U.K.-based Ashurst has hired partner Costa Koutsis, an indirect tax specialist, from PwC to join its Sydney practice.

Koutsis is highly experienced in advising on the stamp duty, Goods and Services Tax (GST) and land tax implications of complex transactions as well as in engaging with revenue authorities, Ashurst said.

His experience includes domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, capital raisings, privatizations, restructuring and property investment transactions.

At PwC, Koutsis was a partner for more than 10 years and the head of its national stamp duty practice. Prior to joining PwC, he was a partner at Baker McKenzie.

"Costa is a terrific addition to our market-leading tax practice. His strong reputation reinforces our tax team's standing and will continue to accelerate the growth strategy of the practice," Vivian Chang, head of tax, APAC, said in a statement.

Koutsis joins the firm's indirect tax team led by Barbara Phair, Geoff Mann and Bill Cannon.

PwC declined to comment on the hire.