Current practice
Kon is a partner in the Private Equity group of Freehills, which is rated by recent international surveys by Global Counsel 3000 as the leading private equity law firm in Australia. He has specialised in private equity for 17 years, including six years in London for a global private equity institution.
Kon is rated as a leading private equity lawyer in Australia in recent international surveys by Global Counsel and in the guide to world leading private equity lawyers by IFLR.
Experience
Private equity investments
Kon has advised on over 90 private equity investment transactions totalling more than $12 billion in value, including:
- the public to private buy-out of Tempo Services
- the buy-outs of Australian Pacific Paper Products, Australian Vinyls Corporation, Brown & Dureau, Envotec, Forgecast, Frigrite Kingfisher, InvoCare, Olex Cables and Video Ezy
- over 30 United Kingdom buy-outs totalling more than $8 billion in value, and
- over 50 other venture capital and expansion capital investments.
Private equity funds
Kon has advised on the establishment and investment in over 50 private equity funds totalling more than $8 billion. He is also a leading expert in structuring carried interest for private equity firms and their executives.
He also prepared the industry standard venture capital limited partnership documents and the associated legislative reforms for the Australian Venture Capital Association.
Private equity exits
Kon has advised on over 30 private equity investment exits totalling more than $8 billion in value, including initial public offerings, trade sales and secondary buy-outs.
Professional background
Kon graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1985 with Bachelor of Laws and Commerce degrees. He is admitted to practice in Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and England and Wales.
Kon is an adviser to the Australian Venture Capital Association and prepared its publication on why and how to invest in private equity. He is also the author of numerous international publications on private equity and a regular presenter of private equity seminars and lectures.
