Brian Thomas

Brian Thomas, serving as a Director, brings over 40 years of extensive experience as a corporate and commercial lawyer. His early career involved working with several small firms, where he gained valuable experience in commercial litigation, laying the foundation for his expertise in corporate and commercial advisory services. In 1987, Brian joined Abbott Tout, where he honed his focus on corporate and commercial matters, advising numerous companies on mergers and acquisitions, corporations law, listing rules, and other corporate law issues. His clientele spanned various industries, including mining, agriculture, and manufacturing, leading to his proficiency in stamp duty matters. His commitment to the field was further exemplified by his decade-long membership in the Chartered Secretaries Australia - Office of State Revenue Liaison Committee. Brian's academic achievements include a Masters degree with a specialisation in competition and consumer protection law, enabling him to provide insightful advice on compliance and marketing concerns. In the early 1990s, he collaborated with Peter MacKenzie to deliver comprehensive corporate and commercial expertise to the financial services sector. This collaboration enriched Brian's understanding of the industry, allowing him to offer nuanced advice on mergers, acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and competition law tailored to financial services. In 2002, Brian and Peter transitioned to Ebsworth & Ebsworth, where Brian continued his dedicated focus on the financial services industry, maintaining a strong client following across various sectors. His particular interest lies in advising financial planning groups, life insurers, general insurers, superannuation trustees, and wealth management groups. His role involves guiding company boards and management through various business phases, including establishment, restructuring, capital raisings, and licensing of entities. Brian remains at the forefront of addressing the challenges faced by these market participants, providing strategic advice on products, schemes, and commercial arrangements.