Media release - RSM adds Melbourne based firm to grow insolvency practice

RSM Australia has strengthened its ability to meet the growing demand for restructuring and insolvency experts, with highly regarded Melbourne-based insolvency practice, Brooke Bird, to join RSM.

The merger, which takes effect on Monday 2 June 2025, includes the transfer of approximately 70 ongoing engagements, including corporate and personal insolvency cases, and the appointment of Adrian Hunter as Partner and Robyn Erskine AM as a consultant.

RSM Australia Chief Executive Partner Jamie O’Rourke said Brooke Bird has supported businesses in financial distress for more than 50 years, and their strong reputation and local market presence make them an ideal strategic and cultural fit for RSM.

The move comes as recently released ASIC data  reveals a rise in restructuring appointments, more than doubling in the financial year to May 4.

Administration appointments have also significantly increased with 12,000 companies entering administration so far this financial year, up 22.9% from the previous year.

“In the face of challenging business conditions and rising insolvencies among businesses of all sizes, the integration of Brooke Bird into RSM helps us meet the growing demand for restructuring and insolvency services among our clients and the mid-market sector,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“Over the past four years, our Melbourne Restructuring & Recovery practice has established a position as a full-service practice, catering to both personal and corporate insolvency under the leadership of experienced practitioner Jonathon Colbran.

“As trusted advisors within the industry, Adrian, Robyn and the Brooke Bird organisation bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our restructuring and recovery practice that will no doubt build on this position.

“The addition of Brooke Bird will see our practice size double in Melbourne to more than 200 active assignments, 16 team members and $5 million in fees.

“Our clients and referrers will now benefit in Melbourne from working with four Registered Liquidators and three Registered Trustees as Robyn and Adrian will work alongside Jonathon Colbran and Tristana Steedman to meet the needs of our Melbourne clients.”

Adrian Hunter will join the team as a Restructuring and Recovery Partner, together with Robyn Erskine AM. A highly experienced practitioner with over 30 years in corporate and personal insolvency, Robyn’s deep expertise and trusted counsel will be an invaluable asset to the team as she transitions into this next phase of her professional journey.

“This merger represents a tremendous opportunity to leverage the scale and resources of RSM while continuing to provide the high-quality insolvency solutions our clients have come to expect,” said Adrian Hunter.

“Throughout my career, I’ve seen how vital it is for individuals and businesses to seek the right advice as early as possible. When facing financial difficulty, timely and informed guidance can make all the difference in achieving a successful outcome. We’ve been at the frontline of financial distress for decades, and this unique position gives us a window into the business community that few others have—insight we’re proud to bring to this new chapter,” said Robyn Erskine.

Recent administrations lead by RSM Australia’s Melbourne practice include the administration of gourmet food-delivery service Providoor and the wind ups of building firm Langford Jones, equipment hire operator Better Rentals, recycling operation Advanced Circular Polymers and the restructure of the Balthezar Whiskey Distillery.

The Melbourne practice has supported the firm on a national level on a number of complex assignments including the administration of PBS Group, which was one of the largest construction Voluntary Administration appointments in recent times.

The merger follows the recent establishment of a dedicated restructuring and recovery practice at RSM’s Adelaide office. RSM’s national Restructuring & Recovery team now have close to 100 team members spread across the firm’s Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Wagga Wagga, Canberra, Port Macquarie and Adelaide offices.

Brooke Bird Biographies

Adrian Hunter joined Brooke Bird in 2016 after a 20-year career with Deloitte, PPB Advisory and Ferrier Hodgson. A member of both CAANZ and CPA Australia, Adrian is also a Registered Liquidator and a Fellow of the Australian Restructuring Insolvency and Turnaround Association (ARITA). His credentials and decades of experience make Adrian a trusted advisor to those in financial distress with specialised expertise in corporate reorganisation and insolvency advice.

Robyn Erskine AM is highly regarded in the accounting profession.  As the first woman to become President of the IPAA now known as ARITA, she has led the way for women in what is traditionally a male-dominated sector. In addition to Robyn’s formal recognition as a Member of the Order for Australia – for her contributions to the wider accounting profession - she is also a Fellow of both CAANZ and CPA Australia, a Registered Liquidator, a Registered Trustee and a Life Member of ARITA. Robyn’s Life Membership was awarded for her distinguished service as a past President and Director of ARITA. 

--ENDS--

Kathryn Britt                            
Group Client Manager                        
BBS Communications Group                    
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Jessica Whitby
Account Leader        
BBS Communications Group
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