Sophia Haq
Clayton Utz
Recognised as a leading expert in cross-border merger clearance, Sophia advises on complex global transactions and competition strategy, acting as a trusted Australian counsel on high-profile deals. She is a trusted adviser across all areas of Competition and Australian Consumer Law, with deep expertise in merger control, cartel investigations, misuse of market power, and consumer protection matters.
Sophia has a strong focus on digital platform regulation, regularly advising on the ACCC’s Digital Platform Services Inquiry and government digital reform proposals. She also provides strategic Part IV competition law advice, helping clients navigate issues such as cartel conduct, exclusive dealing, and misuse of market power.
Highly regarded for her ability to navigate intricate regulatory frameworks and deliver practical, strategic solutions, Sophia is a go-to adviser for clients seeking seamless coordination across jurisdictions in complex, high-stakes matters.
Sophia was recognised as a "Rising Star " in Competition Law by Doyle’s Guide.
Wiz Inc: acted on the ACCC Phase I review of the sale its cloud and cybersecurity business to Google LLC for US$32 billion.
Dye & Durham: secured ACCC merger clearance with remedies following a Phase 2 review of this Canadian software and technology company's proposed $2.9 billion takeover of ASX listed Link Administration Holdings Limited.
Michelin: local competition counsel for Michelin in relation to Australian merger control aspects of its acquisition of Flexitallic, a leader in global industrial sealing.
Permira: local competition counsel for private equity firm Permira in relation to Australian merger control aspects of its acquisition of joint control of software-as-a-service company Clearwater Analytics.
Omnicom: local competition counsel for Omnicom in securing ACCC clearance for its USD $13.25 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group (IPG).
Infosys: local counsel advising on multinational IT company Infosys (NSE: INFY) on its acquisition of The Missing Link, a cybersecurity, cloud and IT company.
Figma: acted as Local Competition Counsel for Figma, in relation to Adobe's proposed US $20 billion acquisition of Figma.
Ellucian: local competition counsel for Elluican's takeover of Tribal, unconditionally cleared by the ACCC with no public review. Ellucian is owned by funds managed by Blackstone and Vista Equity Partners.
Nuance: local competition counsel, secured ACCC merger clearance of this transcription software company's US$19.7 billion sale to Microsoft following a public review.
Miele Beteiligungs-GmbH & Metall Zug: acting as local competition counsel for Miele Beteiligungs-GmbH in its joint venture with Metall Zug, involving the combination of Belimed AG, Belimed Life Science AG, and the Steelco Group. The transaction spans multiple jurisdictions and is subject to regulatory approval, supporting innovation and growth in the global healthcare and life sciences market.
Brickworks: represented Brickworks and subsidiary Austral Bricks (WA) Pty Ltd in major competition law litigation against BGC (Australia) Pty Ltd, involving allegations of unlawful acquisition and misuse of market power under the Competition and Consumer Act, in the Federal Court of Australia.
Thyssenkrupp: acted as local competition counsel for Thyssenkrupp on its sale of its Mining Technologies business unit to Danish mining and cement technology company FLSmidth, unconditionally cleared by the ACCC with no public review.
Pacific Equity Partners: regularly advises on the competition aspects of a range of portfolio acquisitions. Advised in relation to smart metering provider Intellihub's metering services agreement with energy retailer Origin Energy, and its acquisition of embedded network meter assets from Origin and WINconnect.