Meet Chris Lillie

Chris is an experienced mergers and acquisitions and commercial lawyer who has advised Australian and international businesses for more than 20 years on complex commercial transactions.

He works closely with business owners and senior executives on divestments, acquisitions, restructures and significant commercial arrangements – providing commercial insight and clear recommendations to help them make informed decisions for their business.

Chris has worked on large-scale transactions, including recently advising on one of the largest automotive transactions in Australia. He is experienced in leading multidisciplinary teams, addressing complex legal issues and negotiating multifaceted agreements, always with his clients’ objectives at the forefront.

Chris has significant experience working with manufacturing businesses and understands the commercial and operational considerations that can make transactions in the sector complex. He advises manufacturers and their owners across the business lifecycle, with a particular focus on preparing for and completing business sales. He also has significant experience advising businesses in the automotive and professional services sectors.

Chris brings a business owner’s perspective to his advice after owning his own legal practice for more than a decade before joining Bennett & Philp. He understands the commercial realities behind legal decisions and the importance of providing advice that is practical, responsive and aligned with a client’s broader business objectives.

Clients appreciate Chris’ pragmatic approach, straightforward recommendations and ability to stay calm and focused on the end goal – even during the unexpected.

Particular areas of expertise include:

• Business sales and acquisitions – advising on transactions ranging from private business transfers to large, multi-entity acquisitions and divestments.
• Business and corporate structuring – including shareholder arrangements, group reorganisations, buy-backs and asset protection.
• Commercial contracts – drafting and negotiating supply agreements, services contracts and other long-term commercial arrangements.
• Commercial and retail leasing – acting for landlords and tenants across industrial, retail and office premises.
• Finance and securities – including private lending, loan documentation and security arrangements.