Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit provides students with a practical legal and commercial overview of Australian law concerning mergers and acquisitions. It has a particular focus on the processes concerning takeovers and schemes of arrangement. It requires students to engage in detail with the regulatory frameworks associated with mergers and acquisitions including the Corporations Legislation and ASIC regulatory guidance. Students are exposed to the legal strategies associated with the takeover industry and are expected to demonstrate a sound knowledge of corporations law.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) critically demonstrate skills associated with representing a corporate client in relation to takeover transactions (a) providing detailed advice on the impact of ASIC regulatory guidance on transaction restructuring, particularly the effects of Chapter 6, Part 5.1; and (b) preparing a bidder's statement, target's statement or explanatory statement that is consistent with the disclosure requirements under the Corporations Act and the ASIC regulatory guidance; (2) critically demonstrate advanced knowledge of the Corporations Act in (a) the conduct of a takeover bid or takeover defence in accordance with the steps under that Act; and (b) managing the variation of a takeover bid in accordance with the rules under that Act; (3) critically demonstrate advanced skills of legal analysis so as to manage (a) an application to the Takeovers Panel for a declaration of unacceptable circumstances; and (b) an application to court for convening a scheme of arrangement and the subsequent approval of the scheme; and (4) demonstrate (a) a developing ability to exercise professional judgement in relation to the conduct of matters involving takeovers and schemes of arrangement; and (b) an ability and willingness to participate in and contribute to class discussion.
Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) class participation; (2) written test; and (3) final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Oliver Carrick, James Nicholls and Anthony Papamatheos
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
20810 Doctor of Juridical Science
Incompatibility
Enrolment in
LAWS5596 Mergers and Acquisitions
Contact hours
Students must attend every day of the intensive period 5-8 September 2023. Refer to the timetable website for further information.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.