James specialises in both buy-side and sell-side transactions, covering mergers and acquisitions, financial due diligence, and Investigating Accountants Reports for IPOs. He is commercial and methodical, with a talent for explaining complex issues clearly to clients. Given that most business owners will sell a business just once in their lifetime, his relatable and relaxed approach immediately sets them at ease. James treats every engagement as his last, striving to better his previous outcome in order to get the best for his clients.
James has achieved a number of career highlights. On the M&A side this includes the sales of: Sukin Organics to BWX Limited (Retail/beauty); RACV Salary Solutions to Smart Group Limited (Financial Services); Wilson & Bradley to Julius Blum GmbH (Building Products); OC Energy to Origin Energy (Energy) and Gunnersen Companies to Global Wood (Building Products). In the arena of due diligence he has advised on the acquisitions of: Bengerang Limited and Tandou Limited by Webster Limited (F&A); Opposite Lock Holdings by Burson Group (Retail); Gourmet Garden by Advent Private Equity (FMCG) and Oncology Compounding business of Fresenius Kabi by Slade Pharmacy Services (Manufacturing / Health).
James thrives on the collaborative atmosphere of the corporate finance team and the broader firm and invests time in developing the skills of junior staff. He is generous with his time and expertise more broadly, and established the Pitcher Partners Melbourne Dealmakers Cocktail Night. The event is an opportunity for rival advisors, accountants and lawyers to join together for a discussion around the state of the M&A landscape, for the benefit of the industry as a whole.
James joined Pitcher Partners in 2013 as a Senior Manager, after working at another mid-tier professional services firm. Working closely with Partner Michael Sonego, the M&A team grew, and James was appointed Partner in 2017. He is now one of two executive directors of what has become the leading M&A team in Australia. He secured the top spot among 200 mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisors for highest volume of deals completed in Australasia throughout 2019.
Memberships and qualifications
- Bachelor of Commerce Honours, Finance (University of Melbourne)
- Member, Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
