HWL Ebsworth has advised McWilliam’s Wines Group on its recapitalisation transaction with Margaret River Wine Production (MRWP) and agricultural fund manager, Laguna Bay.

The recapitalisation transaction involved debt and equity investments by Laguna Bay into MRWP and the issue by McWilliams of convertible notes to MRWP. The funds will be used by McWilliams primarily for working capital and to develop its strategic plan to grow its business.

The deal team was led by Partners James Lonie, Grant Hummel and Special Counsel Naomi Philp with assistance from Solicitors Adam Christie and David Ellis.

Marcus Derwin, MD of RCubed Group and Corporate Advisor to McWilliams on the transaction, said of HWL Ebsworth:

“It was a pleasure to work alongside the HWLE corporate team. They played a critical role in the transaction’s success and were responsive to the time pressures throughout the engagement. Above all, they were commercially minded to accommodate complex issues and the parties’ different interests. Naomi Philp was, in particular, outstanding.”

Laguna Bay was advised by Corrs Chambers Westgarth and MRWP was advised by Williams & Hughes.