Doug Thompson

Clayton Utz
Special Counsel Sydney
Overview

Doug specialises in competition and consumer law, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, restrictive trade practices (including cartel conduct), and consumer protection. He is known for his collaborative approach, ability to distil complex information, and dedication to achieving practical outcomes for his clients.

Doug also provides strategic commercial advice on business relationships, procurement, and transactions. His expertise spans the wagering, communications, and technology sectors, where he has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities these industries face.

Notable Work

Doug has played a key role in delivering successful outcomes for clients across a range of high-profile matters, including:

  • Saputo: Secured ACCC merger clearance for Saputo's $1.3 billion acquisition of Murray Goulburn and advised on the ACCC's dairy inquiry.

  • Tatts Group Limited: Played a key role in securing merger authorisation from the Australian Competition Tribunal for Tabcorp Limited’s $11 billion acquisition of Tatts Group Limited.

  • Newcastle Permanent Building Society: Advised on competition aspects of its merger with Greater Bank Limited, which created the new merged entity Newcastle Greater Mutual Group Ltd with $20 billion in assets.

  • Brickworks Limited: Represented Brickworks Limited in private antitrust litigation against BGC Australia in a case regarding allegations of unlawful acquisition and predatory pricing practices.

  • Flutter Entertainment: Successfully obtained ACCC informal merger clearance for Flutter Entertainment (Sportsbet) in relation to its acquisition of BetEasy in Australia.

  • Woolworths Limited: Assisted Woolworths in obtaining ACCC informal merger clearance for two significant transactions: the $1.7 billion sale of its petrol business to EG Group and its strategic acquisition of a 65% interest in PFD Food Services Pty Limited.

  • Optus: Advised on multiple regulatory investigations into misleading and deceptive conduct, and provided guidance on advertising and website content to mitigate Australian Consumer Law (ACL) risks.

  • AMD ZT Systems: Acted as local competition counsel for AMD's acquisition of ZT Systems, which enhanced AMD's AI and compute infrastructure capabilities.

  • Slack Technologies: Acted as local competition counsel for Slack's US$27.9 billion merger with Salesforce.

Insights
The ACCC's new merger regime is live! Here's what you need to know
3 Jul 2025 | Article
Read Insights
Merger clearance: exposure draft of thresholds and regulations, plus ACCC guidance on notification forms
8 Apr 2025 | Article
Read Insights
ACCC releases merger process guidance for new system
28 Mar 2025 | Article
Read Insights
ACCC releases eagerly anticipated merger guidelines for new merger regime
21 Mar 2025 | Article
Read Insights
Merger reform broadens the risk of gun jumping
19 Mar 2025 | Article
Read Insights
ACCC merger clearance reforms: How does the transition period affect your deal?
11 Mar 2025 | Article
Read Insights
Additional scrutiny of restraints in sale agreements under the new mandatory merger regime
11 Mar 2025 | Article
Read Insights
Don't risk re-notification: ACCC encourages merger parties to notify under new mandatory merger regime from 1 July 2025
4 Mar 2025 | Article
Read Insights
Media Release: Clayton Utz congratulates Newcastle Permanent on green light for $19.5 billion Greater Bank merger
7 Nov 2022 | Media Release
Read Insights
Media Release: Clayton Utz advises Woolworths on acquisition of Shopper Media Group
19 Jul 2022 | Media Release
Read Insights
Consumer vulnerability: ACMA sets its expectations for telcos
9 Jun 2022 | Article
Read Insights
The Competition and Consumer Act and restraints of trade for workers: what do I need to know?
22 Aug 2019 | Article
Read Insights
New unfair terms laws biting farmgate supply arrangements
1 Sep 2018 | Article
Read Insights
Taking out the trash: ACCC brings first unfair contract terms case
14 Sep 2017 | Article
Read Insights
Find other people to support you
Find People