Clifford Chance (CC) has added two private equity partners to its Sydney office with hires from Hogan Lovells and Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF).

Hogan Lovells partner Andrew Crook and HSF Mark Currell will join the magic circle firm in the new year, although their specific joining dates have not yet been finalised.

Crook, whose practice focuses on M&A and corporate finance transactions, has been a Hogan Lovells partner in Sydney for less than two years after joining its then newly launched Australian offices in mid-2016, from domestic firm Gilbert + Tobin.

He represents private equity firms on investments in the mining and natural resources sectors in Australia, and earlier in his career also worked at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

Currell, who made partner at HSF in 2013 after starting his career at Allen & Overy, advises private equity and corporate investors on acquisitions and disposals. In 2016, he acted for Sydney-based fund manager Allegro Funds on acquiring the Australian franchisee licence for Pizza Hut from Yum! Brands.

CC has about 70 lawyers in Australia across its offices in Perth and Sydney offices, both of which opened in 2011. According to the firm's website, it has eight partners in Sydney, including three who focus on M&A and corporate work.

Earlier this year, the firm made changes to several management roles in Australia. Banking partner Richard Gordon was named country managing partner as well as office managing partner in Sydney, while energy partner Paul Lingard was appointed office head in Perth.