FIBI, Paz Oil Company) and have also advised Woodside in its bid to acquire interests in the Leviathan gas field. We have represented Australian companies on strategic investment in Israeli technologies and issuers listing on the ASX.
Collaboration between Israel and Australia is expanding on all fronts. The past few years have shown significant growth in Israel – Australia commerce, which has been fostered by strong diplomatic relationships between the two countries. To further facilitate cross-border activity, Israel and Australia have recently entered into a double taxation treaty. The treaty will bring a significant change to the business landscape of Australia-Israel investment. Gornitzky & Co. is well positioned to advise on the opportunities this landmark treaty can present to you.
Our Australian Experience
Structuring & Taxation:
We are regularly engaged to advise on tax structuring of Australian inbound investment and have gained significant knowledge of Australian taxation and its interplay with Israeli taxation.
We also have extensive experience in matters relating to family trusts, double tax treaties and immigration to Israel. This includes liaising with the Israeli Tax Authority, submitting tax assessments and tax appeals, and advising and coordinating with our clients’ Australian tax advisors.
Mergers & Acquisitions:
Representation of Australian investors in various acquisition transactions, including the acquisition of a controlling interest in First International Bank of Israel, the fifth largest bank in Israel, and the acquisition of a controlling interest in Paz Oil Company Ltd., Israel’s leading energy company engaged in refining, production and marketing of fuel products. Representation of an Australian investor in a proposed strategic investment in an Israeli retail logistics company.
Banking and Finance:
Advising Australian companies as borrowers from Israeli and non-Israeli financial institutions transactions to finance local assets and operations.
Inbound Technology Investments:
Representation of Australian investors in financing rounds of Israeli technology start-up companies.
Energy:
Representation of Woodside, a global Australia-based upstream oil and gas company, in connection with its proposed acquisition of a 30% interest in the offshore Leviathan Gas Field.
Regulatory:
Representation of Australian clients before Israeli regulators, including the Bank of Israel, the Israeli Government Companies Authority, the Israeli Natural Gas Commissioner and the Israeli Antitrust Commissioner.
Dispute Resolution:
Representation of Australian clients in connection with litigation and arbitration in Israel.
Israel-Australia Chamber of Commerce:
We are active members of the Israel-Australia Chamber of Commerce, and we regularly host events for visiting delegations.
