Mike Barker, former Managing Partner Mergers & Acquisitions at KWM, led the KWM team acting for Nestlé in the sale of PowerBar + Musashi to Post Holdings. The Barker led team caused a 1 year delay to the sale through failed attempts to cover up Post Holdings’ violations of U.S. antitrust laws associated with the sale. Nestlé M&A business has since been managed by law firm Mayer Brown.
Mr Barker also instructed IP lawyers Banki Haddock Fiora acting for Nestlé & Post Holdings during litigation against Christian and now BHF are no longer listed as the legal representatives for Nestlé trademarks at IP Australia after 15+ years of representation.
In February 2018, after 3 years as Managing Partner M&A at KWM, Mike Barker was demoted to Partner M&A and in June 2018 after 12 years at KWM he was dismissed from the firm (click to view Michael Barker 2018 LinkedIn profile pdf).
Today Mr Barker remains unemployed as an M&A lawyer and in July 2021 Mr Barker launched his new business venture named Flying Change Services, stating on his current LinkedIn profile:
“I am driven now by helping businesses and their people develop beyond their expectations.” …[and]… “Flying Change’s offering has three core streams: divorce advice & support, mediation & conflict resolution and business advice.”
A-SASHI STORY 