Allen & Overy (A&O) has appointed Peter McDonald from Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) as its new head of antitrust and competition in Australia.

McDonald, who will be based in Sydney, joined legacy Freehills' Melbourne-based competition group in 2003 from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, where he worked as a senior officer. He was made up as partner at HSF in 2009.

McDonald has advised mining company BHP Billiton, manufacturer DuluxGroup, petroleum brand Caltex, healthcare group BUPA, TRUenergy, now known as EnergyAustralia, National Australia Bank, energy company Chevron, chemicals supplier Orica and oil and gas producer Woodside.

Global antitrust practice co-head Elaine Johnston said: "Peter's appointment furthers our strategy to put in place a top-quality team of antitrust lawyers in the three key global regions: Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States. This ensures that we can offer our clients the critical advice they need on global antitrust, regulatory and litigation issues."

McDonald is A&O's only competition partner in Australia. His appointment comes after former A&O competition partner Dave Poddar left the magic circle firm alongside his wife, banking partner Angela Flannery, last October. Poddar joined rival Clifford Chance in January.

Earlier this year A&O boosted its litigation ranks in Australia with the hire of Corrs Chambers Westgarth (CCW) partner Mark van Brakel.

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