Highly-respected corporate lawyer, Arthur Apos, will be joining global law firm Baker & McKenzie as a partner in its Melbourne office on 2 February.

Arthur specializes in mergers and acquisitions, company law and governance, joint ventures, franchising and distressed investing. He acts for many large Australian and global businesses and has particular experience in the industrial, manufacturing and automotive sectors. Arthur joins Baker & McKenzie from Ashurst where he was the head of the corporate practice in Melbourne and Perth.

Arthur has extensive experience in advising on the acquisition and divestment of Australian companies and businesses including due diligence, Australia's foreign investment law and stamp duty, the corporate and commercial aspects of major listed and unlisted insolvencies and the implementation and operation of major franchise networks.

Arthur has acted on numerous transactions including the Korda Mentha sale of the Gunns timber saw milling and distribution operations, Citywide's acquisition of the Technigro and Sterling businesses, SPX's divestment of its service solutions business, PWC's sale of a major stake in Oaks Hotels and Resorts, and PPB's sale of the Tyrecorp business.

"Arthur joining the Firm is another significant milestone as we continue to grow our corporate practice, specifically in Melbourne" said Chris Freeland, Baker & McKenzie's Australian national managing partner.

Arthur Apos joins Baker & McKenzie soon after prominent corporate lawyer Peter Ickeringill joined the Firm in October 2014.

"With Peter and Arthur joining the practice, we have bolstered our credentials in the Melbourne market and the depth and breadth of our expertise for our domestic and international clients" said David Holland, Baker & McKenzie's Corporate Group Lead Partner in Australia.

On his appointment, Arthur said: "I'm pleased to be joining Baker & McKenzie - the Firm offers a  recognized brand, a significant Australian practice, an unparalleled global reach, and most importantly, it's an optimal strategic and cultural fit for me and my career."