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StephenS 707

About Stephen

Stephen Sharp practises in commercial and property law with a strong emphasis on property-related finance and development matters.

Combining a superior technical knowledge with a broad business perspective, Stephen can identify and negotiate the most appropriate ownership structure, financing and exit mechanisms to match a client’s commercial objectives.

He takes a comprehensive approach to commercial and property matters and manages complex transactions from beginning to end in a timely and efficient manner. He draws on his extensive network of contacts in the banking, private and structured capital environment to give clients financing and take-out solutions that are realistic and commercially focused.

He has been highlighted in Chambers Asia Pacific as being valued for his “terrific broad knowledge of property” and described by sources as “one of the most experienced property financing practitioners in the Melbourne marketplace”.

 

Stephen Sharp is “considered a top lawyer in his field of expertise and provides clear advice rather than sitting on the fence.”

Client quote

Practice focus

Stephen’s practice focuses on the following areas:

  • property finance, acting for borrowers and lenders in the full spectrum of financing transactions at the senior, mezzanine and equity levels, and
  • development and long-term ownership joint ventures.

Experience

Stephen has been the lead practitioner on many commercial transactions, including on behalf of:

  • Consortium comprising Charter Hall Long WALE REIT and Hostplus: on its $1.68 billion buyout proposal of one of Australia’s biggest freehold pub property owners, ALE Property Group
  • Partnership comprising Charter Hall and Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC): in relation to:
    • the financing for a $450 million development at King William Street, Adelaide, and
    • the acquisition and construction financing for its development in Richmond, Victoria.
  • Charter Hall and its institutional investors: on the acquisition of a $353 million portfolio of six Bunnings assets located in prime metropolitan markets, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
  • Charter Hall and Hostplus: in relation to the acquisition of a $603 million sale and leaseback portfolio from ALH
  • Telstra Super: in relation to property and infrastructure investments, including the equity and loan facilities for the Adelaide Tax Office project, the co-investment in the Barangaroo Office project in NSW, co investments with Charter Hall for the acquisition of Woolworths and Bunnings property portfolios and the acquisition and development of the Brisbane Bus Depot
  • MAB Corporation: in relation to residential and commercial developments, including each residential and office precinct at Docklands, the University Hill retail and residential project at Bundoora, public/private housing developments, and the Buxton / Gibson joint venture at Merrifield
  • R Corporation: in relation to residential and commercial developments, including the Metropol residential project, St Kilda, the Botanicca office project, Richmond, the Clara Mews residential project, South Yarra and the R Iconic residential project in South Melbourne
  • Journal Student Accommodation Fund: on the acquisition, construction financing and sale of two student accommodation buildings in Melbourne for $459 million to German investment house, Allianz Real Estate
  • Intrapac Property and co-investment partners: on the joint venture and financing arrangements of various residential development projects, and
  • Dennis Family Group: on the financing of various residential and commercial development projects.

Directorships & memberships

Stephen serves as a board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Australia and is the current national Chairman.

Awards & recognition

Stephen is recognised as a leading lawyer by various international guides to lawyers and law firms, including:

  • Best Lawyers® International: banking & finance law and project finance and development practice
  • Chambers Asia Pacific: banking & finance: property finance, and
  • Legal 500 Asia Pacific: banking & finance.

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Recognition & publications

Take a look at Insights & News articles referencing Stephen Sharp