Testimonials
“We have a saying at 4 Pines: “take what we do seriously, but not ourselves”. And somehow we seem to find our way to working with people who embody a similar ethos. Peter was recommended to me and the 4 Pines board to assist the business in responding to a buyout approach from AB InBev, the world’s largest brewing group. To say Peter is not only ninja like, but an absolute weapon in what he does, is an understatement. We witnessed an entire big firm M&A team try to disassemble him, however akin to a Bruce Lee film or Uma Thurman during the Crazy 88 scene in Kill Bill – there was only one man standing at the end. In meeting Peter, we had the pleasure of working with a highly skilled, experienced and disciplined professional, who worked in harmony with us to deliver a result that was nothing short of exceptional. Most importantly (for us), Peter is also a guy you can have a couple of beers and celebrate success with, and someone who I’m now honoured to call a friend. Cheers again Peter.”
Jaron Mitchell
Chief of Beer Chiefs
4 Pines Brewing Company
“Within minutes of meeting Peter, I knew he was the right person to represent our shareholders in the sale of our Japanese snowsports rental & retail business to US industry player, evo. Peter asked all the right questions in terms of gaining a deep understanding of our business and desired outcome. The transaction was complex – multiple shareholders in multiple target companies, plus separate IP assets, across three jurisdictions, and language hurdles – so we needed someone to not only lead, negotiate and execute but also contribute and collaborate with our leadership team on business related matters along the way. Peter nailed the brief, and the outcome was a deal my fellow shareholders and I are extremely proud of. Peter's superpower is the ability to break down complicated legal concepts into layman's terms, allowing us to understand and get comfortable with the finer points of the deal. I highly recommend Peter and Cadence Legal”
Matt Hampton
Managing Director
Rhythm Japan
“Lion has worked with Cadence Legal since 2016. Peter is an excellent partner to our team, providing perfectly pitched support on several M&A and corporate restructuring projects. Working with Pete is like having another senior team member on board – he spends the time to really ‘get’ the project and then integrates seamlessly with our team. His advice is commercial, clear and concise and we’re very happy to have him deal directly with the business. Very outcomes-focused, always available and willing to be called on as often or as little as needed. And he’s great fun to work with, always good for a laugh or a beer or both.”
Libby Davidson
Group General Counsel & External Relations Director
Lion
“I have been utilising Cadence Legal’s services for some time now across a range of needs, including support with a number of bolt-on acquisitions and various commercial contracts spanning our domestic and international needs. Peter’s approach is wonderfully practical and results-oriented, and his deep familiarity with branded food and beverage means he is instantly embraced by our business people. When I ask Peter to assist on something, I can rest assured it’s being done properly and efficiently. He’s a natural extension of, and reflects well upon, our inhouse legal capability.”
Kate Cooper
General Counsel
SunRice
“I have worked with Peter in various capacities over the years, from advising our clients to supporting him on boards in a company secretary capacity. So when the opportunity arose for our startup to be acquired by Acclime, a major regional player in our industry, we immediately turned to Peter for his support. Peter's ability to see the 'big picture', to act in a commercial and pragmatic manner, and to advise on tactics and strategy with our transaction made him an indispensable member of our advisory team. In fact he so impressed the Acclime acquisition team we have since used Peter on Acclime buy-side activity in the Australian market”
Blair Lucas
Partner, Group Commercial Director
Acclime Australia
“We recently engaged Cadence Legal on referral from a trusted advisor after being approached by an offshore PE-owned global industry player. Throughout the long process of term sheet and long form negotiation through to deal completion Peter lived and breathed the transaction like it was his own and served as the gatekeeper for the vendors’ interests. Peter’s combination of exceptional legal knowledge and experience, effective communication and commercial nous was critical to a successful outcome – particularly given that this was a cross border transaction and there were a number of stakeholders involved from Sydney to Copenhagen to New York. I would happily recommend Peter and Cadence Legal.”
Rob Erskine
Managing Director
Pioneer International Logistics
“Peter was recommended to me for legal support on the sale of my hand therapy practices to ASX-listed Healthia. I don’t sell businesses for a living so it was invaluable to have an experienced hand like Peter on board to explain, advise and assist on the process, the commercial and legal negotiations, and the implications of various calls that had to be made along the way. And Peter was absolutely brilliant to deal with, indeed the acquirer – who does buy and sell businesses for a living – specifically remarked on how constructive and instrumental Peter was in concluding a mutually advantageous deal for the parties. Thank you once again, Peter, for assisting me in navigating this important juncture for me and my business.”
Anne Wajon
Hand Therapy Group
“We sought Cadence Legal’s assistance on the disposal of our Titan Ag agricultural products business to Elders (c.$35m deal inclusive of earn out). We were obviously after solid legal expertise, and we got that in spades, but in addition we got a very capable, and valuable, commercial deal negotiator. Peter’s extensive practical business experience proved a massive, yet unexpected, value add. I can honestly say that Peter’s insights and argumentation on our financials added significant additional bottom line value to our deal. His ability to speak the same language as, and work seamlessly with, our accountant was very impressive, and comforting. Very happy to have paid the fees for what was outstanding support and service. If you’re buying or selling a business, Cadence Legal is your shop!”
Marty Cayzer
Managing Director
Titan Ag
“LBNCo builds and manages voice and data fibre networks in multi-dwelling unit buildings, new estates and other gated communities. Cadence Legal was recommended to me and my fellow shareholders when it came to exploring equity realisation options. Peter was an extremely valuable asset in that process, ultimately assisting us to sell into a private equity consortium on a cash & scrip consideration mix. Peter’s experience and counsel were very real enablers in getting the deal done in what were, at times, trying circumstances. His commercial approach and engaging manner positively impacted both sides of the transaction. He also knew where and when lines were to be drawn, and effectively argued the rationale such that the logic of our position could be ventilated. I would happily call on Cadence Legal for future M&A and general commercial needs and highly recommend Peter for any business’ legal needs.”
Steve Picton
Managing Director
LBN Co Pty Ltd
“I and my business partner were approached by private equity to merge our electrical infrastructure products business with their existing (and complementary) industry play, for cash and shares. The buyer was professional and fair, but transactions of this nature and import were of course all new to us. Peter was recommended to us as not only a very solid M&A lawyer, but also as a trusted counsel on the overall structure of the deal and as an extremely capable lead role on the commercial and legal negotiations. We were extremely happy with the way Peter guided us through the process, and with the ultimate outcome. Peter’s solid commercial experience and practical constructive approach delivered a great result for us”
Earl Palfrey
Managing Director
All Round Supplies
“I came across Cadence Legal in 2015 when considering options to bridge an internal gap in resourcing. Peter’s breadth of in-house commercial experience and familiarity with corporate environments were key to the value proposition, as was his personal style and cultural fit. Peter was able to make it happen flexibly and efficiently. He hit the ground running, learned quickly, and importantly impressed key internal stakeholders as he delivered on their needs. I and my team very much appreciated having him around, and look forward to continuing the relationship.”
Stuart Thomas
General Counsel
Network Ten
“Cadence Legal has been assisting me and MasterCard’s Australian Loyalty Solutions business since early 2015, predominantly on a wide range of commercial contracting matters. I and the business have found Peter wonderful to work with, and a significant asset at a time when MasterCard has been busy integrating, reshaping and investing in the business, which it acquired in mid-2014. Peter’s ability to quickly step into the business, roll up the sleeves and deliver the sort of top quality legal support expected within a major global organisation such as MasterCard was and remains of immense value. And in the process, his style and approach assisted in building the profile of, and relationships for, the legal function within a business that did not previously have inhouse capability. I have no hesitation in recommending Peter and Cadence Legal, and look forward to continuing our professional relationship.”
Nicholas Power
Managing Region Counsel
MasterCard Loyalty Solutions Asia Pacific
“For a number of years over my professional executive career I had the benefit of Peter’s counsel. Throughout that time Peter consistently impressed me not only with his natural intellect and inquisitiveness, but importantly also with his ability to understand the strategic objectives of the business and reflect them, in a practical and sustainable manner, in the task at hand. He cuts to the chase, identifying and explaining the core issues for consideration by the executive, and is solutions focused in doing so. And he knows how to have a laugh along the way too! With Peter at the helm I would have no hesitation in recommending Cadence Legal for sound, practical commercial legal services.”
Rob Murray
Former CEO, now Chairman / Non-Executive Director
“Peter was a fellow Director on the Board of a JV company during his time at Lion’s Dairy & Drinks business in Melbourne. He brought to the Board not only what you would expect an experienced commercial lawyer to bring – intellectual rigour, a sound governance lens, a good and practical appreciation of legal principles relevant to the JV and its operation – but also impressive business acumen. His input on the business debate was genuinely valued by the Board. I can say with confidence that with Peter’s leadership Cadence Legal will bring a very practical and business-oriented approach to the task at hand”
Barry Irvin AM
Executive Chairman
Bega Cheese Limited
“Cadence Legal came in to present to me and my team on ambush marketing. Peter’s significant practical experience at the top echelons of the sports marketing industry brought real credibility to the story, my team absolutely reveled in it … and of course they couldn’t get enough of Peter’s war stories from his time working on the FIFA World Cup! Peter brought a different lens to the issue which caused the team to stop and think. It was a wonderful contribution to their development.”
Pat Cunningham
Head of Sponsorship and Events
Westpac Group
“Cadence Legal most recently assisted me with an exclusive import and distribution arrangement, and associated general advice. I knew Peter well from his time as General Counsel at 1800 Reverse, and had the confidence that he had the necessary skills and experience to help. Peter knows the law, is highly commercial and wastes no time on incidental issues. I valued his counsel at Reverse, and continue to do so today. It is easy paying for good advice.”
Richard Bell
Founder, former CEO and current NED
Reverse Corp Limited (ASX: REF)
“I sat across the table from Peter on an interesting matter a little while back, which saw us engage over a period of perhaps 18 months. Peter was a very capable advocate for his business, but what impressed me in addition was his ability to come up with, and preparedness to jointly explore, creative solutions in a constructive manner. Peter’s integrity is also an aspect that resonates with me. His authentic and honest approach to what were, at times, somewhat tense negotiations was a big contributor to the mutual trust required to successfully resolve the matter.”
Eric Wedepohl
Vice President and Deputy General Counsel
General Mills, Inc.
