Norton Rose Fulbright advises the Halliwell group’s growth in Australia with dual specialist acquisitions

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised the Halliwell group, a leading forensic, engineering, and technical consultancy serving insurance and related markets, on its continued expansion in the Asia Pacific region through two strategic acquisitions:

1. the asset acquisition of du Chateau Chun, a specialist firm recognised as a leading authority on building law, regulations, codes, standards, and compliance within Australia’s built environment; and

2. the share acquisition of IMPARTA Engineers, a well-established consultancy known for its expertise in technical engineering, structural diagnostics, and the building-related aspects of insurance claims.

The Halliwell group combines leading forensic and technical experts who have decades of combined experience spanning multiple industry segments, including forensic and engineering science, building consulting, and CAT (catastrophic event) response. They work with insurers, legal practitioners, government bodies and private corporations to provide advice, expert guidance and consultancy services to help clients protect their investments and navigate complex issues related to building, fire safety and insurance. 

These acquisitions significantly enhance the Halliwell group’s specialist capabilities in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in insurance consulting, by adding depth in engineering and compliance expertise.

Halliwell APAC managing director Colin Taylor commented:

“We have a clear strategy for building a multidisciplinary offering in Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region. Both firms share our commitment to delivering specialist, technical consulting services to the insurance and related markets. These exciting developments will unlock new growth opportunities, deliver added value to our clients, and further strengthen our competitive position in the region.”

Norton Rose Fulbright partner Ben Smits, who led the transactions, commented:

“It was a pleasure to assist our long-standing client, the Halliwell group, in executing its strategic expansion through the acquisitions of du Chateau Chun and IMPARTA Engineers on a condensed timeline. Our team is proud to have supported the Halliwell group in navigating the complexities of both asset and share acquisitions, ensuring a smooth integration of two highly respected specialist firms into its global operations. We look forward to the Halliwell group’s continued growth and success in the region.”

Ben was supported by a multidisciplinary team across corporate (Lik Yu (senior associate), Christian Tesoriero (associate) and Victoria Thomson (lawyer)); employment and labour (Alexandra Shields (partner), Jenny Smith (special counsel), Lachlan Crosbie (senior associate) and Ying Yi Lim (associate)); intellectual property (Georgina Hey (partner), Darragh Larkin (associate) and Shayna Correa (lawyer)); real estate (Michael McKee (partner), Karyn Thomson (special counsel), Charles Smith (associate) and Anna Gunzburg (graduate)) and tax (Greg Reinhardt (partner), Seema Mishra (special counsel), Stephanie Barnes (special counsel), Carty Chan (associate) and Vivian Truong (lawyer)).