Luminis Partners Company Profile

Background

Luminis Partners, established in 2015, is an independent corporate advisory firm based in Sydney, Australia. The firm is dedicated to delivering high-quality, conflict-free advice to major corporations, private equity firms, institutions, and government bodies. With a collective experience exceeding 160 years among its partners, Luminis Partners has become a significant player in the Australasian financial advisory landscape. The firm's mission emphasizes independence, objectivity, and a strong commitment to client confidentiality, ensuring that client interests are always prioritized.

Key Strategic Focus

Luminis Partners specializes in providing bespoke advisory services in the following areas:

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Assisting clients with strategic mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and takeover defenses.

Capital Markets: Advising on capital raising strategies, including initial public offerings (IPOs) and other equity-related transactions.

Restructuring: Offering guidance on corporate restructurings to optimize financial and operational performance.

The firm leverages its deep industry expertise and extensive network to serve a diverse clientele across various sectors, including energy, finance, healthcare, and consumer goods.

Financials and Funding

While specific financial details are not publicly disclosed, Luminis Partners has demonstrated robust growth since its inception. In 2017, Evercore, a leading global independent investment banking advisory firm, acquired a 19% interest in Luminis Partners, strengthening their strategic alliance for cross-border M&A advisory services. This partnership has enhanced Luminis Partners' global reach and service offerings.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Luminis Partners distinguishes itself through its commitment to delivering independent, conflict-free advice. The firm's approach is characterized by:

Proprietary Methodologies: Utilizing bespoke analytical frameworks tailored to each client's unique needs.

Experienced Advisory Team: Employing seasoned professionals with extensive industry knowledge to provide insightful and strategic guidance.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at Luminis Partners comprises highly experienced professionals:

Professor Cav. Simon Mordant AO, Executive Co-Chairman: With over 35 years of advisory experience, Simon has led numerous high-profile transactions, including advising Oil Search on an unsolicited $11.2 billion proposal from Woodside Petroleum and Lynas on a $1.6 billion unsolicited proposal from Wesfarmers. He has held significant roles such as Chairman of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and Deputy President of the Australian Takeovers Panel.

Ron Malek, Executive Co-Chairman: Bringing over 30 years of corporate and financial advisory experience, Ron has advised on major deals like Bank of Queensland's $1.3 billion acquisition of ME Bank and Westpac's $18 billion merger with St George Bank. He serves as Deputy President of the Australian Takeovers Panel and is a Director of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

Jamie Garis, Managing Director: With over 25 years in corporate finance, Jamie has advised on transactions including Suncorp's $700 million divestment of its Life Insurance business and Oil Search's response to a $12 billion unsolicited approach from Woodside. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a lecturer for the Mergers & Acquisitions graduate diploma course at FINSIA.

Richard Marques, Managing Director: Nearly 23 years of experience advising on M&A and capital markets strategies, Richard has worked on deals such as Asaleo Care's response to Essity's $0.8 billion control proposal and Metcash's acquisitions of Total Tools and Home Timber & Hardware. He is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Simon McConnell, Managing Director: With over 25 years in corporate finance, Simon has advised on transactions like IDP Education's $2.6 billion restructure of Education Australia's 40% ownership stake and Cleanaway Waste Management's $501 million acquisition of assets from Suez SA.

Marc Rubinstein, Managing Director: Over 18 years of experience in corporate finance, Marc has advised on deals including ICG's acquisition of Cura Day Hospitals and Crescent Capital Partners' sale of 24-7 Healthcare. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Bachelor of Applied Finance from Macquarie University.

Leadership Changes

In 2024, Marc Rubinstein joined Luminis Partners as a Managing Director, bringing extensive experience from his previous role as a Managing Director at Rothschild & Co in Australia.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The corporate advisory market in Australasia is competitive, with firms vying to provide strategic advice on M&A, capital markets, and restructuring. The demand for independent, conflict-free advisory services has been growing, positioning firms like Luminis Partners favorably.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

EAC Partners: A boutique advisory firm offering services in M&A and capital raising, with a focus on mid-market transactions.

Allunga Advisory: Specializes in providing strategic advice to private and public companies, emphasizing personalized service.

Kidder Williams: Focuses on agribusiness and food sectors, offering M&A and strategic advisory services.

VCA Partners: Provides corporate advisory services with an emphasis on healthcare and technology sectors.

Rundle Capital Partners: Offers advisory services in M&A and capital markets, targeting mid-sized enterprises.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Luminis Partners has established significant alliances to enhance its service offerings:

Evercore Alliance: In 2015, Luminis Partners entered into a strategic alliance with Evercore, which included Evercore acquiring a 19% stake in Luminis Partners in 2017. This partnership has bolstered Luminis Partners' global capabilities in cross-border M&A advisory services.

Guggenheim Securities Alliance: In February 2025, Luminis Partners formed a strategic alliance with Guggenheim Securities to expand cross-border M&A capabilities, leveraging both firms' extensive networks and expertise.

Operational Insights

Luminis Partners differentiates itself through:

Independence: Providing conflict-free advice without the influence of proprietary trading or lending activities.

Experience: A leadership team with over 160 years of collective experience in corporate advisory.

Client Confidentiality: A strong commitment to maintaining client privacy and trust.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Luminis Partners aims to:

Expand Global Reach: Leverage strategic alliances to offer clients enhanced cross-border advisory services.

Diversify Service Offerings: Explore new advisory services to meet evolving client needs.

Strengthen Community Engagement: Continue supporting initiatives through the Luminis Foundation, focusing on arts, education, health, and welfare.