Pioneering merger of drugs research companies succeeds with Thomson Geer’s advice

The firm developed two schemes of arrangement to wed the two companies that demerged in 2015

Pioneering merger of drugs research companies succeeds with Thomson Geer’s advice
Thomson Geer has helped two previously demerged drug research companies merge in a pioneering deal.

The firm advised on the $130m merger of the QBiotics Group, the first instance in Australia that two schemes were simultaneously proposed to merge two companies to a company group. The Federal Court’s approved the schemes at the end of July.

The deal involved the union of QBiotics Limited and EcoBiotics Limited with a new holding company called QBiotics Group Limited. EcoBiotics, which was founded in 2000 to research new drugs from the rainforests of north Queensland, established QBiotics in 2004 to focus on the development and commercialisation of a drug named EBC-46.

EBC-46 is being researched as a potential new treatment for certain cancers. It is derived from the seeds of the rainforest blushwood tree, which is endemic to north Queensland.

Thomson Geer said that lawyers from its Brisbane and Sydney offices were involved in the merger.

The firm’s Brisbane team was led by partners Roberta Bozzoli and Philip Byrnes. The team, which included partner Sylvia Fernandez, senior associate Nick Riordan, and lawyers Tom Honeywill and Danielle Stone, advised QBiotics Group Limited and QBiotics Limited on the implementation of the QBiotics Limited scheme.

The Sydney team, which included partners Dan Kramer and Ebru Davidson and special Counsel Sanushka Seomangal, advised EcoBiotics Limited on the EcoBiotics Limited scheme.


Related stories:
Partner returns after 17 years
Aussie team advises on major anti-cancer drug royalty deal

Recent articles & video

US law firms Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord confirm potential merger

ABA survey reveals weakening US democracy, cites misinformation as a key factor

Bar Council report highlights early gender earnings gap among barristers in the UK

NSW Health agrees to $230m settlement in junior doctor underpayment class action

Over a dozen ascend to partner at Ashurst Australia

Piper Alderman pitches in on investment scheme merger

Most Read Articles

McCullough Robertson nets former HSF Queensland environmental practice head

K&L Gates assists with launch of $190 million venture capital fund

Tamboran Resources taps SPB for advice on first long-term gas sales agreement

Baker McKenzie boosts Los Angeles team with transactional lawyers from Munger, Tolles & Olson