Global law firm Ashurst has hired a transactions lawyer who specialises in private equity transactions, to join its Melbourne office.

Ben Landau joins Ashurst's corporate team as a partner from Herbert Smith Freehills.

His expertise spans all aspects of private equity, including private and public mergers and acquisitions, shareholder arrangements, management incentive plans and warranty and indemnity insurance in both Australia and Asia, Ashurst said in a statement. He also specialises in private investments and capital raisings.

"We are delighted to be welcoming Ben to Ashurst. He is an exceptional practitioner, with recognised expertise in the PE market," said Australia corporate transactions head Elspeth Arnold. "Ben will further strengthen our global breadth in this area, as well as bringing energetic and commercial acumen. While based in our Melbourne office, Ben's practice will further enhance Ashurst's global reputation in private equity."

Landau said Ashurst is "in an exciting time of growth, with an excellent global private equity brand and with a particular focus on building the practice in Australia".

His appointment follows the recent hires of Greg Golding and Rob Hanley, former King & Wood Mallesons corporate partners who joined the Sydney office in January.