Meet Alex Rasmussen, a lawyer in our Sydney office. In 2020, Alex relocated from New Zealand to join Arnold Bloch Leibler’s market-leading tax team. We sat down with Alex to discuss his diverse tax expertise.
Can you describe the different areas of tax you advise on and the types of clients you work with?
I advise across multiple areas of tax including corporate tax, mergers and acquisitions, real property and finance transactions, private equity and funds, private client matters including trust taxation, international tax, and tax disputes. The broad scope of my work has given me the opportunity to work with the other ABL teams, and to advise a wide range of clients – from ASX-listed companies and international firms to entrepreneurial families and businesspeople.
My New Zealand background and experience with international clients has given me the opportunity to work on cross-border transactions and tax issues, often involving untangling complicated legal problems in the context of the world’s most complex tax regimes.
Can you share a few examples of the different types of matters you’ve advised on?
I recently worked with ASX-listed Probiotec (a manufacturer, packer and distributor of prescription and over the counter pharmaceuticals) on its acquisition by Indonesian-listed company PT Pyridam Farma by way of scheme of arrangement. I was involved in advising the client on the income tax considerations relevant to the scheme, including working with our commercial department to draft the relevant documents, such as the Scheme Booklet and Scheme implementation Deed.
Another standout experience was advising an Australian e-commerce retailer on their structure and expansion into the US and UK markets. This has been a multi-year matter and has involved navigating the complex international tax rules between the US and Australia, focusing on unique cross-jurisdictional issues.
Additionally, I've been involved in advising high-net-worth clients on disputes and reviews with the Australian Taxation Office, and assisting with voluntary disclosures of offshore assets.
What motivated you to join Arnold Bloch Leibler, and what sets it apart from other firms in your experience?
My decision to join Arnold Bloch Leibler was driven by its strong reputation for client service and the unique opportunities it offers lawyers to be at the coal face of matters. ABL’s lean structure allows lawyers to manage, lead and actively contribute to the deliverables while also being responsible for client engagement and management. Because of this, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients early in my career on a personal basis and to build connections that I believe are unparalleled compared to the opportunities available at other firms.
The partners at ABL are exceptional both in terms of technical competency and the interest they take in developing the lawyers and senior associates around them.
